The Internet boom hit a high mark in 2004. With old
standbys and new emergences, the top ten Internet
businesses 2004 show a variety of companies all with one
thing in common: they have adapted well to the World Wide
Web. Many companies have difficulties and struggle amidst
the huge ocean of the Internet, especially since it is
quite difficult to maintain a personal face. The
companies in the top ten have not only succeeded in the
business sense, they have invaded out daily life and have
become a household name. From meagre beginnings, these
top ten entrepreneur companies have mastered this new
medium and are an inspirational to any budding
entrepreneur interested in starting an Internet based
business.
The Internet search engine Google was the top Internet
business of 2004. The world’s largest search engine
receives over 200 million hits a day. Businesses pay
Google to have an ad for their website appear to the
right side of the user’s search. The paid advertising
targets consumers seeking information. Google’s initial
public offering gave it a market capitalisation of over $23
billion dollars, placing it between Yahoo and Amazon.com.
In addition to becoming an economic success, the company’s
name has invaded our langauge. The verb “google” entered
the dictionary with a definition meaning “to look someone
or something up on the Internet.” The essence of a truly
successful business is not only one that makes money but
also serves its clients to the utmost potential.
The online auction site eBay.com continued to expand its
services and customer base throughout 2004. As the industry
leader it boasts over tens and millions of members and has
websites in over 17 countries. eBay.com generated over $3
billion in revenues off of a record $34 billion dollars in
Gross Merchandise Volume.
Amazon.com continues to be the world’s number one Internet
retailer with 2004 sales in excess of $6.9 billion dollars.
The retailer continues to expand its offerings and
partnerships with other retailers. Recently Amazon.com
rolled out a9.com, which provides consumers with expanded
search options to find merchandise on Amazon.com’s website.
As part of the Tsunami relief effort and in conjunction
with the American Red Cross, Amazon.com set-up an online
donation channel, which raised over $13 million dollars.
Yahoo Inc. provides comprehensive global Internet services.
It remains the most visited website with over 3 billion
page views per day. Yahoo launched its own search engine
technology after dropping Google-powered results. Boasting
free and paid email accounts and website complete with
design tools, many pleased clients are using Yahoo.
Expedia, the Washington-based travel company has
revolutionized the entire travel industry. Allowing
individuals to serve as their own travel agents and search
a database of airfares, rental cars, and hotel rooms,
Expedia has allowed everyone to gain access to the
phenomenal travel deals that would previously be
reserved for insiders.
Technology giant Microsoft launched the Microsoft to serve
a variety of needs for a consumer. Boasting email, news,
chat software, and website hosting, MSN is one of the most
visited websites on the Internet.
America Online has found a great deal of competition with
companies like MSN and Yahoo! but is still one of the most
popular Internet service providers out there. Boasting an
entire network of satisfied customers, AOL goes beyond the
service of other providers. Many individuals new to the
internet choose to use AOL due to its ease of use and
availability all over the globe.
Netflix has become an increasingly popular option for many
movie-renting customers. Instead of having to travel to
your local movie store, the movies are shipped directly to
your home. You have an unlimited number of rentals and
pay a nominal monthly fee for the service. By lowering its
fees in the middle of the year to compete with lower
competitor prices, Netflix drastically increased its
clientele.
With the popularity of burning Audio and video files to
create your own CDs, many copyright issues have taken
center court. Instead of illegally trading music for free
using person to person programs; Real.com has a wide array
of songs available for legal download for a nominal fee.
Additionally, Real.com offers a variety of free and pay
media players so individuals can play MP3s, CDs, DVDs, and
any other type of media file directly on their computer.
The last Internet company in the top ten is online retailer
and technology giant Apple. Their website Apple.com boasts
an amazing number of customers each month, as it provides a
forum to purchase Apple products along with different
programs necessary for maintaining your Apple computer,
iPod, or any other electronic product sold by the company.
John Evans runs http://www.SuccessAlert.net and has written the book Success Alert - Conversations with Successful Internet Entrepreneurs which has been widely acclaimed in a variety of media. If you want to hear about Top Ten Internet Businesses 2004 this book is a must-read!
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