Websites have become the most powerful and functional marketing tool available to businesses of all sizes. They can sell, offer 24/7 customer service, and serve as a public relations center. They can also be a black hole into which you pour money.

Believe it or not, when the Web first became available to businesses, I didn't believe it would be a particularly useful tool for the average business. It was still a specialty venue, with very low visitorship and only limited demographic appeal. Today, with about 70% of consumers shopping or doing research online before a purchase, the Web is critical to successful marketing.

A website can be very simple yet effective, amounting to no more than an online brochure. Or a website can be vastly complex and sprawling. In either case, your website should do what you want it to do with a minimum of waste. At the risk of limiting my own personal income, I have to say that most web designers and developers over-sell clients on what they need for a successful website. You can always add the high-dollar Flash intro that pulls live video from CNN later if you find you need it. For now, let's make a website that is effective.

Check the web portfolio. It has a variety of sites I've done. All are still active.