Content 'vital for successful site'

In order to be successful, websites must provide good quality content, an expert has asserted.

Howard Gerlis, a fellow at the British Computer Society and chairman of the organisation's Internet Specialist Group, stated that firms must always consider how they will encourage repeat visits to their site.

"A good website must catch the eye and provide good content which is quick and easy to find ... something to keep the customer coming back for more," he added.

However, many smaller firms lose interest in their online presence once the initial enthusiasm has died away, allowing their sites to "languish" with little new content, Mr Gerlis warned.

Recent research conducted by web-design firm Netflare revealed that 23 per cent of small businesses have not added to or updated their websites since they first launched them.

Its research found that the average such site has not been updated in four years.