Regardless of the type of business you own - whether it's a sole proprietorship or a multinational corporation - you need a website. The Internet is so ubiquitous that your customers and potential customers expect you to have a website, and look with suspicion upon those companies that don't have a Web presence.

But it's not enough to have a claim staked on your little corner of the Internet. You need a web page design that reflects not only the type of business you are, but that also conveys the tone of the business you want to be. In the competitive world of business, perception is everything. If you don't make a good first impression, you won't get a second chance.

When you want to launch a website or revamp the website you already have, where do you turn? Clearly, most people don't have the skills necessary to design their own web site, nor the interest to learn how to become a website designer. Besides, you wouldn't want to leave your company's image in the hands of an amateur. You really need a professional web page designer - more specifically, a business web page designer.

When you're looking for a web designer, the best place to find one is on the Internet. Here are five tips to help you find a web page design company that fits your needs - and your budget.

1. Design Templates. Most professional webpage design companies use templates. Unless you need a highly customized design, templates work beautifully. The best companies have over 800 design templates from which you can choose. The most inexpensive approach is to choose a template that reflects your business and then customize the text, color palettes, and images. For example, if you're an accountant, you can find web design templates that are created specifically for those in financial services.

2. Customization. Choose a web page design company that can customize your web site to the extent you need. Perhaps you'd like a distinctive headers and graphics on each page. Maybe you'd like to add photo albums, flash introductions, or other design features. The web design firms you consider should have the ability to offer the customization you desire.

3. Specialized Solutions. Because each business is unique, a business web page designer will have a suite of tools available to help you accomplish your online goals. E-commerce solutions, like shopping carts and SSL certificates, should be available to you if necessary. Similarly, web-based email might be important to you. Find a web page design firm that offers the solutions you need.

4. Web Hosting. A beautiful website is wonderful, but unless you own your own server, you're going to need a web hosting service. The best design companies will offer free hosting for any websites that they design.

5. Marketing and Tracking. It's important to optimize your web site so that those doing Internet searches will be able to find you. It's also crucial to know how many people visit your website, which web pages they visit, and other analytics. Ensure that the web page design company you choose can help you with search engine optimization and tracking.

An aesthetically pleasing and fully functional web page design will help your business compete in the marketplace and grow to its fullest potential.