Set up your web space
Once you've purchased your web space you need to access it. Specific instructions will be available through your web host, but the principle is broadly similar: you log on with a username and password and then you administer all aspects of your hosting through your browser.
   When you register a domain name (see the Expert Tip below) you're able to set up multiple email addresses based on that domain, such as This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it We recommend you create different addresses for different parts of your shop, such as one for general enquiries, another for orders and so on.
   Setting up email addresses is easy: in 1&1 for example, click E-mail > Create an E-mail Address. Choose the address you want, such as This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , and then choose what to do with email sent to that address. You can either forward it on to an existing email address or set up a dedicated mailbox. If you choose the latter, consult your web host's documentation for the additional settings you'll need to supply in Outlook or Outlook Express.
   Finally, make a note of what username and password you'll need in order to access your web space through FrontPage (this will probably differ to the log-on details above) - in 1&1 you'll find this in the Domains section. While here, also make sure that the Microsoft FrontPage Extensions have been activated.

Buy your shopfront
Next, visit Ecommerce templates (click here). This is where you'll purchase the template for your shop. There are two types available: Standard templates start from around £31, while Plus templates cost around £66 or more. Only Plus templates are available through this link.
   While the Standard template supports payment through Paypal, it is a heavily cut-down version of the Plus version, which also offers multiple payment options, the ability to view your shop orders online and different postage set-up options. You can always upgrade from a Standard template to its Plus equivalent for £35, but click here for a full comparison of the two first. For the purposes of this series, we'll be using the Plus version.
   When browsing for a template, remember that you're looking for a basic look - it's fully customisable as we'll see in part three of this series. Make your selection, pay for it and then download your template using the link provided.

Let's get started
Install Microsoft FrontPage if necessary, then create a folder inside My Documents\My Web Sites called Shop. Open the zip template file you downloaded and copy the installation file on to your hard drive before double-clicking it.
   When prompted for a location to save the site to, select the Shop folder you've just created and click Start. The files will now be extracted and you're ready to start setting up your web site.
   Open FrontPage and choose File > Open Site. Browse to the My Web Sites folder, select Shop and click Open. Now choose File > Publish Site... Make sure FrontPage or SharePoint Services is selected and type your web address - such as http://www.curly-crafts.co.uk - into the "Remote Web site location" box.
   Click OK and if necessary click Yes to create a Web site at the location specified. Next, supply the username and password you made a note of earlier, tick Remember my password unless you're on a shared computer and click OK.
   Once the site has been created you'll see a two-paned window - the site's files on your hard drive are on the left, the files on the web server are on the right. Before you publish anything to the web, however, you need to set up a database connection. Choose Tools > Site Settings > Database tab. Click Add followed by Browse and open the fpdb folder and choose vsproducts.mdb. Click OK twice, then click Verify to make sure the connection works. Once the tick appears, click OK.
   You're now ready to publish your site. To do so, click the Publish Web Site button and wait.