Starting up a business is a difficult and yet fulfilling task. Necessary preparations that include market and financial research will alone take a minimum of a year. ROI is expected to last a minimum of two years after launch depending on the size of the business. Only a few survive this benchmark, no matter how much work goes in.
Throughout the process, exposure is a key tool in getting into the minds of a target audience. Finding the right form of exposure is essential. This means advertising. Regardless of the type of advert, it always boils down to the website.
The following is taken from a Clutch survey of 251 small business owners:
- Less than two-thirds of small businesses have a website.
- By 2019, 94 percent of small business websites will be mobile friendly.
- Among small businesses without a website, more than half plan to build one in 2018.
- Small businesses cite cost (26%), irrelevance to industry (27%), and social media (21%) as key reasons behind their decision not to have a website.
- More than one quarter (28%) of small businesses spend less than $500 on a website.
New technologies have changed the way we create websites. Making it easier, more accessible, and cheaper than ever.
PRESENT
Innovation is key in surviving in the business world. SMEs ideally should follow new trends such as incorporate social media into their products and services. Technology is constantly changing and we can not hope to compete unless we adapt.
Social Media: SMEs tend to choose Social Media to promote their goods and services despite the risks. Social Media may have in-app features (i.e. Facebook Marketplace) that makes it convenient for consumers to buy and sell their goods. However, in January 2018, Facebook announced that its algorithm will once again prioritize posts from friends and family. This means accounts that aren’t associated with individuals will be de-prioritized.
Mobile-version Website: With smartphones having become so commonplace, it has become essential for any business, big or small, to have a mobile-friendly version of their website.
In 2016, worldwide mobile internet use surpassed internet use on a desktop computer. Mobile usage has far-reaching benefits. An example of this is Mercer’s insurance company; they made their mobile-version website more user-friendly as users are more likely to check their sites when seeking claim information in the aftermath of an accident. Having a user-friendly mobile version of your website will help generate revenue as consumers will see how easy it is to access your products and services, and be more inclined to come back.
FUTURE
58% of small businesses without a website to invest in 2018.
– Chatbots promise a richer user experience
– According to Hosting Facts; 45% of all e-commerce will be conducted on mobile devices by 2020, compared to just 20% in 2016.
– All SME Websites Will Soon Be Mobile Friendly
– 88% of consumers who search for a type of local business on a mobile would call or go to that business within 24 hours. From surveyed SMEs, 81% are mobile friendly.