If you've found yourself attracted to the idea of having your own soap Web site, you're not alone. There are an enormous number of Web sites dedicated to microbusiness handmade soap storefronts. However, very few of these online stores make any money for their owners.

If you go into selling soap online expecting to make a lot of money, you'll be disappointed. There are very few people who actually make money through the Internet. If, however, you want a place to showcase your products and to give your existing customers access to a catalog, you've got the right idea. If you decide the Web is the place for you, the next decision is if you want to create the site yourself or hire a pro.

Do It Yourself

You can have a Web site without having your own “dot com.” Most Internet providers, such as America Online, MSN, and Earthlink, include some Web space with your monthly service fee. This means you can create a Web page and send it to the part of your ISP's server that is reserved for you. This way others can see it on the Internet.

To make a Web page, you can learn the programming language HTML — hypertext markup language. Although there are simple rules, writing HTML is a highly specialized skill and becoming proficient in it takes a long time. A simpler way to make Web pages is using a WYSIWYG, or “what you see is what you get,” Web page creation program. Although some people scoff at using such programs, for most people, it is the most accessible way to create attractive and usable Web pages. Some computers come with Web page creation software, such as Dreamweaver. You can purchase low-end Web page software for about $100 or less.

When designing your own Web site, remember: Less is more. Forget dancing bunnies and fluttering fairies; you want it to look professional. Keep your site clean and straightforward and let your products take center stage. For this, you must have good quality product photos. Consider hiring a professional photographer.

If you plan to create your own site, be sure to watch out for these common mistakes:

• Poor quality photos

• Distracting backgrounds, graphics, images, and overall design

• Grammatical errors

Don't forget to proofread all the text you include on your Web site, and have a friend or family member look it over as well. Nothing will make your business look more unprofessional than describing your “sopamaking” techniques!

One of the best ways to educate yourself is to surf the Internet for Web pages of other soapmakers. This way you can find out what you like, what you don't like, and what you'd like to try. Although you can get ideas from other people about how to put together a soap Web page, it is illegal to copy someone else's work. It is also unnecessary. Get inspiration for your site by looking around, but your own original work is far more interesting than something you may be tempted to steal from someone else.

Hire a Pro

Perhaps instead of creating your own Web site, you'd like to hire an expert. Consider choosing a Web designer who specializes in soapmaking sites. For example, Cherie Funderburg of Red Lime Web Development specializes in Web site design for soapmakers. The sites she's designed are varied, and they retain the spirit of the company she's designing for. Soapmaker after soapmaker has sung her praises; she is truly an asset to the online soap community.

Having an effective Web site should pay off in sales; many potential customers will be nervous about handing over their credit card numbers if your Web site makes it look like you don't know what you're doing. A professional-looking Web site will inspire confidence and result in more sales.