where to start

ok i have my zen cart installation up.

Do you guys recommend starting with adding a product catalog, or to first get a design?

I will have many products with many categories. What is the recommended way to organize a catalog? My guess is that i will do it offline then upload it. Is there a program that makes this sort of thing easier (perhaps some sort of catalog manager?)

Also is there anything i should keep in mind as far as SEO before i begin. i understand i will need to hire someone for SEO, but i want to make sure that there isnt something i need to be doing / keeping in mind before this point.

also is there a way to figure out out much certain keywords cost to advertise on with google. i just want to have some idea how much i will be spending on advertising before i launch. for something like "buy stereo equipment," what do you suppose google charges for the top ad -- a range or something would be fine.

Do you guys recommend starting with adding a product catalog, or to first get a design?
A design can be changed at most any time...So I recommend that you not concern yourself with design and enter a few things to find out how the cart works and how to configure it for your use.

As far as SEO, there are "natural" methods of ranking and of course the paid methodsfor which you can, as a new venture, pay dearly for as there is no promise of actual purchase - only that you might be visited.
What a Google word can cost is a secret as this is a bid process.

interesting.

yeah, from what i'm told, you absolutely need SEO if you want to succeed. there is a lot of competition for the first page on a search result. It is like the back page of a magazine. I figure if i find someone who knows what they're doing and do enough advertising, i will be able to make it to where i need to be.

I think i will do what you suggest and add some products first, get the core layout made, then apply a design.

yeah, from what i'm told, you absolutely need SEO if you want to succeedAnd would this be by individuals that have a vested interest in supplying you with SEO services??

no that was told to me by someone already in the business i'm getting into.

am i wrong on this??

Not specifically and this is a debateable subject area and not one where any answer is fully wrong....just beware