- Capturing desktop is key to capturing users, eyeballs, and market share. - The desktop is first screen user sees when computer boots up. - The desktop is only persistent screen that user returns to again and again.

For believers in desktop marketing question is *how* to get their company on desktop. Big companies that have money are paying OEMs such as Compaq, Dell, and Gateway substantial sums to get their icons shipped on desktops of new computers. As a matter of fact, it was reported that in certain instances AOL will pay OEMs around $35 per computer to place AOL on Windows XP desktop. Ouch! $35 per desktop shortcut. That's quite a King's ransom.

Historically, cost of getting on desktop has been extremely high which speaks to value of desktop real estate. It is my belief that desktop marketing is going to fast replace "old ways" of online marketing -- many of which simply don't work. On contrary, desktop marketing is highly effective and gets results and these successful companies know it.

But Windows desktop is no longer exclusive territory of Fortune 500 companies. The good news is See You Again Software, LLC offers extremely affordable desktop marketing products that allow small online businesses to place their company icons on desktop -- right next to industry giants like AOL and Microsoft. Visitors can then click on icon at any time -- right from their desktop -- and are automatically taken directly back to businesses' web site.

So, once again, I am beating drums for desktop marketing. Remember, there is a reason that America Online is a multi-billion dollar Fortune 500 company. The marketing executives at AOL are not wet behind ears -- they are seasoned marketers who know they must be aggressive to get results. And desktop marketing is a key component in getting those results.

6. When your discussion board or chat room becomes popular, you could sell advertising space on them. This will give you an extra income stream for your web site.

7. You can network with other businesses by having a chat room or discussion board. You could exchange business ideas, leads, advertising, etc.

8. You could allow other web sites who don't have a discussion board or chat room to use yours. You will get free advertising by allowing them to link to your online community.

9. When you have a discussion board or chat room you can get free advertising by listing them in online community directories. You can also join web rings with similar discussion topics.

10. You can make money by advertising your own products and services on your discussion board or chat room. You could also join other people's affiliate programs and make commissions advertising them.