In the past, when your customers were looking for a product or service, their easiest option would be to pull out the Yellow Pages and search for a product or service in their area. Sometimes this supplied a name and phone number. Sometimes, an address. On more rare occasions, a picture advertisement with a list of services or products.

With the Internet today, that same customer can go to a your site. Your web pages can be loaded with product pictures and price lists, maps and phone numbers, and even online Shopping Cart system which allows the customer to order products and services--all without ever having to leave the house or office.

Perhaps you have a "service" oriented practice such as accounting, law, or medicine that's already doing well and you're wondering why you should burden yourself with the added expense of a Website. Simply put, not having a web site will soon be like not having a listing in your local Yellow Pages. In the Web world, this is referred to as a "corporate presence." Even if your best business comes by word-of-mouth, your potential customers may want to check you out. A well-designed, professional web site can give you added visibility and credibility.
The Internet is one of the first places a person who has access to a computer will go to get information

The Internet is recognised as one of the most cost effective forms of advertising available - soon every business will appear there in some form, and if your competitors get there first, then you could be missing out on potentially valuable custom. You'll be very lucky if your competitors have not already got a website. And if they have, then it is taking business away from you.

Compared to the more traditional advertising mediums, the Internet has potential circulation figures/coverage area that can't be matched - and all at a fraction of the cost of a simple series of adverts in the local paper - let alone a sustained radio campaign!

To realise this potential, the pages of your website need to appear swiftly and say what you want them to; the site has to be continually promoted and assessed, and kept looking fresh and up-to-date to encourage visitors to return to it on a regular basis. Whole marketing campaigns can be run alongside your website especially when teamed with emailing your newsletter or special offers.