Businesses have been urged to turn to the internet to help beat the effects of the economic downturn.

Small business advice organisation Business Link said businesses concerned about the credit crunch, or just looking to grow, should consider whether they are making the best use of the web.

Around half a million businesses in the UK still have online presence – even though the online marketplace is one of the fastest areas of growth.

The organisation made a number of recommendations to help businesses hone their websites, including checking out the competition, discussing current and future IT needs with an IT adviser, and taking advice from ‘a range’ or web development agencies.

Hina Joshi, a 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.”

For more information see http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/website

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