Help For Small Businesses Going Online (NAPSA)—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 companiesonline. 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. When shopping for a Web design and hosting company for your small business, consider only using firms that will custom design your site—not ones that use cookie cutter designs. “Look for a service provider that offers a professionally designed, easy-to-update Website that is supported by a knowledgeable staff of advisors,” says Kim T. Gordon, a columnist for Entrepreneur magazine and a small-business contributor to www.sbsuccess.com. “Once available only to large businesses able to pay thousands of dollars a month, now small businesses can get this level of service for less than $100 a month.” Gordon points out companies offering 24/7 support and coaching centof all small business owners want professional help creating their online presence. are better able to help smallbusiness owners master online marketing, transactions, and interaction with customers and prospects, all of which ultimately generate online success. One such provider of all these services is Interland. With its Platinum offering customers get a custom designed Web site tailored to their needs with the ability to update, manage and market their site on an ongoing basis for $95 a month. Features available include: * Search engine manager, * E-mail marketer, which helps generate revenue and strengthen customerrelationships through enewsletters, online coupons and email marketing; * Password/membership controls for Web site visitor access; * An online gift certificate manager and Web coupon builder; * A free new domain name for two years, business e-mail with up to 50 mailboxes and hosting. To learn more, visit www.interland.com/platinum.
