The internet has shrunk the world to one tiny, global village. It has made it possible to connect with people in other countries and on other continents. But when it comes to choosing a digital agency to harness the internet for your business, it still is a good idea to think locally instead of globally. Enlisting the services of a local digital agency, one that’s in your city or country will benefit your business and online strategy in these four ways.

All business is online or going online and this is a whole new world for many "old-school" business owners. Especially those who haven’t employed an IT support team. The added concern for most is security. The media is rife with news on hacking, cyber theft and the like. And, cyber security can be most confusing for those who aren’t au fait with IT issues. Here are some quick and simple steps to ensuring your business and your customers are protected from cyber criminals.

The Internet has evolved to become more than just a tool for surfing and email – it's now essential for the day-to-day running and growth of any business. Besides enabling business owners to communicate with staff, clients and suppliers faster than ever before, small businesses are using the World Wide Web to improve productivity, efficiency and, ultimately, profitability. MWEB aims to guide SME and small-office-home-office (SOHO) business owners through the online world with this guide to some of its features and how they can be used to achieve professional success.

The security of your website is crucial to keeping an online business booming. The fact that your site is open for literally the entire world to access, means you can not completely guarantee your website's security. That is simply the nature of the Internet. However, there some basic measures you can put in place to help prevent Internet thieves from getting their hands on sensitive information.

While technology and the Internet have made it possible for SMEs to compete with their big brothers and do business with anyone from Cape Town to Canada, it also makes us vulnerable to a whole new type of criminal. If left unchecked, these digital thieves can cause irreparable harm to a small business and even lead to its downfall. Here are some tips to help you better protect your company's important information.

The constant evolution of technology and advances in online capabilities has meant that it is very little we can't do over the internet. A huge number of entrepreneurs are starting online businesses; and while this could be a great way of getting into business for oneself, it's by no means easy to make a success of it. The virtual world has created a whole new pool of potential customers and if you're starting an online business or think your existing business could do well online, here's a rough guide to getting started.

A social media presence – via social media marketing – is a must-have when it comes to marketing your business. You may have heard this phrase being bandied about, but aren't quite sure what it means or how it can be of use to your business. Let's demystify the online world of social media and how you can leverage it to reach a wider consumer base.

With Web2.0 as an easy to use platform, the prolific development of online business and social media has resulted in so many business networking opportunities. With so many business networks, local, national, and global, it's hard to choose. Some are only virtual; some include face to face meetings. Some are free, some requiring a small payment and others a larger payment. It’s mind-boggling! But, really, is your “net” working?

Small business owners are taught to not spend their money unless absolutely necessary. In fact, bootstrapping your business is often considered the best way to ensure success. This concept is often challenged when businesses are faced with whether or not to set up a website. In today’s marketplace technology is king. You have to be online, the pace is too fast and you can be certain your competitors are mostly online too. Find out how to acquire better customers by utilizing hosting services.

E-commerce is the sale of products and services over the Internet. It is the fastest-growing segment of our economy. Is an e-commerce website right for you?