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Web-enabled small firms benefit from additional sales

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A new survey shows that businesses that utilise the power of the Internet benefit from an uplift in sales.

According to the FSB's biennial survey of 8,700 members, nearly half the small companies that use the web to advertise their firm increased turnover by 20%.

The survey also found that 43% of respondents improved their sales after linking to suppliers and using their website to advertise their firm, showing the ever-increasing value of the internet to business transactions, particularly during an economic downturn.

The survey also revealed that the number of small businesses who have their own website has leapt by a quarter to around 70% since the last survey.

Why Go Online?

With the exponential growth of the Internet, more and more small businesses are going online. If you remain unconvinced, there are a number of compelling reasons why you should create and publicise your own website.

  • 1. Even if your company does not conduct any business online, with so many potential clients now web-enabled, you should treat your website as an online brochure.
  • 2. You can set up a simple website for a few hundred pounds, and annual hosting on a shared web server will set you back less than £100.
  • 3. In many cases, small businesses may have a local customer base, but others (particularly those who're selling products online) will instantly gain a global audience for their wares.
  • 4. Rather than re-printing thousands of product brochures, or company guides, you can update your company information in minutes via a website, saving a lot of time and money.
  • 5. Your small business website will be available 24/7, 365 days a year, so potential customers can reach you even while you're asleep!
  • 6. Probably the main beneficiaries of the web are companies who sell products - particularly those which can be easily shipped. You can set up your own online shop for a few hundred pounds.
  • 7. Moving your business (or just a part of it) online will save you money. The savings can be as small as the difference between corresponding with clients via email, compared to the cost of a landline call.

You can read these tips, in full, in our popular guide - Why do I need a small business website?

Further Bytestart Resources

Posted November 18, 2008
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