Online Benefits:

Having a company web site has been found to play a vital role in small-business success. That's the principal finding of a new study that revealed nearly 80 percent of small businesses with web sites benefit significantly from an online presence.

An effective Web site levels the playing field for businesses with small staffs and limited budgets by conferring an image of stability and allowing for complete presentation of all products and services.

In addition to enhanced credibility, at least a third of the companies surveyed say their Web sites are their single most powerful marketing tools. Small businesses-particularly those that are home-based-often suffer from low visibility and poor name recognition. Their Web sites allow them to target customers nationwide or even around the world. Customers of brick-and-mortar retailers with fully functional e-commerce sites actually spend significantly more because they can shop at their convenience online as well as make purchases in the stores.

Companies without a Web presence are often left behind as they remain tied to slower, more costly marketing tools and methods. Small businesses that market online can e-mail solicitations and customer surveys for a fraction of the cost of postal direct mail, and have results in days.

A growing percentage of small-business owners rely heavily on their Web sites to make their sales goals. More than a quarter of those who don't currently sell products online plan to add e-commerce capabilities to their sites within the next two years.

A Web presence can enhance your company's visibility and credibility.

There's good news for small businesses entering the world of e-commerce.

Every day, more and more of the 20 million small businesses in the U.S. recognize they need to get their companies online. However, many quickly realize that to achieve online success they need help developing an effective site, executing online marketing programs, and creating e-commerce selling opportunities. In fact, a recent study shows that 80 percent of all small business owners want professional help creating their online presence. When that same survey asked small businesses what their online needs were:

- 94 percent said they wanted to generate new leads and customers

- 78 percent wish to market to existing customers

- 71 percent hope to share company information

- 68 percent plan to provide service for customers