How to create a great website is, I'm sure, a thought occupying an increasing number of peoples minds as the global economic downturn we are currently experiencing shows no real signs of abating. Well, I've some good news for you, albeit tempered with a small dose of realism.

Creating a great website is actually less difficult than a lot of people imagine but, having said that, a great website on its own is about as useful as a bucket of sand in the desert! An increasing number of people, of course, are looking to the world wide web as a temporary or, perhaps, permanent answer to their economic travails. Job security appears to be a thing of the past whilst any number of people are forced to anticipate levels of income in retirement substantially below their expectations.

The internet presents a fantastic opportunity for virtually anyone (and I do mean anyone) to supplement or, indeed, replace their income providing that they approach the situation with the right mindset and understand that it will be necessary to actually learn some skills and do some work to make it work. Please do not be misled by silver tongued "experts" who promise you millionaire status tomorrow. You must know that is simply not possible.

What is required is an understanding of the structure of a web-based business and what tools are required. Sadly it is not difficult to find gurus who will profess to tell you everything in five minutes, only to leave you tantalising short of the complete picture whilst they extract even more money from you. Find someone you can trust and the battle is half won.