Kevin Lynch, MD of Task Developments, in Norman Road, claims search engine optimisation has ensured the continued growth of his office interiors fit out and refurbishment company during the current recession.

"It’s the single most fundamental tool we use," he said. "Response to traditional mediums of advertising, such as Yellow Pages, were starting to dry up so we decided to invest in search engine optimisation instead."

Kevin enlisted the help of Manchester-based search engine experts FirstFound who ensured Task’s website that could be easily indexed by search engines, such as Google, and therefore drive more traffic to the site. FirstFound also put together a Google AdWords package for Task, to help them generate business specifically in the Manchester area.

For the first six months of this year a staggering 78 per cent of Task’s business was generated from online enquiries.

"The response has been phenomenal," continued Kevin, who set up Task Developments in 2000. "We always ask new customers where they heard about us and 90 per cent now say they found us via Google."

"Timing-wise it has been a life-saver for us. The financial climate has reduced the activities of our existing clients, but clearly there are people out there who still need to have projects completed or who have had projects scheduled in for some time, and they have been able to find Task Developments and our services via the internet."

"Obviously, once the new enquiries come in, we have to go on and win the work and, fortunately, our conversion rates are extremely successful by understanding our clients’ requirements and providing the most cost effective solution to their wants and needs."

FirstFound provide a valuable and effective service which has seen traffic to our website increase considerably.