Internet firm offers to help regional businesses

Feb 24 2009 by Rob Pattinson, The Journal

AN internet marketing firm is offering to help businesses in the region win clients online.

Shoppers are already changing their buying habits and companies are weighing in with all they can do to help the North East.

Now, as part of The Journal’s Think North East England First campaign, Newcastle-based Mediaworks is offering a discount to businesses in the region looking to boost their search-engine ranking.

It means small and medium-sized businesses, whose products are predominantly stocked by local stores, will boost their chances of selling products to a wider audience.

The company offers advice on sponsored places on search engines including Google and Yahoo, but the bulk of its work is in improving the natural performance of websites when potential customers put a search term into the internet.

Managing director Brett Jacobson believes it has become crucial for businesses to compliment traditional advertising with an online presence.

The internet marketing expert still thinks not enough companies in the region have caught-on to the importance of an easy-to-find website, something he believes is particularly vital to smaller businesses fighting for survival in the current climate.

Speaking from the Mediaworks’ headquarters, in Hoults Estate, Walker, Newcastle, last night, Brett said: “We spotted the niche a couple of years ago.

“There seemed to be a deficit of understanding on how important it is for companies to have their website on the first few pages of a search engine.

“There’s no point spending thousands of pounds on a website if no one can see it.

“The discount we’re offering will be on a case-by-case basis. But there are so many brilliant businesses up here and we want to make sure people know about their products and buy them online.

“We realise that this campaign is about supporting each other, because ultimately that’s what helps your own business.

“The service we offer is ideal for many of the smaller producers we know are benefiting from the campaign.”