Looks like its not all doom and gloom as Network Solutions announced its e-commerce customers saw a 10% increase in business on CyberMonday compared to last year.

If Network Solutions figures are accurate, it means that more and more people are turning to shopping online, instead of going to brick and mortar stores.

I can say it’s true for me personally and professionally. I did most of my holiday shopping online (and have done so for several years now). And I also so a spike in traffic and sales this month.

The bottom line here is that is you have a company that sells ANYTHING, you need to have an online presence.  And it still surprises me when I meet someone who’s in business who doesn’t have one.

Do you think it’s essential to have a website in today’s marketplace?

Image credit: einvents at flickr

I was shocked to learn from the Dallas Morning News that only 36 percent of all businesses with fewer than 100 employees had a Web presence.

My question is: why not?

According to my very good friend and SEO pro Rebecca Murtagh, more than 91 people in the US use search engines to find you, your products/services before ever picking up the phone or walking into your doors. And 80 percent of people find the business they will buy from on the Internet.

It’s not like it used to be. Domains are cheap. (Sometimes you can get them for 6 bucks.) And if you don’t want to use html, a blog or other content management system, makes it easy to create a site and update it.

And if you’re reading this and don’t have a web presence, can you let me know why?

In this week’s Monday Media Marketing Minute, I share how you can start getting noticed online - without having a blog.

In less time than it takes to grab your Starbucks, you’ll learn a great way to get a real buzz.

For more weekly free publicity tips, go to http://www.beheardsolutions.com