Ten years ago, online shopping was finally taking shape after a few years of experimentation. A few companies had ventured online to see if there was a new frontier to reach consumers, and a little company called Amazon.com was in its fifth year of selling books and diversifying into a broader range of products.

It was not the first time retailers tried to reach consumers beyond brick-and-mortar stores - catalogs had long offered the chance to shop from the comfort of home. But technology to make shopping easier was growing, and now anyone could go online, click from store to store and find products and services in a sea of Web pages.

But the Web lacks an overall organization of information, which can lead to wandering around. Today, with online shopping being a way of life, the key is navigating quickly through a wealth of information to find what you are looking for, at the best possible price, and for it to be delivered as soon as possible. Here are some suggestions:

Step 1: Have a general idea of what you are seeking. If you know what you need, you are likely to stay focused and home in on the right item. Specific items are good, but you also can broaden searches to categories such as apparel, home, shoes, etc.

Step 2: Use a search engine to narrow down ideas. Everyone knows Google, but other search sites exist and could lead to better choices. Check out Yahoo.com, Ask.com and Bing.com (Microsoft).

Step 3: Look for deals; they are not always apparent. Narrowing your search by adding terms such as "coupons," "promotional codes" and "deals" to your primary search terms can yield a wealth of savings.

Step 4: Check the home pages of retailers. Sites like to show storewide offers on the home page but may not refer to them again at other parts of the site. This is where you may be able to find promotional codes for savings at checkout.

Step 5: Pay attention to purchase details/requirements. Make sure you understand what is needed to get the best deal - "buy one, get one free" (BOGO's), gifts with purchase, quantity price breaks, etc.

Step 6: Be alert at checkout. If you did not do step 3 above and the site has a box that says "Promotion Code" or some other coupon input, open a new browser tab, go to a search engine and do a search for that store name and the term used on the site (e.g. Buy.com and Promotion Code).

Step 7: Always look for free-shipping offers. Other alternatives include shipping to a local store for pickup or shipping directly to a recipient to save the cost of reshipping (many retailers offer gift wrapping and split shipments). This is a great way to save.

Online shopping is a great way to save time and money. Use the medium for its primary strength - information. Consumers today are more informed than at any other time in history. That knowledge is the best advantage to have when shopping.

Along the way, you may find other steps. Share those with me and your friends so everyone can save.

"King of Koupons" Kevin Strawbridge is president of DealTaker.com, an online shopping Web site owned by Media General that collects and shares online coupons and deals.
E-mail KingofKoupons@gmail.com or follow @dealtaker on Twitter.