One of the most frequent requests I receive from readers is for tips on making money on the Internet. The worldwide web presents almost unlimited potential for both established operations and enterprising individuals alike to create extra income. In the 21st century, if you’re only focusing on customers who walk through your physical door, then you’re missing out on tremendous marketing opportunities.

Many local operators have not yet jumped on the online bandwagon, as they may not be internet savvy or may not have realized the powerful reach of the Internet as a marketing tool. Some are of the opinion that their local customers rarely use the Internet, so they don’t see the economic benefits from pitching their products and services in cyberspace.

The reality is that internet usage in Jamaica has been growing rapidly. Recent statistics published on www.internetworldstats.com reveal that some 1.2 million people in Jamaica have access to the Internet.

Also, as the internet generation (persons 25 years old and younger) start earning in the workforce, they expect to have instant access to products via online shopping options.

So how can you tap into the over 1.3 billion persons worldwide that surf the web?

First, you need to get an Internet presence by setting up your own website. In the past, this has presented a challenge to many cost-conscious business owners who were deterred by the high cost of website design. Times have changed, and you can now obtain a website on a budget. Let’s take a look at some low cost web options:

Do it yourself (DIY)

Although DIY can be the least expensive option, it should only be attempted by adventurous and patient persons who relish opportunities to learn something new. As I definitely fall under that category, I chose the DIY route when I decided to set up a website for my new business.

The first step in creating a website is to purchase a domain name. There are several online locations where you can buy a domain name, the most popular being GoDaddy.com. Domain names usually cost about US$9, but the cost increases based on the number of additional services, such as email addresses, that you wish to have.

With no prior experience, I designed my web pages using Microsoft Publisher. It was a fairly simple process, as Publisher offers several templates to create your desired look. Once I was reasonably satisfied with the finished product, I realized that I had no idea how the pages on my computer would be transformed into cyberspace.

I discovered that the next step was to pay to have my website hosted on the Internet. Web hosts are companies that provide space to their clients on a server that connects with the Internet – it’s like renting a room in cyberspace. You can find local operators that provide this service, with costs starting at about J$10,000 per year, or with monthly access fees. You can also search online for various web host options.

With the help of some web techie friends and a little online research, I then got a crash course into the world of File Transfer Protocols (FTP). This is one way to exchange your web pages from your computer to the server that hosts your website on the Internet. I downloaded a free FTP from the web, took notes about the steps to upload files using this service, and in an instant, my website was live on the Internet. See the results at www.financiallysmartonline.com.

With a shoestring budget of less than J$11,000, I had created a web presence for my business. I was amazed that it was that simple to put a website onto the Internet, but I later learned that Microsoft Publisher was definitely not the preferred way to create a web page. Armed with new information, I’m now determined to learn more about HTML, which is the programming language used to create documents for display on the web.

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Use an online template

I know that most people will be intimidated by the prospect of designing and publishing their own website. However, there are several online resources that will allow you easily create your own site at minimal cost.

One option is the Yahoo Small Business web hosting service. Yahoo gives you the ability to select a site design, choose a page layout, and decide on the type of pages needed such as home, contact us, and services. If you know how to use Microsoft Word to create a document, then you can add your text, your logo and pictures to complete your website design.

Yahoo Small Business points out that its service is ideally suited for small, independently owned businesses that have controlled growth prospects. The service currently costs about US$12 per month.

So, with a little effort and the desire to learn, you can be up and running on the Internet at very little cost. Next week we will examine what it will take to actually start selling your products and services online.

Copyright © 2008 Cherryl Hanson Simpson. No reproduction without written consent.

Originally published in The Daily Observer, October 2, 2008

Cherryl is a financial columnist, consultant and coach. See more of her work at www.financiallyfreenetwork.com and www.financiallysmartonline.com. Contact Cherryl