Durham couple launch their business online

Jun 10 2010 by Iain Laing, The Journal

A DURHAM couple are selling home furnishings around the world after growing their business online.

Elizabeth and George Clouston set up Atelier Maison last year to sell bespoke linens and other furnishing and won a niche market selling fair trade high quality goods.

And now they are building an international client base after launching an e-tail website and using networking sites such as Linkedin and Twitter with help from enterprise support group Business Link. Elizabeth has also joined a number of online interest groups and forums that have helped her to speak directly to potential customers, and at no cost.

She said: “Like most new businesses, we did not have an infinite pot of money to invest in marketing, but we knew that it would play a crucial role in getting our company off the ground.

“After meeting with our Business Link adviser, who has helped at every stage of the business’ growth, we started to explore search engine optimisation (SEO) and began looking for ways to improve our search rankings, and give our business the best chance of being noticed by potential customers.

“In doing so, we started to test out social networking platforms, like Twitter, Linkedin and the results have been excellent.”

The couple’s Business Link adviser Sandra Hobson-Tate said: “Elizabeth has shown that with time and determination, it is possible to complete your own effective online marketing, and not have to pay vast sums of money for search engine optimisation.

“Her sheer hard work is already beginning to pay dividends, and I wish the business continued success as it develops and grows.

“I look forward to working with Elizabeth and George in the future, and helping them to explore further ways of exploiting opportunities and unlocking the vast potential that exists in Atelier Maison.”