The water purification salesman had been talking to us for what seemed like hours. During a lull in his monologue, I asked if he had a website.

"Yes. In fact, we are only independent distributors of this product who does," he proudly beamed.

"So you get a lot of leads from website, then?" I asked.

"No, actually I don't think we've gotten a single lead from it," he replied.

"Then why do you have a website?" I wanted to know.

"To have a presence on Internet."

A few days later, our home inspector was giving us an update on state of our house. We had bought it a few years earlier in winter, when snow was on ground and on roof, and we thought an update would be a worthwhile investment.

"Do you have a website?" I asked.

"Yes, I do. But, I don't think a single customer found me that way."

"Then why do you have a website?" I asked.

"To have a presence on Internet."

A lot of entrepreneurs and small businesses are sold on paying for a website because it is important to have a presence on Internet. For many businesses, that is true. But what does "a presence" mean?

Would you open up a store in corner office of fifth floor of an office building, or would you open it up in mall?

Would you leave windows bare, or would you fill windows with merchandise and open door to make your store inviting?

Would you ignore customers when they enter store, or would you carefully place merchandise and staff to maximize revenue from each visit?

"A presence" is only valuable if website serves a purpose, if it fulfills its goals. Just sitting there, somewhere in cyberspace, is not a sound business strategy. An experienced website marketing consultant can help you determine what goals, if any, are viable for your business website.

Here are a few of goals you might want for your website:

Online pamphlet.

If you connect with customers by telephone, this is an ideal way to instantly deliver a pamphlet to them. No mailing, no delays, they can even call up your information while you are on phone with them. This website has to look credible and be choc full of information.

Credibility booster.

If you are selling a big ticket item, particularly one that requires a good reputation, a website can help. This website should look upscale and focus on credibility-boosting content. It is ideal for speakers, consultants and other business-to-business service providers.