[ Introduction ] Many people are saying that the Internet is dead. So is there still money to be made on the Internet? The answer is a definite YES. Research shows, time and again, that consumers want to spend more online, and that the internet is fast becoming an integral part of their lifestyle and it'll continue to be so. Internet consumers are cautious and they want Sites that are credible and worth shopping before they part with their money. The traditional brick-and-mortar rules of business still apply to internet business. It's prudent to remember that the internet is not your business goal; it's a medium in helping you achieve your business goals. To assist you in obtaining your objectives, a bit about ourselves. Our core competencies are web design and development, graphic design, content management systems, database-driven websites, e-mail marketing, web hosting, domain name registration, s/engine optimization, campaign management and ecommerce solutions. We are specialists in developing sites for the financial, retail, design, tourism and heritage sectors, although our work is not confined to these fields. Companies are now able to be quite innovative in their approach to their marketing strategies by marketing themselves using the Internet as an efficient and a very cost-effective vehicle. By using visual, audio and interactive sites, they can now market their products at a huge reduction in cost, relative to conventional medias. However simple, straight-forward and at a low price it seems to be able to obtain a 'brochure-type' website to represent your business and product offering to the world out there, the expected results will not be forthcoming and what is achieved will not be worth the expense. [ Functionality ] In order to fully utilise the available functionality and hidden untapped power of an on-line presence, a totally new approach to marketing needs to be followed. Your on-line presence is in fact a virtual 'Branch' and as such needs to provide the expected functionality of a Sales Consultant, Warehouse Manager and Orders Department, all in one, with many more possible roles that could be filled quite efficiently. [ Thoroughness ] For you to provide this to your client, the web developer must have a thorough understanding of your needs, business operations and objectives in order to provide the required and essential functionality your Client would expect from you. [ Efficiency ] An efficient and professional site MUST keep your Clients' attention and obtain their willingness to make use of it in order to facilitate their interactions with your Company, be it in the procurement of whatever service or product you may provide, or by placing and expediting the delivery of their orders from you. If they don't obtain any benefit from using the site, they will NOT use it! You have but a moment to capture the interest of a possible new client. First impressions count! Make use of the opportunity, it could be financially rewarding. For a professional website to be worth its salt, it must be able to offer the Client seemingly the same attentiveness and 'personal' care that a good Consultant would provide in order to keep his/her customer happy. The site can never replace the human contact but will greatly enhance it. As always - your customer is your livelihood and they will only continuously buy from you if your: [ SERVICE IS GOOD - PRICE IS GOOD - PRODUCT IS GOOD ] [ REPUTATION IS GOOD - WORD IS GOOD ] ooOOoo