37% of Small Businesses Don't Have a Website; New Data Offers Insight into How a Website Can Boost Online Sales and Visibility

WASHINGTON, March 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Websites are an easy way small businesses can establish an online presence. More than one-third of small businesses (37%) don't have a website, though, according to new survey data from Visual Objects, a portfolio website.

Visual Objects surveyed 500 small business decision makers in the United States. This data was collected in December 2019, before the COVID-19 outbreak. Visual Objects hopes to still offer advice for how to best manage a website for small business owners seeking guidance at this time.

In the midst of this crisis, people are being encouraged to stay home and avoid public places, which may put financial pressure on local, small businesses. Creating a website will not alleviate all of the stresses on small business owners. It can help with keeping in touch with customers, giving updates, and potentially offering online sales, though.

"Websites are critical for businesses starting and maintaining customer relationships," the report found. "They are often the first places people will go when they want to learn more about a business."

Some Small Businesses Lack the Time and Expertise to Properly Manage a Website

Websites require a degree of expertise and consistent maintenance to ensure they're running smoothly, including simple builder websites such as those created with Wix.

Nearly one-quarter of businesses (23%) say the biggest website challenge they face is the lack of knowledge and time needed to maintain a website.

Small businesses should make sure their website offers a smooth user experience, working links, and relevant content.

"The best websites are created and updated with care and regularity," the report found. "Website visitors will be disappointed if information on your website is out-of-date or if your website is slow."

Small Businesses Can Seek Out Inexpensive or User Friendly Website Tools

Small businesses can often get the benefit of a website without going over their budget.

Thirty percent of small businesses (30%) already use website builder software, such as Squarespace and Wix. These solutions can make it easier for businesses to build and maintain their website without extensive expertise and overspending.

"These tools are useful for small businesses with in-house teams that don't have the time to focus on a website exclusively," the report found.

Read the full survey report: visualobjects.com/web-design/small-business-websites-2020

For questions about the survey or a comment on the findings, contact Riley Panko at [email protected].

About Visual Objects

Visual Objects is a portfolio website that showcases work from top creative firms from around the world. Use Visual Objects to visualize a firm's projects, which helps you find the right design partner for your business. You wouldn't want to make a hiring decision without seeing a company's quality of work – Visual Objects compiles this work on one easy-to-use site.

Contact
Riley Panko
[email protected]
(202) 899-2779

SOURCE Visual Objects