SMEs 'should commit to the internet'

28th March 2008

A sustained approach to online marketing has been described as essential for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Howard Gerlis of the British Computer Society (BCS) notes that too many SMEs abandon their web projects after the initial stages.

While those SMEs with websites recognise their value, Mr Gerlis notes that some need persuading that e-commerce is a lucrative route for their particular sector.

Once this recognition is achieved, it needs to be sustained, the BCS representative says, claiming that SMEs should avoid letting their websites "languish very quickly".

"A good website must catch the eye and provide good content which is quick and easy to find," he says.

Users need to be drawn to the website and persuaded to remain there, the expert explains.

Mr Gerlis's comments come after Netflare research discovered that 23 per cent of small firms had not updated their website since its launch, which was an average of four months ago.