e-Business Trends of 2004Written by John Evans
2004 was a huge year for E-businesses, as record number of entrepreneurs decided to make their dream a reality and start their own business. Working as your own boss is a huge responsibility and can be extremely time consuming, as you are essentially running a one person show. However, that being said, rewards far outweigh amount of hard work that must be put into starting your e-business. Instead of struggling with office politics, difficult co-workers, and unruly bosses, you can work out of comfort of your own home. Similarly, you can arrange your work schedule around your life and your current responsibilities. For this reason, many individuals who are unable to work traditional hours choose to start their own e-business. Additionally, individuals who are currently employed may wish to start an e-business to add an income in addition to their work salary. Before you dive in to world of entrepreneurship, you may wish to carefully review e-business trends of 2004. The year proved tremendously successful to starter e-businesses in addition to current web businesses. The internet is a continuously growing entity with a huge number of customers who regularly purchase items through numerous retail websites. To find audience you should gear your website for, consult an entrepreneurship textbook online or one of many available websites. The most obvious trend is retail sales. Whatever you choose to sell, you will find a willing customer on internet. Many creative individuals choose to sell handmade items over internet in order to turn their hobbies and passions into a viable income. From original jewelry to one of a kind artwork, creative and craft items are a hot seller. Regardless what your business is selling, properly advertising your wares will make all difference. You could be selling best item ever made, but if it is buried within a website afloat in massive sea of World Wide Web, no one will ever find your product. However, if you advertise in correct places, your e-business is sure to take off.
| | 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.
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