The Better Business Bureau Web site has a new look, but more importantly, expanded content and advanced technology to take users directly to the information they want quickly and easily.

One log-in address, www.bbb.org , directs first-time users to a landing page, where they have the opportunity to enter their zip code and/or city, state or province.

Once this information is entered, on all subsequent visits, users are automatically directed to the BBB Web site serving their community.

The user-friendly home page features a "fast find" tool enabling users to select from a menu of site "favorites" to locate information of specific interest.

The new site features all the BBB’s services, including full reliability reports on local businesses in the area with information on numbers, type and how complaints were resolved.

You can also file complaints on-line. Upcoming events, calendars, program announcements, pictures of BBB activities, surveys, poll results and seasonal tips will continue to be featured on the home page.

Navigation tools on every page take users directly to their page(s) of interest within the site, or to other BBB Web sites containing their requested information.

Immediate e-mail connection with a local BBB office is available from each site page.

"Breadcrumb navigation" helps users track their way through the Web site by showing users where they are in the site hierarchy, and providing links to other pages, as well as other sites.

On the home page, consumers have a choice of section pages: For Consumers, For Businesses, For Charities, News Center and About Us.

Each section page contains a menu of content specific to the topic or audience.

Selections on the BBB for Consumers segment page include: Check Out a Business; Complaints; Resource Library-Tips, Alerts; Programs and Services; Accredited Business & Charity Directory, and Find a BBB.

Drop-down menus for each of these selections expedite site visitors' searches, taking them directly to information of specific interest.

The Charity Information Service section is now set up to provide comprehensive, easily accessed information for charities and donors, as well as information from the Council of Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance.

The segment menu for donors and charities includes: Check Out a Charity; Charity Reports and Standards; Inquire or Complain; Charity Seal Program; Resource Library, and BBB Wise Giving Alliance.

The frequently used Check Out A Business or Check Out A Charity functions now return results in table format, so data can be sorted by headers such as type of business, location, etc.

A new user-friendly report format provides more information to help consumers/donors make decisions.

The revamped News Center sections features information about scams, BBB events, services, etc. in the local BBB service area, as well as throughout North America.

Site visitors can filter news and tips articles in several ways: by date, by BBB city or by keyword in the archives.

Instant e-mail updates or RSS feeds with consumer and business alert warnings or news of special interest is available as an option to visitors who sign up and provide their e-mail address.

In 2006 the BBB system received almost 50 million requests for information and reports, many from BBB Web site visitors.

With the new BBB Web site's user-friendly interface and improvements in system technology, more comprehensive responses can be delivered even faster to the consumers and businesses that rely on the BBB for tips and information.