Websites

Freebie Websites

If you're one of the estimated 1.5 million UK companies who've so far managed to get by without a website, you might be interested in the new Getting British Business Online initiative. This allows businesses to set up a free web site in 15 minutes by choosing from a number of templates and being included in Google's search index. BT will provide free advice and phone support, while PayPal will enable businesses to turn the site in to an e-commerce platform. Even Business secretary Lord Mandelson gives it the thumbs-up: "GBBO brings together valuable support to set up a web site, and training to make the most of the internet. I wish it every success".

How strong is your company's current web presence?

We love free tools that help your business grow and don't require a degree in IT to understand. Here's one that is dead simple to use and geared towards businesses that rely on local trade. NetTrackz tells you in a jiffy how well your business is found across major search engines, and what details the 20 main UK business directories hold about your business. Just fill in a simple form and it will search all the relevant local sites for your business, tell you your score, and recommend how you can improve your online presence moving forward.

Problem Solved

ProblemSolved.co.uk is the one-stop marketing shop for tradesmen and small businesses of the UK, where users can find all they need to know for the right person for the job, including thousands of reviews. Sign your business up today to start advertising to the 500,000 visitors that come to the site every year. A basic listing is absolutely free, with premium membership starting from as little as 55p per day. Click here to find out more.

Personalise your cards this year...

...with a photo of everyone at work on the front, print a message on the inside so you don't end up with writer's cramp, upload a signature and hey presto! You can even get Moonpig to send them direct, bypassing your post-room completely.

TouchLocal is a new take on a directory for local businesses to find customers in their communities

It boasts over 2 million businesses which are collectively benefiting from 4 million unique visitors every month generating 6 million searches. According to TouchLocal 72% of people now search for local businesses online.

Where it differs from traditional directories is that it harnesses its power of SEO (search engine optimisation) and sponsored links on search engines to deliver traffic to your business listing. It is like having a new website built and supported with online marketing but without the hassle.

The chances are your business is already listed and the idea is you activate your account and ensure all the information is correct. Activate your free basic profile before 30^th September 2009 and you will be entered into a draw for £1000 in premium online advertising. The listing will be live in under one hour.

The various features you receive with your profile are all designed to get you noticed, and ultimately drive more customers to your business, including: