The general public use the Internet as an information source when shopping locally for products and services. The Internet may even be surpassing newspapers as a local shopping information resource.

Retail outlets missing out

Retail outlets that do not have a website or web presence maybe losing out in more ways than one. The majority of retailers have listed themselves in the yellow pages or other online directories but these tend to just list the name, address and telephone number.

Web presence

At a minimum local businesses should find dedicated local directory website (such as Dockland Business Directory) that gives them a dedicated webpage with extra information such as company logo, brief description of the store, opening times, how to locate them and other store branches.

No local area website available?

If a local directory doesn't exist in your area, Articulan (with the consensus of other businesses) maybe able to setup a community or new local directory website.  The costs can be shared amongst several businesses and you maybe able to add extra services within that website without having to have the costs of a full blown website.

Of course, you can always move up to a full website when you are ready to go to the next stage.

Listed below are just some of local area websites