Beginners Guide...

If you're new to the internet or in a position where you're finding commercial use of the web a bit daunting, then this is a good starting place to learn some of the basics.

Interesting facts

Internet Sales
Online sales are topping 98 billion and experts predict that by 2002 revenues online will top 187 billion, due to the fact that people will be able to order just about anything online. The internet offers a unique and powerful business tool. Nowhere else can a company obtain so much exposure for so little expense, its no wonder this trend is expected to grow.

Internet Users
The number of Internet users is expected to increase from 14 million to 399 million by 2002. The web is unlike traditional advertising. Having an interactive web site means that your customers can access your latest products and services to the depth that you would both like, they can even place orders online securely 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The internet can be accessed at anytime from anywhere in the world quickly and easily. From the first minute you establish your companies web presence you broaden your reach to international status.

Do I need a web site?

No, you don't "need" a web site! BUT if you have a business, product or service and you want to stay ahead of your competition, then you should seriously consider all the options of an online web presence.

A web site is much more than simple advertising, it is a method of promoting your company that communicates your services or products to interested customers, and at the pace that the customer chooses. The site should be integral to your other advertising, such as business cards, newspaper ads, or radio and television ads.

A web site is only one step to building a strong on-line web presence. Other areas to consider are web site maintenance - you will always want to keep your site fresh and up to date with the latest information. Marketing is another important factor - the more you promote your web site the more customers you will receive. Web hosting is essential - this is where your site lives on the internet. Finally you will also need a web address (domain name/URL) so that people can find you on the internet.

How much will a web site cost?

It really depends on the type of web site you require. There are many factors to take into account before one can determine the type of web site you will need. We must consider the size and type of your business, what products, service or information you provide to your customers, and most importantly who your target market is. You may only require a simple information web page or you might benefit from a full ecommerce shopping mall.

An example: A small local retail shop on a tight budget might not be able to afford to spend money on an ecommerce web site to sell all their products online, what with merchant fees, web hosting fees, payment to the web design company for the web site and ongoing maintenance. BUT it doesn't have to be very expensive, you might consider another option, e.g. a small information web site, telling potential customers all about your products and services, why they should purchase from you, why your products are better than your competitors, where they can purchase the products, your opening hours, etc, etc. You can always upgrade your web site at a later date anyway.

What should I do next?

We recommend that shop around to find the best possible deal of course - look for competitive prices and a professional personal service. One good piece of advice is ALWAYS read the "small print" and the "terms and conditions" before signing up for anything on the internet, just so that you know what you're really getting! If you're confused at all by the technical jargon on some web sites, contact the company for a simple explanation.

It's very likely that you'll end up back here after shopping around, but we advice you to shop just the same. If you want to see what services we can offer you, then continue to browse the rest of the site to see what's on offer.

Why a Web site?
Internet Facts : Benefits of a Web site : Media Comparison Chart


Marketing Tool. The Internet has become the most affordable marketing tool for a small business, a product or a service. Inc. Magazine reports - of 214 companies, 21.5% have Web sites, 77% identified the Internet as increasing revenues, and 74% reported quicker customer access through the Internet.

Higher Revenues. Small businesses that use the Internet have higher revenues, averaging $3.79 million compared to $2.72 million overall.

Business Research. According to Neilsen Media Research, 75% of all businesses use the Internet to gather information.

Tourism Industry. The tourism industry (the fastest growing industry on the Internet) reported that in 1996 only 3 million people made their travel plans on the Web, but in 2000 59 million made travel plans on the Web.

Benefits of a Web site

Flexible and Expandable. Your business' Web site can grow and expand as your business does. You can start with one of Onalaska Web's Web design packages and then add as necessary.

Inexpensive Development.

Inexpensive Updating. Updating a Web site is far less expensive than updating printed material such as brochures and catalogs.

Easier Communication. With a Web site you can communicate easier and more effectively with your current customers, building stronger relationships.

New Customer Base. The global exposure of a Web site opens your business to a whole new potential customer base that you never had before.

Media Comparison Chart
Marketing Quality: ..........Your Web site......... Radio............TV................ Newspaper
National Audience .................Yes................... Possible........ Possible ......... Possible
International Exposure ...........Yes................... No............... Possible.......... No
Target Specific Audience .......Yes................... Possible........ Possible.......... No
View on Demand ...................Yes................... No................ No................. Yes
Instant Consumer Interaction..Yes .................. No ............... No................. No
Relative Expense ...................Low ................. Moderate...... High ...............Moderate