Are you ready to start selling online but you're not sure where to start? Do you think setting up your own website is expensive and time consuming? Are terms like domain name, hosting and content management system confusing to you?

You're not alone. Many people come to me with questions about how to start a website that they can sell from. So, I've compiled the following list of 5 quick and easy steps to get you up and running quickly with very little money.

1. Purchase a Domain Name
cost: under $15.00 a year

First, you will need a domain name. There are many places online to purchase domain names from. I personally use www.GoDaddy.com

Here are a few simple rules to keep in mind when selecting your domain name:

2. Find somewhere to Host your website
cost: $9.95+ a month

You will need somewhere to host your website. This is where your website (and all it's files) will be located. There are literally hundreds of different hosting companies out there. I highly recommend a hosting company that includes a Content Management Systems (CMS) and Shopping Cart. A CMS manages all of the content on your website. The hosting companies that I work with have a great CMS. You don't need to know any programming or html to update and maintain your website. They also include a ton of features and you can have unlimited pages and categories.

Here is a list of the hosting companies I recommend:

3. Design your Website
cost: Free or you can hire a professional

You can design your own website, purchase a pre-made design or you can hire a professional to design your website for you. Of course, designing the website yourself would be the lowest out of pocket cost. Pre-mades are a great alternative for a tight budget. I personally have pre-made website templates that sell for $75.00. Or, if you'd rather put the task into the hands of a professional you can have a completely custom website designed for you. Different designers offer different packages and options. So, make sure you shop around to find one that will fit your needs.

4. Enter your Content
cost:Free or you can hire a professional

Now is the time to enter all of the content for your website. This includes photos, descriptions, informational text and anything else you think would be of value to your visitors. If you are selling products then make sure you have high quality photos. Remember, your visitors cannot pick up your product to look at it like they can in a store. So, your photos have to do the job of selling. And they won't sell the product unless they are good high quality photos.

Content entry is something that you can outsource if you would rather spend time on other aspects of your business. There are places out there that will do everything from writing text and descriptions for you to setting up all your products.

Here are a few places that I recommend:

Your website is all set up. Now what? How do I get traffic? How do I get sales? The answer is simple.... Advertise. You need to let people know your website is out there. You can pay for advertising on other websites, submit your products for reviews and join advertising co-ops. The one thing that I highly recommend is social networking. Most of the time it's FREE. Don't underestimate the power of networking. Set up a page on Facebook. Start Twittering. Start your own blog. Basically, look for any opportunity that you can to tell people about your website and products.

No matter if you want to have a full time online business or just do it on the side. You can do it! It might seem a little intimidating at first, but with these 5 easy steps you will be up and running in no time at all. Remember, it doesn't have to be expensive. But it will be a lot of fun and very rewarding!