However, I want to share my predictions for 2003 and trends I see affecting how you will use Internet for both business and pleasure.

** Anti-Spam!

Anybody with an email account for more than three days has gotten unsolicited email (referred to as Spam) from people they don't know. These people offer to sell them everything from acne treatment to inkjet cartridges.

As federal and state lawmakers weigh into battle against Spam, you can expect two significant developments this year:

First, anti-Spam software sales will skyrocket among home and business users. Unfortunately, unless somebody invents a solution that actually works well, end results won't fit promises made to sell products.

On a side note: It will prove very interesting to see how many of anti-Spam product vendors will actually use Spam to sell their wares!

Second, anti-Spam sentiment will massively affect legitimate online business owners trying to communicate with their customers via e-mail.

New services will spring up to help even smallest businesses secure their communications with customers and avoid "Spam filters."

** Lights, Camera, Action!

The use of multimedia, including video, pictures, and sound, along with other interactive devices, will really take off this year.

You're getting lots of visitors, but not a lot of sales. How can you increase number of buyers without increasing traffic? Design, usability and layout have an impact on sales, but your words are what really sell ?- or don't.

Start by evaluating your web copy. If you were a stranger visiting your website, would you believe your offer? Is it worth price you are charging for it? If not, it's time to reevaluate your offer.

You must overcome risk -- when shopping online, customers can't touch or feel your product like they can in a store. So you have to communicate VALUE of your offer. Tell them how they will benefit and how much they are getting for their money.

Another way to overcome risk is to offer a guar*ntee. "100% money-back guar*ntee. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we will refund your money, no questions asked." Lessening risk involved in buying your product puts your customers at ease and opens their minds to buying. Reassure them on other pages of your website and on your order form.

If you're in a service business where customers can't return product, then guar^ntee solution you provide. For example, a graphic designer could guar^ntee that project is completed on time and budget. A plumber may guar*ntee that your pipes won't leak anymore.

Guar^nteeing your work shows that you stand behind your claims and believe in your products.

Another way to entice visitors to buy is by offering fr*e samples. Sweeten deal with something fr*e and you are sure to gain your prospects' attention. Offer a fr*e trial subscription to your magazine, a fr*e three-day supply of your wrinkle cream, or a fr*e estimate. Service businesses can offer a fr*e consultation or "how-to" booklet.