Web presence aids success

Nine out of ten small Galway companies who availed of grant support to improve or establish their web marketing presence saw a significant increase in trade over the following twelve months.

They were among the 30 Galway businesses approved for Online Trading Vouchers in 2015 by Local Enterprise Office Galway – and so far this year, another 30 companies have been approved for this support.

Online Trading Vouchers provide grant support up to €2,500 to eligible businesses for improving and existing or adding to their existing online activity.

This funding must be used to develop the online presence of a company to enable them to sell their product or service online.

Two Galway companies which have availed of this scheme in 2015 are Go West, Furbo and Inis Meain Suites, Aran Islands.

“Go West has secured more clients as a direct result of the new website and voucher system. US Visitors to the website account for 43% of web traffic which reflects the client base of Go West,” said Kerry O’Sullivan of Go West.

Online Trading Vouchers provide support to companies to develop new/existing ecommerce sites and to increase their visibility online to drive new sales to the business.

“The company also engaged a Search Engine Optimisation expert in the planning of their new website to assist the SEO rankings for the competitive industries of travel, events & conferencing,” Kerry added.

“The process of applying for the grant support was relatively painless and the new ecommerce site has increased sales and helped with the costs and efficiency of selling online,” added Marie-Thérèse de Blacam of Inis Meain Suites.

“Funding is now available in Galway for Online Trading Vouchers and the scheme provides an excellent opportunity for Galway businesses to begin or develop their online trading presence in order to access wider national and international markets and employ more people,” revealed Breda Fox, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Galway.

The key criteria for companies applying for this grant support is that the company is trading for longer than twelve months, employs less than ten people and has a turnover under €2 million.

The grant can also be used for developing a digital marketing strategy to drive customers to your online site.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.