Searching on the internet is now the most popular way for customers to find a business, according to research by easily.co.uk. The web hosting and domain name company found that 76% of people preferred to use online search directories. Only 18% of the 1,500 consumers polled relied on traditional hard copy directories, with the remaining 6% using directory inquiries.
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The findings should be cause for alarm for businesses that are not yet listed on internet search engines and directories. With the average internet shopper now spending £770 a year, businesses that are not featured online are missing out on the massive marketing and sales potential of the web.
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Jonathan Robinson, director of business development at easily.co.uk, said: "These findings show that as the UK continues to embrace the internet, companies without a web presence will miss out on a significant number of sales leads. "This need not be expensive. The benefits on offer far outweigh the small cost, and these days you can easily create an inexpensive and professional website. (Business Link)
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