Small businesses in the North East can get online for £1
Research shows that 50% of small businesses in the UK don’t have a web presence and that tradespeople who do have a professional website can generate up to £16,590 a year more in sales leads*.
The North East LEP is working in partnership with .uk and Scoot to make it quick and easy for small businesses to establish an online presence for £1.
Companies can get a .uk domain name, email address, online listings and a starter web presence for £1 as part of the offer, which is being piloted with small businesses in the North East.
Colin Bell, Business Growth Director, from the North East LEP said: “This scheme will help small enterprises to overcome any barriers they might face when establishing their first web presence. Not only is it an affordable way to get started but businesses will receive support when taking their first steps into the digital world.
“I’m pleased to see this project being piloted here in the North East, helping our small businesses to grow.”
Neil Dagger, .uk Senior Product Marketing Manager explains why they put the offer together. “We’re really excited to be working with the North East LEP and Scoot on such a ground-breaking programme. Small enterprises tell us they think getting a website is complicated and expensive, the low price of this offer helps remove any risk or fear of hidden costs and makes it so easy to start experiencing the economic benefits from having an online presence.”
Neil continued: “Many small businesses still have no website even though the commercial case has long been proven. They often mistakenly believe that having a presence on social media means they are ‘online’. But this can have limited reach and does nothing to establish a clear business identity. Even having a professional email address containing your business name helps you stand out and shows you are serious.”
Businesses in the North East can call 0800 170 1746 to speak to an advisor who will help them with registering a domain name and email address. They will also receive one priority listing on web directory www.scoot.co.uk and a template to help them create a one-page website for the business.
*Research by http://tradebetteronline.uk/.