Crossing into Internet territory: tips for taking your business to the Web.

• Author: Thompson, Tabitha
• Position: Smallbusinessadvisor

SOME MARKET RESEARCH FIRMS have predicted that U.S. online retail revenues this year will reach as much as $109.4 billion, up from $75.7 billion in 2004. The Small Business Administration reports that "the Internet connects up to 40 million people around the globe and is growing by as much as 10 percent per month." But many small businesses may be missing out on the e-frenzy, by assuming that a Web presence can't be maintained without staffing an in-house IT department. But even if you are the kind of small business owner who doesn't know a blog from a metatag, it is still possible to become a www.business.com.

"Having a Website is no different any more than having other business tools like a fax or phone. You gotta have it," says Steve Price, assistant district director for economic development in Utah for the SBA. "Our main emphasis is making sure small businesses have a good business plan. And a big piece of it is the Internet and e-commerce."

The SBA's own Website is the first stop for those wanting to get comfortable with Internet options for their businesses. Free online resources start with simple explanations of the Web, how it works, and a glossary of terms, and go as far as a series of classes on e-commerce. The SBA also offers a free business-counseling program called Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE); business owners can connect with those who have experience in the same business discipline and with those who have Website development expertise. The SBA's business information centers in Salt Lake and Ogden "provide in-depth, hands-on training and courses," such as HTML-code writing classes.

"All of these options can be used to get business owners well-informed in a short time and with the least amount of money," says Price.

There are good starting points for Internet entry on the Web as well. Yahoo!'s Site Builder software comes with the purchase of an account that includes a domain name, email, and customer support for $11.95 to $39.95 per month plus set-up fee. For those who need a retail site, Yahoo!'s Merchant Solutions can be had from $39.95 to $299.95 per month.

Monster Small Business offers free Web graphics, design articles, and HTML tutorials for those that want to learn. For those that don't, design services run from templates to fully customized design services (and run from $500 to $3200, respectively).

Computer giants Microsoft and Apple also simplify the process of going digital. The former focuses on Web...