Even if your business doesn't ship products online like Amazon.com, you can benefit from using the Internet. To start an online presence, consider these key areas:

1. Get a Web site and use email. Because so many customers do product and services research online, you need to be there.
2. Sell your goods and services online. You can take orders with a secure shopping cart.
3. Advertise online. Use the power of the Internet to get your products in front of customers around the world or right next door.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Set up your site and email

Most Web site services include email accounts (and easy-to-use browser-based email services) that will let you email customers as well as business partners. You can get started by finding a Web hosting company that provides easy-to-customize templates for creating your own basic Web site.

I recommend: Check out Network Solutions, Yahoo! Small Business Center, Go Daddy, Earthlink Business Solutions and Web.com. Also see Web Hosting Blog Review for even more options.

Set up an e-commerce presence

You can take orders online with a secure shopping cart or direct phone sales to your business.

I recommend: Check out Yahoo! Merchant Solutions, Network Solutions, PowWeb, Go Daddy, Earthlink Business Solutions and VistaPages. Also see eBay, PayPal and Web Hosting Blog Review for more.

Advertise online

By advertising on search engines, you can use the power of the Internet to get your products in front of customers who are already looking for what you sell.

I recommend: It's hard to go wrong with Google's ubiquitous AdWords, but there are many other options, like Yahoo! Advertising Solutions and MSN adCenter that are well worth considering.

Backup Critical Data Online

Most businesses have critical data that should be backed up in case of computer failures, theft, fire, or natural disasters. Make the Web your bank vault.

I recommend: Check out Apple's .Mac, Data Deposit Box, Iron Mountain's Live Vault, SOS Online Backup and Mozy.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Depending on your business, you might be able to use the Internet to research new opportunities and strategies. Plus, you and your employees can take online classes from colleges, as well as subject-matter experts, on thousands of subjects.
• •  Once you build a Web site, make sure that your customers can leave you feedback about your site, products, and services. The information you get might give you a competitive edge, not to mention keep your customers loyal.