So what do you do if need to get a web site but you're not sure how to go about getting one. The good news is you have several options. To help determine which option is best for you, ask yourself the following five questions:

1) How computer literate am I?

2) How easily do I learn new computer programs?

3) How much time am I willing to put into this?

4) Is this the best use of my time?

5) How much money am I willing to spend?

If you are fairly computer literate, learn new software programs fairly easily, and are willing to spend some time, one of the cheapest ways to get a web site is to build it yourself.

You can use off-the-shelf software such as Microsoft FrontPage and either design your site yourself, or purchase a pre-designed template to make it even easier. The good news is you will be able to update your site as much as you want and it won't cost you a dime.

If you have little time or interest in learning how to build a web site on your own, you have several options. First, you can use an online "Click and Build" service. This route is fast, simple and you don't have to program anything. This option is inexpensive as well and also includes your web site hosting as part of the package. Check out http://www.its4domains.net for more information on this option.

Your other option is to let a professional handle it for you. I refer my clients to several web designers who work with small businesses and are relatively inexpensive. Cost will depend on the size of your web site and the capabilities you require but you can probably get a basic site built for less than $1000.

For more information on this and other low-cost marketing strategies, visit http://www.10stepmarketing.com

(C) 2005 Debbie LaChusa

Debbie LaChusa

Debbie LaChusa is a marketing veteran with 20 years in the business. After 13 years in the advertising and marketing agency business, Debbie founded DLC Marketing, Inc., a marketing consulting and coaching business. Her goal? To give entrepreneurs and small business owners affordable access to the same high-level strategic marketing and advertising expertise that typically only large companies with big budgets can afford.

Debbie's commitment to making marketing expertise accessible to small business also led her to pursue speaking engagements and teaching. She has spoken at meetings and conventions across the United States and in Canada. She also is on the faculty of Wellcoaches Corporation, where she teaches wellness coach trainees around the world how to successfully market their new coaching practices.

Debbie has written and self-published two marketing workbooks, "A Step-by-Step Marketing Guide" and "A Step-by-Step Marketing Guide for Your Fitness Business" which have sold copies worldwide. Her advice is also featured in Entrepreneur Magazine's "How to Start a Personal Training Business," part of the magazine's Business Start-Up Series. And she is a contributor to the San Diego Business Journal.

Debbie created The 10stepmarketing™ System to provide small business owners, coaches, consultants and other independent professionals with all the tools they need to market themselves.

This simple, step-by-step system, features an easy-to-use question-and-answer format that walks business owners through every step they need to take to develop and implement their own marketing plan designed to achieve the success they desire and deserve.

On a more personal note, Debbie LaChusa is a fraternal twin. In 2004 she launched Twin Connections, a web site that celebrates the unique and mysterious bond shared by twins. She collects twin stories and hopes to compile them into a book.