Small Businesses Depend on the Web

A 2003 study released this week by Interland, Inc. shows a revealing picture about small business and the Web.



Over 78% of small businesses report their companies benefit from having a Web presence. 51% say their Web site provides credibility. Another 33% said their Web site is their most powerful marketing tool. 28% rely heavily on their Web site to make sales goals.



Joel Kocher, chairman and CEO of Interland, said "This study shows that small and medium-sized businesses already on the Internet are finding it to be a true business tool, with 56 percent of those surveyed being able to attribute some portion of their annual sales to their online presence."



The study suggests that managing customer relationships through email is increasingly important: 68 % of small and medium-sized businesses communicate regularly with customers via email. This despite all the dire predictions about spam killing email.



An even more interesting point is this: 38% of small and medium businesses say they are not likely to do business with a company that does not have a Web site. This suggests that a Web site is becoming a prerequisite to be in business. Without a Web presence, your company may actually lose business.



Download a copy of the Interland Survey here.