In what could be considered a wise move, LookSmart will now compete with Inktomi, Fast and Google in providing search engine results as well , to large portals like AOL and MSN, who have in past used LookSmart directory listings, combined with search engine results from Inktomi.

The former CTO and co-founder of mySimon, Yeogirl Yun, launched WiseNut in September, 2001, and have already expanded their reach through a joint venture in Korea — Korea WiseNut — already one of Korea's top ten sites.

With this new takeover, it will be interesting to see eventual effect on Google, who have had tremendous success so far, especially after Yahoo began using Google search engine results in preference to Inktomi results.

(c) Copyright 2002 by Tom Mulkern

Given “dotcom” bust and global recession of past 18 months it can be difficult for Independent Web Designers to put food on table these days. However, business is out there -- you just have to be a little more aggressive in finding it. Based on our own experience and that of hundreds of Web Designers who have used our Web Hosting services over past five years, here are ten of best ways to find new clients for your web design shop this year:

1. Contact Local ISP’s. Most Internet Service Providers offer a few MB of webspace or hosting accounts to their customers. However, most don't offer website design services. Contact local ISP's and offer a generous referral fee if they send business your way. This tactic has worked very well for some of our Resellers. Note: It's important to help ISP's promote your service by providing them with some marketing materials they can send out by email and snail mail to their customers.

2. Local Networking. Time and time again, web developers have cited this as one of their primary sources of new business. You can’t do business sitting on your behind in front of your computer all day! You need to devote some time to getting out and meeting local business people. This is most easily accomplished by joining local business organizations such as Chamber of Commerce and Rotary. If you keep active in these groups over time you will establish yourself as person to go to for any web-related services. Always be sure to carry business cards, or better yet, full-color postcards to handout with a screen-shot of your website or web design portfolio.

See http://www.web-cards.com for some great business card and postcards ideas.

3. Online freelance sites. There are number of sites now, such as http://elance.com, where you can find listings of web projects open for bid. It is true that you will be competing with many bidders for these projects but don’t let that stop you these are businesses that are ready to buy now. A good strategy is too bid as low as you can initially in order to get your foot in door with a given company. If you do a good job and delivery it quick company will naturally go back to you for additional work.

4. Create a community business directory. This is a great strategy that is often used but rarely done well by local web design firms. By creating a community business directory you accomplish three things. First, you now have a database of all businesses in your local area your primary target market! Secondly, you have now created a legitimate reason to get in touch with them. And finally, when you do contact them they will not perceive it as a sales call; rather, they will thank you for providing such a valuable service!