Companies who added to and improved websites during lockdown saw increase in visitors

Swindon-based DMJ Computer Services analysed how traffic levels on 50 of the sites it hosts changed since the pandemic arrived.

The top 70 per cent of companies ranking highly based on how much the number of people searching for them grew, all had new posts, pages or products popping up throughout the spring and summer.

Overall, the company’s hosted sites saw a 15 per cent increase in web traffic during April, May and June compared with the same time period last year.

Managing director Martin Jarvis said: “There is no denying that 2020 has been a tough year for many businesses and their websites.

"The pandemic has thrown down challenges not seen in modern times.

“It hasn’t been universally bad for businesses though. Some sectors have fared better than others. In some badly hit areas, there have been companies that have adapted their business models quickly, in order to take advantage of new opportunities.

“People may have had more time on their hands, and many are looking for solutions for their changing way of life. Website owners who have content that can satisfy these searches will do better than those who don’t.”

Martin cited examples of websites dedicated to travel and tourism, which improved their traffic. And he noted that sites in the welfare sector and those referencing Covid-19 had done well, too.

He added: “Many companies in the digital space are still doing well and, in some cases, much better than before the lockdown.

“Digital presence has become more important over the years, as businesses seek effective ways to market and sell more of their product, to more people, in more locations.

“All of this, while reducing their reliance on footfall in bricks and mortar locations. The pandemic, and accompanying lockdowns, have accelerated this move.”

DMJ Computer Services specialises in building, maintaining and hosting Wordpress websites, for businesses in any sector across the UK and Europe.