This can be a wise approach.  If the existing website is search engine friendly and we can have access to edit it then we generally suggest that we take it over for a nominal fee and start our systematic approach to search engine optimisation which includes adding high quality content relevant to site visitors.

When we ask why now, most clients tell us that they have spent good money on a website but now realise that it was wasted because no one ever found it.  Some have tried Google Pay per Click in house with mixed results and now want to invest long term to be well positioned for when the good times return in late 2009, early 2010 we all hope.

Interesting validation from this survey by eMarketer.com

The conclusion seeming to be that marketers are investing for the medium-to-long term in internet marketing whilst keeping communicating with their existing customer base through permission-based emails.

Solid advice, however, particularly if you are selling to consumers, you cannot ignore the world of social media - Facebook etc.   We've got stunning WSI case studies of how social media campaigns have been hugely successful, some which have achieve very fast results. Hardly surprising when you consider that the average Facebook users has 120 friends (who presumably have similar interest to them) and spends several hours a day talking to them about what they have done, bought or experienced today.  A marketers dream.