After all, it is clear to see how a Web site can add to these businesses' customer base or direct sales.

But, what about businesses with more unique products and services or any company that doesn't fit into the conventional Web site mold?

The fact is that with advanced interactive Web sites, just about any type of application can be developed to streamline internal operations or create tools to help your customers and clients automate the buying process and reduce your business's bottom line.

In other words, if your Web site can save you and your customer time and effort, that saves you money and gives you the edge over your competition. The key is building the features so they are easy to use and maintain on a regular basis.

One example of a local company taking this approach with their Web site comes from Fenix Technology (http://www.fenixtechnology.com). This company engineers and develops custom arc and flash lamps used in lasers.

Knowing that a static advertisement Web site would be limited in how much that could help their type of business, they decided to develop some custom applications that relate directly to their purchasing process.

First, they came up with a calculator that would determine all kinds of technical specifications about that product. That way, when an engineer came to their site and wanted to see what could be changed while still meeting their personal specifications, it could be done quickly and easily in real time without taking up any of the staff's resources.

Second, they developed an interactive spec sheet that walks their customers through the ordering and purchasing process and allows the company to provide their customer with an accurate quote.

This company was able to recognize that a basic advertisement Web site would be too limiting and found ways of making their online presence into something that would save their staff time and make the purchasing process easier for their customers.

Another example of a local company using creative interactive features to customize their Web site for their specific needs is RV World Recreational Vehicle Center (http://www.rvs4u.com) and the way they offer interactive information to help their customers with the purchasing process.

When this company developed their site, they took a step back and thought about what would really ease the workload of their staff and make it easier and more enjoyable for customers to purchase their products.

The solution was an online, searchable database of all the pre-owned vehicles on their lot. In addition to the detailed photo listings, features like a real time payment calculator, quick quote price form and a "Which RV is Right for Me" tool were developed.

The end result has been more business and customers coming into the dealership that are better informed and, often times, knowing exactly the vehicle they want to purchase.

So, if you have been thinking about a Web site for your business but not sure how it could directly affect your bottom line, consider development of custom, interactive features. By saving your staff time and easing your customer's purchasing process, a Web site could help your business too.