Web hosting:
Most Internet Service Providers include a small amount of web space in the deal. If you're using one of the "free" internet mail services, I suggest you spend a few bucks on a "real" service just so you can get rid of the advertisement clutter ( such as what appears in this Yahoo Groups email).

If you're shopping for an ISP, I recommend you look at www.earthlink.net. I've been quite pleased with them and they include a very nice e-mail / web browser / website management tool.

Web authoring:
Some ISPs include a simple web authoring tool, with templates to make the job easier. This would give you a presence but may not give you all the control you need. Microsoft offers "Front Page" which is supposed to be nice but I don't know from personal experience.

I use an inexpensive program ( free to try ) called Namo. It includes loads of templates and clip art, etc. which will give you a professional looking site without much extra effort. On my web site, I haven't even attempted to use all the features available in this program.

Content:
By all means, include a welcome page with your company name and what you do. Include your phone number ( including area code ) and be sure to clarify what area of the world you service. As mentioned above, include pages for the services you offer, customer testimonials, a little about your company background and be sure to include some information for prospective job seekers ( even if you're not currently seeking new employees ).

What about graphics and logos?
If you have a logo or some graphics in digital form, use them. If you don't have these items, don't let that slow you down. The main thing is to get your page launched. Later on, you can add, or modify as you develop more resources.

NOTE: If you load any pictures on the site, be sure they are optimized for web site use. Many digitized photographs contain a huge amount of data and on a dial up connection, they can take not quite forever to download. When a photo is optimized for the internet, it is trimmed of excess data for faster downloads.

Your www address
Do you need a personalized web address? Depending upon the name of your company, you may be able to secure a web address pretty easily. For instance, I have secured randallhilton.com, upfrontprice.com and, of course, servicepronet.com. If your company is "Joe Milligan's Painting" you can probably find a web address like joemilliganspainting.com . Here's a little known option: You can host your web site on the free space that comes with your ISP and forward your personalized web address to that website. For example, when you enter www.upfrontprice.com , you're actually going to www.servicepronet.com/weclometoufp.htm ( yes, I misspelled the "welcome" part but it doesn't really matter as long as I have the forwarding information correct ).