If you want a successful, effective and profitable website, get out there and use the internet.

There are not many businesses who don’t have a website, or who haven’t considered building one. Unfortunately I come across many business owners who have false expectations about what a website will do for them because they don’t understand the medium. I encourage any business owner who wants to have a serious online presence to get serious about their own online habits.

This is especially important for anyone looking to have an eCommerce website, or an online shop.

Here’s a list of things I believe all website owners should do online:

• Book a flight.
• Buy a gift from a small business niche retailer in another state, or country.
• Become proficient at sending, receiving  and replying to emails.
• Win an auction on eBay.
• Post in a forum.
• Book accommodation for your next holiday.
• Search Google, Yahoo and Live for specific local products & services.
• Find their location on Google maps.
• Regularly use netbanking.
• Subscribe to an RSS feed.
• Write a review for a hotel, restaurant or service you’ve used.

Business owners making great money from their websites immerse themselves in the internet and watch how other similar businesses innovate and develop their products online. This helps them understand their customers and jump on new trends as they emerge.

What do you do online to keep yourself current and up to date?