Below you will find a number of common Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) that are asked by business owners when deciding whether or not they should have their business on the Internet.

• What is the Internet?
  The Internet is a worldwide network of many tens of thousands of computers, that are all connected to each other. Businesses get on the Internet by obtaining an account through a local Internet Service Provider (ISP), who offers access to e-mail (electronic mail) and the World Wide Web. The Web allows potential customers to visit a business's storefront and view the company's on-line brochure, consisting of text and pictures that are stored in electronic files called pages. This collection of pages is called a Web site.
  
  
• How does a Web site work?
  The World Wide Web provides businesses with a way to introduce their products and services to the world in a series of "pages" that are connected by "links". When a prospective customer sees something that is of interest, they merely click their computer mouse on the "link" which could be a blue highlighted word or words, or a graphical button with text. A business may have several "pages", all being linked to and from their main home page. These pages typically include information about the company and its history, products or services, technical support information, and an order or feedback form. The potential customers can view as much or as little that interests them, and the business can update prices or availability of products at any time.
  
  
• Who is doing business on the Internet?
  A wide variety of small businesses, corporations and organizations and the number of businesses getting "on-line" is growing daily. You will find large businesses as well as small businesses. The types of businesses on the Internet include florists, realtors, attorneys, furniture manufacturers, retail businesses, life insurance companies, and the list goes on and on.
  
  
• Why would I want to use the World Wide Web for marketing and advertising?
  • It is inexpensive compared to other forms of advertising, and available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your customers are learning about your products and services at a time that is convenient to them.
  • Leads from your site are virtually pre-qualified. If a visitor chooses to come to your Web site and fill out the form, they are really interested!!
  • When prospects are interested they can visit your Web site instead of waiting for a brochure to be mailed to them or for a salesman to get back to them.
  • Increases customer satisfaction. Customers can order on line, communicate directly to you, and get information without the hassle.
  • Minimizing Costs. You can publish a catalog on-line less expensively than printing and mailing one. It can also be updated frequently.
  • Improve Profitability. You will increase your market share because you are selling world-wide.
  • Increases the effectiveness of your marketing. A smaller business can look and feel the same as a larger business on the Web. You now have a level playing field with the big players in your industry.
  • Builds brand awareness, and provides your company with a better and more powerful corporate image.
  • Effectively displays all of your company's products and information and on and on.
    
• How extensive is advertising and marketing on the Internet?
  According to a leading Web Survey, approximately 50 per cent of the leading corporate advertisers were advertising on-line. The on-line advertising market, as of year end 1995, was estimated at close to $150 million. The survey projected that on-line advertising could easily be a billion dollar market by the end of this decade.
  
  
  
• How do businesses use the Internet?
  This form of advertising is used to build a company's image, provide for customer technical support, make available technical and troubleshooting information, develop a prospect list, conduct customer surveys, offer products and services, and take orders.
  
  
• Can I accept credit card sales on my Web site?
  Absolutely, you can. Whether you elect to have the three page site or the Corporate 10 page site plan, you can have the ability to accept credit card purchases threw a special arrangement we have with GoEmerchant.
  
  
• Do I have to be Computer Literate to own a Web site?
  No, it is not necessary. However, in order to respond to customers electronically, it would be of benefit if someone could answer your E-mail.
  
  
• Does my computer need to be on all the time?
  No. Your business's Web pages are stored elsewhere on another computer connected to the Internet where it is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.