Whether your business offers products or services, having an Internet presence is essential.

Why bother? A growing trend reveals that prospective customers rely on the Internet to research a product or service before buying either online or offline. According to recent data, 70% of American households now find local businesses using the Internet (read the full article - new window). And, according to Forrester Research, during the end of 2004, more consumers than ever used the Web, and 69% of online households made a purchase online (link opens in a new window). Even if you have a tiny little business serving your local community, you may have something to offer that is of interest to a much broader market. If your product is unique, you may be pleasantly surprised to find orders coming in from all over the world. You may even see new customers from your locale walk in the door because they discovered on the Internet that your prices are the best.

How many web sites are there? Internet users will generally rely on search engines to discover your business, products and services. The top search engines are, in order of rank, Google, Yahoo and MSN (see data - new window). WHOIS statistics reveal that there are over 55 million active registered domains (click for daily update - new window). That means that if you want your site to appear in the search engines, you are facing a highly competitive market.

It sounds like the odds are overwhelming. Whether you are marketing a small law firm on the Internet or another type of web presence, you will find in this section tools which will make your site shine -- and be noticed. It takes effort to attract new and recurring visitors to your web site, but with the right tools, you can succeed. If you don't understand the basics of having a web site, begin here. More experienced users should visit the links on the left to find affordable hosting and marketing services.