An analysis for The Times over a 3 month period in 2007 saw Google exceeding ITV1 by £10m in advertising revenue, representing a UK annual growth for Google of approximately 43.5 per cent.

Bournemouth headquartered Digital Marketing experts, Refreshed Media, who specialise in online marketing, warn that without expert advice and guidance, businesses could lose thousands in their efforts to utilise this medium.

Sarah Baker, Sales and Marketing Director of Refreshed Media said, "As a digital marketing agency we are delighted the web is coming into its own and being used as the effective marketing tool it is. However, as a specialist agency we would urge people to seek advice before parting with their cash. We are passionate about online marketing, and as a full service agency, we can help any business make the most of this powerful tool. If you don't know your SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) from your PPC (Pay Per Click), then talk to someone who speaks your language and that of the digital world to get the best from your marketing budget."

Top tips from the experts at Refreshed to help maximise this medium include:

- Make sure your website can be used
Design your site with the end user in mind. What is obvious to you may not be obvious to someone visiting your site for the first time. Simplicity is the key to usability.

- Use your website as a business tool
Your website is not there to just look pretty. It must achieve a discernable business objective. 'Call to actions' on every page is the key to this.

- Track what people are doing and improve your site.
The magic of marketing on the internet is that you can track everything your visitors do. By using your tracking statistics you can ensure your website stays relevant, is easy for customers to use and achieves your business objectives.

- Make sure people can find you
If there is one thing you must never forget, then that is to ensure that your site can be easily found in the leading search engines. Although SEO isn't an exact science there are some basic tips; Make sure your content is relevant, of high quality and frequently updated; Make sure people are talking about your website; Make sure your site is coded to a high standard; And if you still find your site struggling, talk to some experts for advice!

- Use a variety of marketing tools
With the wide range of media available now, audiences are increasingly fragmented. To ensure you reach your target audience it is vital that your marketing campaign uses a variety of media and concepts. By integrating your campaign across a wide variety of media your message has a greater chance of reaching your target audience.

Working for national clients such as Boots, McCarthy and Stone, Gleeson Homes and Redrow Homes Bournemouth based Refreshed Media also has offices in Reigate, Manchester and Edinburgh, Refreshed can be contacted on 01202 414101. Alternatively visit www.refreshedmedia.com.