Since you are reading this you already know how important the Internet has become. Like other small businesses it has become important for a model to have a web presence. Almost all photographers and art directors have computers now and most are either on line or soon will be. This gives you a large potential web audience. This certainly is not perfected yet but, like digital photography, you can see its day is coming.
Most modeling agencies have web sites and most are password protected.
Since they deal with a select local clientele, they do not need every nosy web surfer checking out their models and eating up their download bandwidth. This password protection, like other activities a modeling agency does, helps to screen out problem clients. If you sign with an agency, they will have some means to get your portfolio on line at the agency's web site. Though this system has some good points, it does block the photographer who may just occasionally need a model - especially if it is a last minute idea. If you are with an agency you still may want to have a web presence that is accessible to everyone.