Creating web credibility

Be responsive. Answer email as quickly as possible to let people know you're accessible, professional and responsible.

Be professional. Take the time to double-check spelling and grammar in every communication. Typos are often taken as a sign of laziness or, worse, a lack of education, professionalism and integrity. If necessary, hire an editor or proofreader. Your reputation is worth the investment.

Make contacting you easy. Your email signature file should include all the possible ways to contact you: phone, email, fax, web site, etc. Don't tell people to, "Go to my web site to get more information," send the link to the exact page you want them to see.

Post your photo. Because the Internet is such an anonymous medium, do everything you can to let visitors get to know the people behind the site.