The following checklist provides new merchants a prioritized store setup guide. Each step is categorized as required, recommended or optional.

Step-by-Step Priority Key

Steps	Required	Recommended	Optional
Step 1: Store Settings	• Configure company settings • Activate shipping settings • Configure tax settings • Set payment methods • Payment gateway registration/configuration • Currency configuration
Step 2: Email Settings	• Set up email accounts (whether with Volusion or a third party) and fill out email fields in Settings >> Company of your admin area		• FTP account setup
Step 3: Design	• Set up store logos • Choose a store template	• Update your site content with your company information
Step 4: Categories, Products & Options	• Create categories • Create products • Set up product options (if applicable)		• Importing and exporting
Step 5: Marketing	• Search engine optimization	• Create sales promotions/coupons	• Create email newsletters • Setup MyRewards
Step 6: Advanced Marketing	• Submit your sitemap to Google	• Market products with AdWords • Market via MySpace or Facebook	• Register with Google Base • Blog your store • Using your store’s Affiliates system
Step 7: Placing Orders	• Placing orders on your store		• Set up the Point of Sale System/Place orders
Step 8: Reporting & Analytics		• Sign up with Google Analytics • Register for a Google Webmaster Tools account	• Register with more advanced, paid analytics services

Ready to get started? The following sections of this manual will describe each of the above steps in detail and help you establish a greater comfort level with the software.