Launching a successful Web site is one of the single most important steps any small business can take, but doing it well does require planning, investment and commitment to the long-term. But the potential upside is too big to ignore.

E-commerce revenues worldwide will surpass $500 billion in 2006. More than 1 billion people use the Internet worldwide, including more than 227 million in North America alone. Growth rates of nearly 200% in the number of Internet users are expected in 2006.

With revenues and traffic climbing in nearly every online sector, small businesses should see opportunity for years to come.