Do I Need a Web Site?
By Jeffrey Lerman, J.D.

     Many people ask this question and, of course, only two simple answers really exist - yes or no. For many of us, the answer is yes. Why? The reasons are limitless, but let me offer you a few examples:
     First: You have a business or provide a service. As you know, the best way to get new customers is through exposure. If nobody has heard of you, they can’t buy from you either.  Handing out business cards, taking an ad in a local newspaper and so on are all good ways of getting exposure, but the internet has the potential of getting you worldwide exposure at an extremely low cost. Web sites don’t have to be big and elaborate, costing lots of money and taking all your time to maintain.  They can be as simple as an online business card, a coupon, a copy of a menu, etc. if that’s all you need your target audience to see.  Of course, web sites can also be monstrous online stores with full inventories, shopping carts, and other tools of e-commerce.  At both levels though, you should know that there are affordable professionals who can take care of your needs, designing and maintaining your site, without you having to go out and learn any sort of computer programming. Further, web sites are powerful tools for building customer or member databases.  You can let your customers know about sales, specials, or promotions simply by e-mailing them. For a more complete and detailed analysis of why businesses should maintain a web presence click here.
     Second: You represent an organization (professional, social, charitable). These organizations often sponsor events, outings, fund raisers, awards, scholarships, and so on.  With the type of exposure offered on the internet, more people will be able to find out about and participate in these happenings.  The traditional method of spreading the word is by printing flyers, newsletters or brochures. This is costly.  Event calendars and membership lists can be built and updated online. With a web site, people can read the information online and print the pages they want at their own desire - with no printing or mailing costs to the organization.
     Third: You’re an individual with something to say or people to keep in touch with. Families can create sites chronicling  how each member progresses through life. You can share pictures of vacations, children, pets, or anything else. The internet was built on the principle that people should share information freely.  By its very nature, the internet can act as the proverbial soapbox for for individuals to stand on and voice their opinions.  This can be done through a traditional web page, through art or music, or even by the newest trend - blogging.  As is true for businesses and organizations, even an individual with no computer experience or desire to learn can get a site built and professionally maintained at a reasonable price.
     For anyone who wants exposure for themselves or their products, who needs to keep in contact with others, or wants to reach others like themselves, the internet provides an excellent means of doing such.  Lack of ability or knowledge about computers, coding or programming need not be a barrier to opening your world to the rest of the world.  Competent professionals can get you going without the frustrations of learning an entire new set of skills, and they can do it for you without breaking your bank.