smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

A number of SMEs are extending their client base and bolstering their exposure by having a strong presence on the internet, experts claim.

According to E-consultancy, an internet based marketing firm, websites offering company search facilities, such as Yell.com are helping small enterprises reach a wider audience.

Commenting on the importance of the web to small companies, Linus Gregoriadis, head of research at the firm, says: 'The percentage of small and medium-sized enterprises marketing themselves over the internet has been growing steadily because business owners are increasingly recognising the potential to win business this way.

He added: 'This growth will accelerate sharply as a result of local service searching, which is likely to become a much more significant area.

'Google is taking local search very seriously and websites such as Yell.com give companies an excellent opportunity to market themselves over the internet.'

Meanwhile, research by the firm suggests that SMEs with websites are focusing on ease of use for their consumers. Some 13 per cent of small firm internet budgets are spent on usability features.