46% of U.S. small businesses do not have a website
Of the 352 small business owners or managers surveyed by Clutch from across the U.S. from firms with less than 10 employees and less than $1 million in annual revenue, 46% were found to not have a website.
The top excuse for not having a website was that it was not relevant to their business. However, when Clutch asked industry experts in which industries a website would be irrelevant they could think of none.
“No matter what type of business you run, if you have customers, it’s necessary to have some sort of information online, at least a page describing who you are and offering contact information,” says Max Elman, founder of Razorfrog Web Design. “It’s essential to have this information indexed and shown to those looking for you, otherwise you’re relying on third parties. Even if you only have a few clients a year, or think that people won’t search for your type of services, there will be someone looking for you, and you should try and make their process easier.”
Other excuses for not having a website ranged from prohibitive cost (30%) or that their online presence takes the form of a social media presence in place of a website (12%) to a lack of technical knowledge (10%).
“It’s still surprising that so many businesses don’t have a website. This ignores the fact that most Americans are on the web, looking them up,” says Rehan Fernando, CEO at EIGHT25MEDIA. “Studies have shown that over 70-80% of people will research a company on the web before making a purchase decision, usually by visiting its website. Even having a one page website can establish credibility. It shows that the business is actually real and has taken the time to put out a presentation.”
The good news is that 24% of those who do not have a website are planning to have one by at least the end of 2017.
If you are a business owner that is new to tech, it is in your best interest to hire a professional to create and design your website. While this can be costly, consider alternative funding methods! Title loans can be an excellent and cost efficient way to pay for these services.
