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Every day we are reading gloom and doom in the media about the credit crunch and how we are heading for recession. But yesterday I read a very positive newspaper article about the prospects and opportunities for Internet marketing.

Apparently, shoppers are flocking to the Internet searching for bargains to try and beat the credit crunch.

A recent study has revealed that last year £14.7bn was spent online in the UK – up 35%, or nearly 10 times the rate of growth of the total retail market.

The number of people who bought goods online increased by 24.7% to £22.6m. People are also shopping more regularly on the Internet – an average of 16.9 times last year, up from 14.2 in 2006. Cheaper broadband and wider service availability has been a factor.

With reducing costs to get online and retailers improving their e-commerce websites, the view is that online retailing is well placed to capitalise on falling consumer confidence and lower levels of disposable income.

Online shopping is expected to reach £44.9bn by 2012. One in three music and video purchases is now made via the Internet and this is expected to rise to two-thirds by 2012.

Malcolm Pinkerton of Verdict Research who carried out the study said that “Having an internet presence is now vital and the combination of an in-store and online presence with strong links between the two is essential”.

So in view of these facts, how can businesses gain an edge in this new climate? Here are some suggestions:

• A properly designed and search engine optimised website that effectively markets their product using compelling web copy;
• Ongoing SEO to ensure top placement for selected keywords in the organic search results;
• Targeted PPC campaigns to channel customers to their website;
• Professional PPC management to improve CTR and maximise conversions.

If you implement these, your business has the potential to thrive during a period when many of your competitors are going to seriously struggle.

Phil Yarrow Consulting has over 11 years experience in Internet marketing and a proven track record of success. So now is the time to let us help you to cost-effectively make the most of the rapidly expanding opportunities in Internet marketing. Call us on 0800 082 7010 or email info@philyarrow.co.uk.