Some of your advertising prior to your grand opening should emphasize your launch date and offer special promotions that will attract visitors. Design your splash page to reflect the festivities for when your site visitors arrive. Have a "Grand Opening" banner emblazoned with balloons or other appropriately celebratory images. Even if your site was designed to project a seriously professional image, indulge in some commemorative graphics to mark the launch for the first few days of live etailing.

Just as if you were handing out free samples outside a brick-and-mortar store, be prepared to give away products with each order. Novelties, such as T-shirts and hats printed with your company logo, can be included with larger orders or given away to certain customers. People love free things and they can help advertise your company when they wear your logo apparel.

Act as if you were having a real party and make your e-store fun. If you have a chat room set up on your ecommerce site, encourage participation in real-time contests and games that can be moderated by your staff. You can even make your grand opening party official by sending out online invitations to your site. Evite, PleaseRSVP.com and seeUThere.com allow customized and personalized online invitations that you can send to everyone on your virtual guest list.

You''ve worked very hard to bring your ideas into fruition so take time for the festivities. The launch of your etail store represents a crossroads for your e-business - it is the end result of a tremendous amount of development as well as the beginning of new ecommerce challenges. If your launch is a success, your next party may be to celebrate your IPO.