Over the years, my website has gone through a few transformations. Each time I redesigned it, I’d look back at the one before it and realize how lame it was. Finally I have a blog I’m proud of and a new blog name that brings visitors to my site (and raises a few eyebrows).

If you’re serious about competing in the global market, you have to have a website. It’s not enough to have a toll-free number, a business listing in the Yellow Pages and ads in print and online…you have to have a Web presence too. For a small cost—actually think of it as an investment—you can have a site that provides valuable information and of course, a reason for others to contact you for your services or to buy your products.

If you have the skills to create a site and you’re creative, then you’ll save money. If, like me, you have limited Web design skills, you’ll need to rely on a Web designer. Pay someone to do what they do well and then you can spend time on the tasks you do well and will help you make money.

After you’ve decided to create a site, use a simple name that will bring visitors to you. If you refer to your business often, use your business name. If clients will search for you by your own name, use that. If you offer an interesting product or service, use that name. You could even use the title of a book you’ve written (shortened of course).

Make sure you include your Web address on everything that leaves your office. Also, change your content often to give visitors a reason to frequent your site and to improve your ratings with search engines.