Some companies that offer free web pages will also bombard you with unsolicited "junk" emails and many other undesirable things. Some of them will also sell your name to list brokers.

Free web pages are usually limited in size (typically not more than 5 megs). None of them will give you state-of-the-art web building software and tutorials to help you build a web site. The free software is pretty basic.

In end a paid private web site will ultimately convey to your customers that you are a serious business person and that "they" are your most important asset!

WHAT YOU SHOULD LOOK FOR IN A PRIVATE WEB SITE COMPANY...

> A web site that is large enough and has enough pages for all of your needs.

> The ability to edit and maintain your web site yourself rather than pay a webmaster to do it for you.

> State-of-the-art software that is simple enough to use for beginner and advanced enough for experienced professional

> Tutorials that will teach you how to build your web site that are easy to understand and in multiple languages.

> Hosting that is free or very inexpensive.

> A secure web site which will have free live unlimited technical support available.

So do yourself a favor and stop fooling around with "free web sites." If you are serious about either starting your own business or promoting your existing one, it will ultimately be to your advantage to have your own private web site. Your customers will feel more comfortable and more likely to buy from you which in turn will definitely increase your sales.

4) Writing short articles and getting them published in various newsletters- Take it from me this one works. Nothing will establish you as an expert or send you as much traffic as getting published. Once people see your name popping up over and over, they just have to visit your website if just only out of curiosity.

5) Network with "Top Online Players' By hanging out with successful people you can learn a lot as well as bask in part of their spotlight. Don't be afraid to ask them to partner with you or run an ad for you endorsing your product or service. You'd be surprised at numbre of people who will help you online if you just ask.

So, now you think that creating an online presence is a lot of hard work? Well, you're right, it is! But with anything in life, you get out of it what you put into it.

Creating an online identity is one of most important things you can do for yourself online. Along with an identity comes a sense of trust. When people trust you, they will want to become your customers and buy your products and services. After all, that's why you're online in first place, isn't it? Now, who are you again.......