What is the Internet?

What is the Internet?

From Wikipedia:

The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standardized Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP). It is a network of networks that consists of millions of private and public, academic, business, and government networks of local to global scope that are linked by copper wires, fiber-optic cables, wireless connections, and other technologies. The Internet carries a vast array of information resources and services, most notably the inter-linked hypertext documents of the World Wide Web (WWW) and the infrastructure to support electronic mail, in addition to popular services such as online chat, file transfer and file sharing, online gaming, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) person-to-person communication via voice and video.

So the simple definition is that it is a world wide network of computers that can be used by anyone with an ISP (Internet Service Provider) account. Some of the common ISP's are Cable companies, AT&T, and AOL. But there are many more ISPs out there.

What is the Internet used for?

There are hundreds of uses for the Internet today. Some of the more common ones include:

• Searching for answers to questions
• Finding products and/or businesses
• Talking with friends and relatives – both verbally and using live video
• Finding directions
• Researching a product before the purchase
• Finding the best price and service for a product
• Using social media to converse with and meet people
• Customer service
• Reputation management
• Learning new things

Why do I need the Internet?

As a business owner you know the importance of marketing and customer service. You can use the Internet to expand you marketing and improve your customer service. And you can do this (in most cases) for less investment then the typical off line methods. But this is not a reason to stop all of your off line marketing efforts (at least the profitable ones).

To be found!

Over 70% of people in the United States are on the Internet. And over 60% of people before they make a purchase search for information about what they are interested in. And then they purchase either online or off line.

Fewer and fewer people are reading the yellow pages, ads in newspapers or magazines or TV and Radio ads. Yes you can still get some return for these marketing efforts but the returns are decreasing.

So your business needs to be found online. You may be able to survive in today's economy without the Internet but your chances of surviving are greatly improved if you are found on the Internet. Remember that if the searchers don't find you they will find your competition.

What is the purpose of the Internet!

From a business perspective the main purpose is to be found by potential and real customers. This is true even if you have a very local business market and can't sell anything online. You want to be found in your market online.

The next purpose is to supply useful information about your business and your products. People who are searching are searching for information. If you don't supply it they will go some where else.

Consider using the Internet for part of your customer service and reputation management. It is easy to find all references to your business and your products. If there are negative reports about your business or products you can respond. Your frequently asked questions could be available 24 hours a day every day. Also you can respond to emails quicker than an in person visit.

You can use the Internet to create a list of potential customers you can market to over the Internet.

And let's not forget selling products over the Internet. And this selling process can be automated to run all the time. Even when you are on vacation or asleep.

So if your business is not online, you should seriously consider adding an Internet website to your business plan.

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