Having a website is becoming ever more important. The National Statistics Office’s figures on Internet usage in the UK show how vital a functional and professional-looking website is.

In 1998 only 9% (2.2m) of households in the UK had Internet access. Since then the World Wide Web has grown at a huge rate. By 2004 52% of adults in the UK used the Internet and the following year that figure had risen by 5% to 59%. And 56% were using the Internet to book tickets or pay for services or products online. By September 2006, 63% of adults in the UK had some form of regular internet access.

With strong evidence to back up continued exponential growth of the Internet, it seems foolhardy not to take your company’s web presence seriously. The fact is that many Internet users rely on websites to make buying decisions or to make initial contact. A website is often the first impression a potential customer will encounter and it should be as professional as your organisation.

Having a professional, well-built and well-maintained website that is effectively promoted in the search engines is a must. Get your marketing right online and you could see an increase in sales from a source you haven’t yet accessed.