Help for businesses

Having an online presence and being able to deal with customers via the internet has become an essential part of doing business. We’re here to provide a range of support to businesses to help them get up and running online.

Connectivity

At Westminster we offer a number of different support packages to get your business online. Please check whether your business qualifies using the links below

Connect Westminster business voucher scheme eligibility checker

Broadband availability checker.

Digital Street Markets

Choosing a service or broadband provider.

Devices

Choosing the right device for your business can have a real impact on how successful you are in getting started on building your online activity. Have a think about how and where you are going to go online before diving in and investing in a device.

Picking the best device for you.
 

Face to Face help/support

We understand that sometimes the easiest thing is to speak to someone face-to-face and have them guide you through the issue. That’s why we provide a whole range of in-person advice. Clink on the links below to find the one that works best for you.

Business Information Points. – where you can get further help

Westminster Popup Business school.  

Information on how to get support from one of our Digital Ambassadors

How can having a business email benefit me?

Email is a free tool that enables you to access digital platforms and is a key form of communication.

Having a business email allows customers to contact, make inquiries and schedule appointments. In fact, 75% of customers say that professional business email addresses are key to building loyalty with a small business.

Here are some resources that can guide you in setting up and using emails. You may also want to check if your Internet Service Provider(ISP)  provides you with an email service as part of your broadband package or as part of setting up your website.’

How to create a business email address:

• GoDaddy’s business email service
• Microsoft 365 Outlook service
• Google Workspace

Please note that these platforms are not endorsed by Westminster City Council.

 

How can having an online business listing help me?

An online business listing directory usually includes your business’s website, address, hours, number, email, and sometimes even reviews from customers.

Listing your business online helps you:

• gain exposure and amplify your online presence
• connect people near you and their community, thus boosting your customer visits online and in-store
• improves trust and credibility because you allow yourself to be searched on the web

Where can I set up a business listing?

There are many business listing directories available, and some focus on particular niches. Directories usually list businesses for free, however some may require payment to unlock specific features.

Here are a few of the more popular directories:

• Yell.com - general directory
• Trustedtrader.com - for tradesmen
• Google My Business - helps increase your visibility on Google Search and Maps

Please note that these platforms are not endorsed by Westminster City Council.

How can having a website benefit my business?

Having an e-commerce website allows customers to find you anytime, anywhere. 
Even outside of business hours, your website continues to connect you with new customers.

Having a well branded, easy-to-use website helps build credibility and makes customers feel more comfortable when purchasing your goods and services.

Learn how to set up a website

How can social media benefit my business?

Social media is one of the most cost-effective digital marketing methods. Leveraging social media can help increase your business recognition because you are able to engage with a broad audience of consumers and strengthen relationships with existing customers.

Learn how to leverage social media

How can selling online benefit my business?

Here are just a few of the advantages of selling online:

• be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• make savings on costs like rent, overheads, and answering pre-sale queries
• receive payments quickly and safely through online transactions

Where can I sell online?

Depending on your product, target customer and business needs, some platforms may work better than others. For example, if you wanted to sell craft or handmade items, you could start selling on etsy.

Here are some of the more popular ways to sell online:

• your website provider, for example Wix or GoDaddy.
• Shopify - a subscription based eCommerce platform
• your business social media profile through Facebook shop or Instagram shop.
• an online marketplace like ebay, etsy or Amazon.

Please note that these platforms are not endorsed by Westminster City Council

There are many ways and strategies you can use to grow your business online.

Here are a few tips to help guide you:

1. Engage your audience high-quality content on your website and your social media networks.
2. Test that your website is mobile-friendly. 54% of internet users browse on smartphones and tablets.
3. Leverage social media to connect with customers- use images and share meaningful content.
4. Focus on your target audience to increase engagement and sales.
5. Take advantage of free marketing tools.
6. Network with complementary businesses to help get your brand in front of customers who may not know it exists yet.

Developing a marketing strategy can help you identify your customers, understand their needs and implement the most effective marketing tools. Learn how to develop digital marketing here.

Courses and resources to help grow your business - BT Skills for Tomorrow

For every business, the ability to safely email, work remotely, and operate a website is crucial. To keep your business and staff safe online it's important you take steps to protect your website and networks.

Learn how to stay safe online

There are a range of free articles, online courses and live webinars you can access to help you improve your digital skills in this subject area.

For webinars:

• you may need to sign up for the free webinar with your email to attend the session
• during the session you’ll hear first hand from expert trainers
• live sessions allow you to ask any questions you may have around the subject

Where can I find courses online?

• Google Digital Garage - free online courses and virtual training
• BT Skills for Tomorrow - free online courses, articles and virtual training
• Make it click - learn how to get your small business online
• Federation of Small Businesses - resources to support your business

Where can I find face to face help?

Rebel Business School - courses and support for entrepreneurs
Westminster Business Unit - a range of bespoke support and services for those seeking self-employment or starting or growing a business
Westminster Adult Education Service 
Westminster Business Library - 

 

There are large number of free and paid for tools available to help you get started in making your business more digital and have an online presence.  Here are some examples

Creating a Website

Wordpress - create a free website or blog
Wix - free website builder
Weebly - create your own website
 

Marketing & design 

Canva - online image designer and editor
Eventbrite - promote and host live and virtual events

Mailchimp - build a mailing list,

Google My Business - get your business visible on map

 

Teleconferencing & communications

Zoom - video meetings and webinars  
Google Meet - video meetings
Microsoft Teams - video meetings and file storage

Business Management and Planning:

Trello - organise and manage projects
Google Sheets - manage orders and inventory

Microsoft Office