Setting up your own Web site and finding a host to market your business online is easier and more affordable in today's marketplace.

There was a time when only a handful of companies had a monopoly on the market, which not only meant few choices but also high prices.

Many Web services were a la carte, costing hundreds of dollars to incorporate into one site. These options not only took time to find but also many man hours to learn.

Now you can find Web hosts that offer bundled options:

• Tools to create your site

• Secure shopping carts

• Blogging and/or message board features

• Hundreds of Email address variations

• and more for $125 year or less

Internet presence, as part of a national or global marketing strategy, is mandatory for today's solo business professional.

There are many Web site hosting companies available to bring you online for the first time.

If you're already established on the Web, your mission is not only to maintain your site but also to ensure that the costs paid and services provided are within reasonable bounds as compared with other hosts' capabilities.