The Internet has become the world’s biggest shopping center, a 24/7 marketplace where people can shop for any product or service from anywhere.

It is also the perfect place for entrepreneurs interested in setting up shop quickly with a minimum of capital. They can enjoy more management flexibility than their counterparts in “brick and mortar” businesses.

L-A SCORE mentor Jack Tetreault cautions, “Of course, you will still need the basics of any business: a legal structure, phones, computers and other communications infrastructure, a bank account, budgeting, accounting and marketing skills, etc. But you also have the advantage of several Web-based services that can help you establish a presence on the Web.”

Service providers such as Interland, Yahoo Small Business, BigStep and others offer simplified do-it-yourself packages that make the setup process straightforward. Even with little tech know-how, you can get a basic Web site registered, designed and online quickly for as little as $20 a month.

You will still need to work hard at attracting customers, just like any new business. In some ways the task is even harder online because you are competing with many others doing the same thing. Make sure your Web site is listed in search engines and get more out of your listings. You’ll find help for search engine submission at SearchEngineWatch.com. This site offers submission tips, Web searching tips, Search engine reviews and other resources.

Targeted ads attached to keyword search results are a great way to promote your wares. Their simplicity, low cost and popularity among small businesses have made them the main method for connecting buyers and merchants online. Business owners also like the concept because you pay only when someone clicks your ad and visits your site. Google Adwords, www.google.com/ads, is one of the leaders.

To get visitors more involved in your Web site, add surveys, guest books, auto responders and downloadable documents. Your Web host may offer some of these. Helpful resources include ConstantContact.com and Topica.com.

Also take advantage of the tools and services available at the Microsoft Small Business Center at www.microsoft.com/smallbusiness. This site’s Startup Center provides help with Web marketing, payment processing, online catalog creation, shopping carts, list building, banner ads and getting your site registered with search engines.

To learn more about establishing and operating your small business, contact SCORE, a nonprofit organization of more than 10,500 volunteer business mentors who provide confidential counseling and training workshops. In the Lewiston-Auburn area, call L-A SCORE at 782-3708 for information and an appointment; in Rumford-Mexico call 364-3123; in Oxford Hills call 743-0499. Or contact SCORE at www.SCOREMaine.org.