If you think websites do not have an undue influence on consumer purchasing patterns, you should read Research Shows Websites Influence 97% of Client Purchasing Decisions. This article reveals the extent the results of a recent poll in which almost 100% of consumers admitted being influenced by a company/product website when making buying decisions. The article makes the case that various applications of web technology are now considered essential elements of a fully integrated marketing communications program. Additionally, the article goes on to explain that a poorly designed website lacking clear, cohesive content and navigation can actually hinder business success. Finally, the article contains a link to an intriguing webinar that discusses the way in which outbound marketing efforts should be reduced for inbound ones (using the web and social media). In fact, the author reveals how cost effective such marketing efforts are – showing SEO, social media, and email campaigns to be much lower cost than more traditional forms of marketing – and to offer much higher returns.