Small businesses need to keep their websites updated

As a result of complacency, websites set up by small businesses can languish "after the initial excitement".

That is according to Howard Gerlis, chairman of the BCS Internet Specialist Group, who asserted that a business´ website needed to be "properly maintained and kept regularly updated".

He said that owners of small businesses often needed convincing that updating their website was worth it from a financial point of view.

Mr Gerlis commented: "Most [business owners] need convincing that it´s worth the financial investment. Often the most influential catalyst is the competition.

"Much depends on what their business does and whether the web is complementary to that to bring in extra sales or simply reach out to a wider audience to gain recognition and awareness. An ecommerce site doesn´t apply to all business scenarios."

He added that an effective website must be eye-catching and "provide good content which is quick and easy to find".

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