* website also shows your potential customers that you're doing business in 21st Century ... on internet.

............................................................ WEBSITE PROVIDES INFORMATION & SAVES MONEY ............................................................

* you can give history of your business, which gives potential customer confidence in your ability to provide products and services

* your history will show you are not a fly-by-night organisation

* show testimonials from satisfied customers - people love reading true testimonials!

* ease with which you can change and update your information is incredible, and like no other form of advertising ever before!

* use a print ad or radio spot to send visitors to your webite, where they can read about your products, sale items [each week, month etc].

............................................................ "Is there any downside to having a website?" ............................................................

* costs - yes, this is number one factor which concerns all potential website owners

* getting a professional to design your website could cost from $30-100 per hour

* getting a professional to update your website could cost from $30-100 per hour

............................................................ "What will it *really* cost to get a website?" ............................................................

*1* you will need a Dial-Up Internet Account with an Internet Service Provider [ISP]; this will allow you to dial a phone number to access internet. You will also receive an emal name which will match name of ISP. You might have broadband instead [which means your computer is online 24/7 and you don't need to dial-in anymore]

*2* you will need a domain name [website name, like your business name] which you can buy from a domain name provider

*3* you'll need to pay *hosting fees* [like paying rent on a shop], monthly or yearly, anywhere from $15-$50 per month

*4* you'll need to get website designed, costing from $500 - $5,000+ depending on size and type of website you need, including all features you expect

*5* you'll need to have someone do updates and changes to your site, which could cost from $30-100 per hour [depending on where you live]

:::::: Summary :::::: ...............................

ISP :: provides dial-up or broadband access to internet Domain :: buy a domain from any domain reseller Hosting :: pay hosting [rent] for where your site will *live* online Website :: get it designed or do it yourself Updates :: pay someone or do it yourself

............................................................ HOT TIP! ............................................................

You can purchase most of these services through your ISP, or from *several* different companies, which is quite normal; many people shop around for best price on hosting, then go elsewhere for their domain name, and a different company again who might provide their dial-up or broadband access, and then get site designed by a website design company

............................................................ *Are there any alternatives?* ............................................................

Yes, there are other options.

* do a computer course and learn how to design a website * do a computer course and learn how to upload websites to internet * buy website templates [preformatted web pages] , make your own changes, and learn how to *upload* pages to your website on hosting server * get a free website at one of online services providing this. Caution! Free websites have limitations and generally show advertising on every one of your webpages - they do not show a professional website name * use a website builder like Build A Website Tonight

............................................................ Easy links ............................................................ Plan your website http://www.buildawebsitetonight.com/how-to-plan-a-website.html

Buy a domain name http://www.buildawebsitetonight.com/buy-a-domain.html

Build your own website online http://www.buildawebsitetonight.com

Help with grammar & apostrophes http://www.HumbleApostrophe.com ............................................................

You now have more info on how to go about getting your own website - let me know when it's been launched, I'd love to see it!

© Teena Hughes is the Director of BuildAWebsiteTonight.com, a website where you can build your own site online - with no skill - no fear - with no additional costs to update your site. Teena has been involved in the I.T. industry for over twenty years and has written many articles and ebooks, and loves to help people get their business started.

6. 3 Years financial statements. You will need to present quality financial information from your accounting software, preferably signed off by your accountant or tax advisor.

7. Latest Set of Management accounts. Again produced from your accounting software.

8. Accounts receivables (debtors) and payables (creditors) ageing reports.

9. Principals financial statements. – Particularly required if some form of security is necessary.

If you are a new company, emphasis is going to be on your business plan , and security (also called collateral) you or your business can provide against loan.

You must take time to practice presenting your case to bank or lender to iron out any glitches. Practice on your colleagues and family (you never know, they might be so impressed, they'll invest or lend!). It may help to role play lender and come up with as many pointy questions as possible. The more time you take better your chances will be. (But remember, don’t fall into analysis paralysis trap!)

Good luck!