D. Create an Online Presence

In today’s increasingly virtual world, an online presence is essential.  Few things are more frustrating to potential customers than hearing of a product or service that they’ve got to have and being unable to find additional information online.  Until you have the time and resources to develop a full, customized website, several easy platforms can give you a virtual presence quickly for very little money.  For example:

• Facebook Pages: If you have a Facebook account, you can create a business page in just a few clicks for posting essential information and building a fan base.
• Google Sites: This free web service from Google makes it easy to build a website, either from scratch or using a template.
• Doodlekit: Doodlekit allows you to get a free website up fairly quickly through customizable templates, although it limits you to five pages and a blog.
• SquareSpace: For a more professional looking template site that can upgrade to a full package of business tools, use SquareSpace.
• Wix: Wix provides every tool you need to create a stunning site for free.
• WordPress: WordPress has two platforms. One is a free blogging platform, the other is a more comprehensive option. To use this option you need to have a hosting account. There are several options including Blue Host, SiteGround, Host Gator, 1 in 1, Go Daddy. Excelsior has a partner that offers hosting called E-Tech Express.