This takes many forms, from an online brochure used to compliment conventional promotion; through to market research and customer service; right up to fully fledged online catalogues or e-commerce solutions - where customers can actually order goods online.
In whatever form it takes, companies are finding the web an excellent resource. This is backed up by research which indicates that over 70% of large UK businesses are making use of the Internet. This high percentage is quite an achievement in such a short time. From small beginnings the web has grown at a tremendous rate making it the fastest growing medium of all time. In 1996 online sales figures were only 2.8 billion. This has grown dramatically and is expected to reach 45 billion sales this year. What's more, by the year 2005 it is predicted that 50% of all credit card transactions will be made over the Internet. Add to this the fact that the number of people shopping online is increasing by 230% annually, and I'm sure you can see the huge potential of the web for your business.

Other attractions of the web include its low start up cost; its flexibility and its huge global market which is estimated to consist of 100 million people. No other media offers such a huge audience at such a low cost. What's more, the web gives any business the opportunity to expand its operation to international dimensions without the costs normally associated with setting up such an operation. It also allows the small business, to compete on an equal footing with large multinational corporations. In fact, in the UK, it is the small to medium enterprise sector (SME) working in conjunction with web developers who are making the best strategic use of the web - overtaking large business in the process!

Digital Media Solutions Ltd can help your company to do the same. We are a marketing oriented Web Development agency who can help your company realise the full potential of the Web. We are experts in graphic design, copywriting, digital technology and direct marketing. Our unique approach allows us to give you a professionally designed site for a fraction of the price charged by other agencies. What's more, we offer a unique money back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied - no other agency has the confidence to offer such a guarantee!

Your company has the opportunity to gain a huge advantage over your competitors. Over the next few years the Internet is going to completely change the way we do business. It is probably the most important development in business and communication in the history of this planet. However, because the Internet is developing at such an amazing rate -those companies who put off entering the world of online commerce may never be able to catch up with their more forward thinking competitors.

As you have requested this guide, you have taken the first step to getting online and therefore fall into the latter category. Once you have finished reading and are ready to take the next step and actually set up your site, please contact us. We will be here to help you maximise the potential of your business on the world wide web.