In addition, a professional-looking site – one that features your published writing, not pictures of your dog and boyfriend along with your latest Ebay stats – will prove to an editor that you’re on ball, that you take your writing seriously. In turn editor will take you more seriously.

Even freelancers with very little computer knowledge can set up a website; check with your Internet service provider to find out how to start your own (often free) site. Or, if you have some knowledge of HTML or are willing to learn, you may be able to set up your own site. There are also many web-design companies that will set you up for a fee.

If you decide to go with a web-design company, here are a few important things to consider:

* What are total costs? Be sure to read fine print, otherwise your bill may be higher than you’d intended.

* Is maintenance included? If so, how much does it cost and what is turnaround time?

* How many pages are you allowed? Some budget companies only offer six or so pages, which is hardly enough to showcase your clips.

* Do they work with writers? Web-design services that cater to exotic dancers or widget-sellers may not know much about a freelancer’s needs.

Whichever method you choose, get your resume and clips online today and start wowing editors and making sales tomorrow!

Leveling Playing Field

One of most wonderful things about Internet is that it’s helped to level playing field when it comes to competition with bigger companies. With a professional-looking web site, your small business can project image and professionalism of a much larger company. It’s also a good signal to potential customers that you take things seriously.

Breaking Ice into e-Commerce

Taking credit card orders over Internet is quite an investment, especially if you don’t already have a merchant account. There are several e-Commerce solutions that can be custom-built for you that use payment gateways such as PayPal, which only requires a bank account and an email address. Customers can pay you through their credit card or even their checking account, and it’s a great solution if you’re looking to test waters.

The Bottom Line

To be taken seriously, it’s not enough that you simply have a web site, but you must have a professional-looking web site. Many customers now search for information online before making a purchase; your web site may be first chance you have at making a good impression on a potential buyer. If your site looks like it was designed by Uncle Bob, your chance at making that good first impression will be lost.

No matter what size your business is, and even if you're not planning on selling online, a well-made web site is essential for any business. If you don’t have a web site, you’re already losing business to companies that do.