Year in Review: Top Ten Internet Businesses 2004Written by John Evans
The internet boom hit a high mark in 2004. With old standbys and new emergences, top ten internet businesses 2004 show a variety of companies all with one thing in common: they have adapted well to World Wide Web. Many companies have difficulties and struggle amidst huge ocean of internet, especially since it is quite difficult to maintain a personal face. The companies in top ten have not only succeeded in business sense, they have invaded out daily life and have become a household name. From meagre beginnings, these top ten entrepreneur companies have mastered this new medium and are an inspirational to any budding entrepreneur interested in starting an internet based business. The Internet search engine Google was top internet business of 2004. The world’s largest search engine receives over 200 million hits a day. Businesses pay Google to have an ad for their website appear to right side of user’s search. The paid advertising targets consumers seeking information. Google’s initial public offering gave it a market capitalisation of over $23 billion dollars, placing it between Yahoo and Amazon.com. In addition to becoming an economic success, company’s name has invaded our language. The verb “google” entered dictionary with a definition meaning “to look someone or something up on internet.” The essence of a truly successful business is not only one that makes money but also serves its clients to utmost potential. The online auction site eBay.com continued to expand its services and customer base throughout 2004. As industry leader it boasts over tens and millions of members and has websites in over 17 countries. eBay.com generated over $3 billion in revenues off of a record $34 billion dollars in Gross Merchandise Volume. Amazon.com continues to be world’s number one internet retailer with 2004 sales in excess of $6.9 billion dollars. The retailer continues to expand its offerings and partnerships with other retailers. Recently Amazon.com rolled out a9.com, which provides consumers with expanded search options to find merchandise on Amazon.com’s website. As part of Tsunami relief effort and in conjunction with American Red Cross, Amazon.com set-up an online donation channel, which raised over $13 million dollars. Yahoo Inc. provides comprehensive global internet services. It remains most visited website with over 3 billion page views per day. Yahoo launched its own search engine technology after dropping Google-powered results. Boasting free and paid email accounts and website complete with design tools, many pleased clients are using Yahoo.
| | Learning the Value of an e-Business WebsiteWritten by John Evans
Starting a business is a huge, but rewarding, task to undertake. An internet-based business is no exception and same dedication and hard work is required to make it take off and be successful. You will soon learn immense value of a e-business website. Think of this tool as a virtual storefront. Instead of a physical store you can stock your goods or tout your services, you will utilize this website in a similar fashion. Just as you would maintain a store and ensure it is appropriately decorated for your particular business. You would not expect your customers and clients to shop in a store with cluttered shelves, dusty counters, and dirty floors. For that same reason, you should not expect your customers to shop in a virtual space that is littered with text or links that do not work. In order to make money doing internet business deals, you should run your virtual business like anyone doing business in traditional brick and mortar sense. Even though you work out of comfort of your own home, treat your e-business with utmost professional attitude. When you begin your internet-based business, carefully consider your website. Think of World Wide Web as a huge marketplace and your business needs something to make it stand apart from rest. Developing an e-commerce website that has necessary pizzazz and draws attention of your intended audience will benefit your business. It may be necessary to hire an outside agency to develop your website to its fullest potential. Many individuals find it difficult to promote a professional business over vast expanse of cyberspace. For that reason, your e-business website is a critical tool in showing your customers and clients exactly what you offer. In this age of advanced technology, more and more people are turning to internet for their
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