Business Link is urging businesses concerned about the credit crunch, or just wanting to grow, to consider whether they are making best use of the web.
Hina Joshi, Business Link adviser, said: "During the credit crunch, businesses should be looking at different ways to reach new customers and increase their= profits. A website, for most businesses, is a simple and cost effective marketing tool to raise their profile and give their clients access to all the information they need to convert interest into a decision to purchase.
However around half a million UK businesses still have no online presence and many that do have sites could make them a lot more effective by following a few simple actions."
Business Link advises businesses thinking about building a website to:
• check what type of website competitors have
• discuss current and future IT needs with an IT adviser
• take advice from a range of website development agencies
• access the Business Link website
• get impartial advice from their local Business Link Adviser by calling 08456009006.
The Business Link website includes the interactive tool, "Get the right website for your business", available at www.businesslink.gov.uk/website
This simple-to-use tool takes users through a series of questions to assess whether a website would work for their business; what type of website most suits their needs; and how a website could attract new customers. The tool also offers practical advice to save businesses both time and money. In addition detailed guides on e-commerce and IT are available.
Ray Jones, head of communications at The Chartered Institute of Marketing, commented: "As more and more consumers are purchasing and researching goods and services online, businesses may be missing out if they don't have an online presence. However, as with everything else, businesses need to make sure that their website investment is effective for them in business terms.
Business Link has some really useful information and tools that make it the perfect starting point for any business that either has not got a website, or wants to make sure that its website delivers results for them."
Business Link, the free and impartial Government-funded service, can help businesses to decide whether a website would be cost effective, advise on the simple rules that need to be followed, and help those wishing to expand an existing website.