Having an online presence is not an option anymore. Whether you’re a coffee shop on Main Street or a graphic designer working from that coffee shop, you need an Internet home. Customers are going to look for you on the Web, and if nothing turns up in the search results? Well, they’re likely to move on to a competitor.

“But wait,” you protest. “I don’t have the money for a nice website, and I sure don’t want to look like the online equivalent of a junk shop!” Ahh, sweep those protests aside. I’ll show you how to establish a cheap (and even free) online presence and make it look snazzy to boot!

The Host With the Most

To begin with, you need a hosting company to provide a spot for your web home. These companies sell you space (either by the month or by the year) in which to park your online domicile. Prices run a wide gamut, but here’s a few to check out that are inexpensive but (reportedly) reliable:

• Bluehost.com ($5.95/month – unlimited storage space & free domain name)
• Webhostingpad.com ($4.45/month – unlimited storage & free domain name)
• Greengeeks.com ($4.95/month – free site migration & wind powered hosting)

Websites For Hire

Often hosting companies offer building tools that allow you to quickly build an attractive website. But if you want more customization or a different look, then check out website templates. These are pre-designed sites that you upload to the host site, then tweak by plugging in the graphics and text you want displayed. It’s a very easy way to make your site look good without hiring a designer.

If you’re not very comfortable with HTML or CSS, make sure that your hosting company provides help for uploading the template, and that the template provides clear instructions for customization and use!

One caveat: because you’re using a template, there’s a possibility that someone else, maybe even a competitor, will use that same template. If you’re trying to be absolutely unique, a web designer is a must. We’ve got a wide range of affordable and talented web designers for hire here on oDesk, so take a look at some of their portfolios to find the one whose style suits your needs.

Here’s a few template/design companies to get you started:

• Themeforest.com – This site offers a wide range of themes from a wide range of designers. Because the site functions as a marketplace, template pricing varies from cheap to expensive.
• Weebly.com – This site provides hosting AND easy site design based off a template.  Best of all? It’s free.
• Webs.com – They provide a basic site building tool for free. If you want to employ more customization as well as host through them, prices start at $3.75/month.
• Wix.com – Using a drag and drop interface, you can create your own flash website quickly. (Remember that iPad and iPhone users can’t view Flash, as the technology is not supported by Apple.)

Build a Better Blog

A traditional website is great, but it’s not the only option you have. How about running a blog? Popular blogging platforms such as WordPress, Typepad, Tumblr and Blogger all have basic free options to get you started, as well as plenty of online help, plug-ins and templates available. You can even trick out your blog to such an extent that it appears more like a traditional business site than a standard blog.

The great thing about a blog is that it provides a way to draw customers in by allowing you to easily publish news and information on a regular basis. Blogging can also help your site rank higher in search engine results. Plus, by sharing your expertise in blog posts, you’ll position yourself as an expert to potential customers.

Getting Social

Finally, don’t forget to give your company a Facebook business page. They’re free and provide an easy way to connect with fans. A Facebook page also leverages that powerful marketing tool, word of mouth recommendations. A potential customer is much more likely to check you out if they see that one of their friends is a “fan” of your company.  Another great benefit is that you’ll get access to analytics and data monitoring that will help you evaluate various ways of utilizing social media.

The more ubiquitous the online world becomes, the more urgent it is that you stake out a place for yourself.  Establishing a web presence doesn’t have to put a big dent in your bottom line. Choose one of these suggested options as a starting place, and then branch out from there.

What hosting companies or online tools have you used to establish an online presence? Post your recommendations (or warnings!) below.

Julia Camenisch is a freelance writer and editor for a wide range of clients, including national magazines, small businesses owners and non-profit organizations. She especially enjoys covering stories about the intersection of technology and business.