Getting Started Online for Small Business

As a small business owner today one of the first things to do is create a website.  You are able to create a website for free with little knowledge of computer coding.  If you can create a Word document then you can create a website.  There are a number of these sites available however I use Yola and Google Sites.  One nice thing about Yola is that they register domain names, host your site and provide storage and customer service.  I can say the customer support at Yola is fast and thorough and I do recommend them.  Just check out these design videos here as an example.  Google Sites is powered by Google, currently they do not have as many options as Yola but they are free, easy to use and have all of Goolge's tools available.  I have yet to have a need to contact Google's customer support but the "Help" forums have been more than enough assistance for any question I have had.  You will be given a Google Sites address for free, if you want a customized name such as www.mysite.com you will have to register with a registry site and redirect your traffic.  I have use GoDaddy to register my domain or website address.  For $9.00 or less you can register your name and then redirect your traffic to a free site such as Google sites. When you have created your site you will need to submit your site to search engines so they know how to find it.  here are the links for Google, Yahoo, Bing.  Yes do all 3, it will take up to a week for your site to show up in a search.
Use Google webmaster tools & Google analytics to track web traffic, keywords, subscriptions and more. 
Remember to create a links page on your website.  The more people who you are linked to and the more who are linked back to you the better. 
Sign up for Google Apps.  I am cheap, I admit it.  I used the free or standard edition because my organization is going to use less than 50 users.  Here you will be able to set up email accounts with your domain address for example fred@mysite.com instead of fred@gmail.com  For Windows Live users go here.   Yola provides a great customer service page to set up your Windows Live account here. I have not used this product, I use Google, I have not had a problem with Google and I always recommend them first.
Your next step should be to set up you business Facebook page.  Use your new Google Apps contactus@mybusiness.com email address to sign up.  your Facebook user name should be your business name.  Why use Facebook?  Because that is where your customers are! Begin first with your profile, tell your customers what your business is about create an online portfolio of success and positive stories.  Slowly you will build an online network of friends.  Your local government has a presence here as well as you r chamber of commerce.  Link to these people by becoming their friends.  Are you having a sale?  an event?  create a fan page where you can ask for RSVP's or post special information about the event.  As a business be very careful with how private your profile is, you will want more public access to find you.  Update your Facebook page daily, the more traffic the better.  This is true with all websites. 
First why use Twitter?  Twitter sends out brief notices to your followers.  Many people follow Twitter on their mobile devices and Tweets tend to show up in Google searches quicker than a Facebook status message.  Use a Twitter Clients that I mentioned in one of my earlier posts to post blog updates, TwitPics of merchandise, Shortend URL's of specials or listings.  Twitter is a powerful tool and you will be amazed at how much traffic Twitter can bring to your website and hopefully to your cash register. 
You should plan to use your website, Facebook page & Twitter as a team.  One does not replace the other and each serves it own unique purpose.  As you learn you can incorporate a MySpace page and other social networking sites specific to your organization.
Now that your on the web its time to get on the map.  Two sites are here to help get you started. Yelp &  Google places.  I have seen the Google places sticker on multiple Rita's throughout the region.  Google places has a great video on how the product works and you can view it on their page.  Yelp by my own definition is the electronic yellow pages with reviews of businesses.  I have used the site often and will continue to do so.  I have found reviews to be very helpful and accurate.  Yelp does have a help section for business owners to help you with questions you may have.
Finally create a linkedin professional profile to interact with other business profesionals in your field. 
This is a process that is continually growing and evolving but will give you a good start.  Yes this will seem overwhelming in the beginning but with patience & practice I hope your business grows.