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Ready to dig a little deeper into making your online business a success? Here is just a sampling of other great articles and resources from across the Business.gov Community of small business experts and entrepreneurs.For small businesses, getting noticed online is a challenge, particularly when competing with big brands with large marketing departments and seemingly endless marketing budgets. But more and more local companies are finding success cutting through the clutter with online video. Statistics show that video improves online visibility and drives more action online than plain images and text. For example, according to the BIA Kelsey Group, viewers engage more after watching a video, with clicks for more information increasing by 30-40% and phone inquiries by 16-20%. There are companies out there who’s sole mission is to help you with your online video efforts. There are companies out there who’s sole mission is to help you with your online video efforts.

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Of the nearly 350 million people living in North America, 74 percent of these are Internet users. So it’s not surprising that this powerful, universal medium for information consumption, networking and commerce has also emerged as one of the most important elements in almost every business toolkit.

But for many small business owners, the Internet is more than tool - it’s a lifeline that has helped them survive and prosper through the current economic climate.

Just think back to last year’s holiday shopping season, for example. Despite the recession, 2009 saw the heaviest-ever online shopping day (December 19) with $913 million in recorded sales. The U.S. Census Bureau also reports that e-commerce sales continue to grow by 23.1 percent per year compared with 5 percent for total retail sales.

Starting an Online Business – One Step at a Time

But for many small businesses, micro businesses and sole proprietors, taking their business online (whether e-commerce is involved or not) is easier said than done. Yep, anyone can secure a domain name and subscribe to a $5.99 monthly Web hosting plan. But an online business is merely a vehicle for the product or service you are selling. So starting a Web-based business – and making it a success – will take more than just “getting online”.

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