Websites 'help to boost business turnover'

Companies could potential increase their turnover by establishing an official website, according to research.

The study by PayPal and Mr Site found that having a website set up using shared hosting or other services can increase a firm's revenues by up to £52,000.

Despite this, it was found that over half of small businesses in the UK have yet to establish an online presence, with many citing the cost of getting started online as the primary reason why they have chosen not to.

Cameron McLean, PayPal's general manager for UK merchant services, said: "Online sales are bucking the high-street trend and businesses should establish their online presence before they are left behind.

"Not having a website is like leaving your shop-front boarded up or refusing to tell customers anything about the services you provide."

Carrie Hill, director of search strategies at US firm Blizzard Internet Marketing, recently told Search Engine Watch that dedicated servers are ideal for hosting several sites.

Written by Debra Hastings-Henry