The top 100 fastest growing start-up organisations are neglecting
their search engine optimisation (SEO) strategies, it has been claimed.

According to a study by business publication BRW, only 42 per
cent of these firms include a targeted SEO structure on their websites.

Nearly all of the firms were found to use an online portal, but
most did not utilise effective SEO strategies to reach potential
customers searching the web.

Clive Hawkins, managing director
of Web Marketing Workshop, which conducted the survey, commented: "This
proportion of business websites that have yet to utilise the
opportunities for new business growth through search engines is
symptomatic of the lack of awareness or perceived importance about the
impact of SEO techniques."

The expert noted that many will use
search advertising and Google AdWords, but said firms should be looking
into developing SEO as a more cost-effective long-term marketing
strategy.

He said if these firms are already growing rapidly
without strong SEO strategies, then implementing better online
marketing techniques could potentially lead to far greater expansion
prospects.

This comes after Simon Mansell, managing director of
TBG, said the internet is still a popular marketing channel during the
recession because companies still need to bring in customers and
clients.