Online world

Online world could make the difference for London's small businesses.

Business Link in London, the capital's free business support and advice service, has called on London's small businesses to make the most of online marketing as they steer a course through the recession.

Research carried out by Business Link in London showed that 48% of small businesses in London are planning on increasing their marketing activity in a bid to combat the recession.

With budgets tight, small businesses are being encouraged to use their money wisely. An innovative approach to marketing can pay dividends, with online tools such as email marketing and social networking sites providing a potential profile boost that can attract new customers.

Targeted advertising on social networking sites, email marketing and 'pay-per-click advertising' can help London's small businesses build their customer base and tap into the international market. Online marketing can often be a much more cost effective way for small businesses to promote themselves.

Andy Berrow, Business Link in London's regional manager, said: "It's a challenging time for small businesses and it's important that London's entrepreneurs explore every opportunity in promoting their business.

Online advertising offers a low cost but effective alternative to traditional marketing methods. Resourceful small businesses can use social networking sites, search engines and email marketing to access a global market for a fraction of the cost.

However, it is important that small businesses get the basics right. Ensuring your businesses website is functional and easy to use is the biggest priority for small businesses who want to build their presence online.

Small businesses have to be robust in their approach to the recession. Online marketing can help a lot of small businesses to be a great deal more effective in their marketing campaign without breaking the bank.

Of course, it may not be the perfect fit for all small businesses, and it doesn't have to be all about Facebook and Twitter, but looking at online options rather than using more traditional forms of marketing could make a huge difference for a lot of small businesses and give them access to new customers."