OK let's face it - the Internet is not only here to stay, but is rapidly becoming more important in business. The internet provides instant access, low cost, can be updated immediately ... and dozens of other reasons. How do you take advantage of this internet explosion to help build your small business or private practice?

Twenty years ago, consumers looking for products may have browsed the local Yellow Pages for information and resources. Today, many consumers, that is, "potential clients", browse the Internet to help them locate resources. Those business people with a solid web presence will reap their share of new business.

First, if you are a computer super-user, then great…however one does not need to know anything about the Internet or computers to have their own Web Site. You don't even need to own a PC. With a little help from firms like San Diego-based RESPONSIVE LAW PRACTICE, Div Responsive Technologies Inc. (www.ResponsiveTech.com), you can be up and running in no time, so that anyone browsing the web can find your business!

Second, you may already be listed in several places on the Internet - that's great. The more exposure, the better. Like any business, you should have your own complete web site listed under a name that you choose. For example, a Certified Public Accountant named John Smith may want a Web Site called "www.JohnSmithCPA.com". Having your own dedicated site lends credibility to your business and shows much better than being listed under another company's Web Site, such as "www.AOL.com/johnsmithCPA". Additional, you would have your own email address that will never change, such as "info@JohnSmithCPA.com".

Third, and very important, your site must be set up so that when someone searches the Internet using one of several popular "Search Engines", they will find your web site. It does no good to have a Web Site that looks great, but that no one can find when they browse the Internet! It would be like placing a Yellow Page Ad, and then not listing your ad under any particular heading. The company that 'hosts' your Web Site (that is, loads your Web Site onto their systems for access by anyone on the Internet) should be knowledgeable in ways to make sure your Site is found by anyone searching the web. For those that are curious, there are Keywords, Meta tags, robot text files, multiple index.htm's, hidden text, Alt tags, Page ReDirection, URL keywords,…whew! Choosing a firm that is willing to handle your Search Engine placement is important.

Finally, a reputable firm will supply actual statistics for your web site in order to verify and validate your results.