OREGON, Mo. — Northwest Missouri restaurateurs found out Wednesday that the Internet is their friend in building future business.

A Northwest Missouri Restaurant Alliance meeting featured discussions on creating restaurant Web sites and Facebook pages. The program was sponsored by Northwest Missouri Enterprise Facilitation, a nonprofit economic development project that serves Andrew, Atchison, Gentry, Holt, Nodaway, and Worth counties. The session was held at the 275 Grill in Oregon, Mo.

Debbie Baker of MNS Web Designs, Maitland, Mo., told the businesses that many customers seek menus and other information first on Web sites before deciding to try out restaurants.

“A lot of you are asking, ‘Why do I need a Web site?’” Ms. Baker said. “A well-put together Web site is essential for any business .... If they can’t find you, you’re not part of the game.”

Facebook and Twitter can assist the owners in spreading the word about daily menu specials, she added.

“It’s cheap advertising. There’s no overhead,” Ms. Baker said. “You just have to update it occasionally.” ........