Establishing an online presence has become paramount for businesses, both big and small.

As customers increasingly turn to the internet to discover products and services, having a website is no longer an option but a necessity. 

Creating a website not only allows these small enterprises to reach a wider audience but also enhances their credibility and professionalism.

But just what percentage of small businesses have a website? Read on to learn more about the intriguing statistics!

Key Statistics

  • 64% of small businesses have a website.
  • Between 70% and 80% of consumers engage in online research before visiting or purchasing from a business.
  • About 35% of small businesses think that their size doesn’t warrant having a website.
  • A meager 17% of small businesses choose to invest in SEO.
  • About 53% of mobile website visits are abandoned when the loading time surpasses 3 seconds.
  • Approximately 94% of small business websites are optimized for mobile use.
  • The belief that a website could result in a 25% business growth is held by 19% of small business owners.
  • Around 28% of small businesses invested $500 or under in their website.

What Percentage of Small Businesses Have a Website in 2024?

What Percentage of Small Businesses Have a Website?

Today, having a website is no longer a mere option but a fundamental requirement for small businesses. What percentage of small businesses have a website?

A recent study revealed that 64% of small businesses have websites to establish an online presence.

For some time, small business owners were skeptical about the benefits of owning a website. 

They often felt that the effort involved and the costs incurred outweighed any potential advantages.

However, a transition is currently ongoing as an increasing number of entrepreneurs are awakening to the fact that having a website is not only a necessity but a powerful advantage.

1. How Many People Check Business Websites Before Visiting?

Recent studies reveal that a staggering 70-80% of consumers actively engage in online research before visiting a company’s physical location or making a purchase online.

This shift in consumer behavior has significant implications for businesses across various industries, regardless of their size or scope.

Whether it’s exploring the latest restaurant reviews, evaluating the credibility of an e-commerce store, or examining the feedback on a local service provider, the digital landscape serves as a vital platform for decision-making.

2. Why Don’t Some Small Businesses Have a Website?

Surprisingly, a significant number of small business owners seem to underestimate the power of a website.

Recent statistics show that approximately 35% of small businesses believe that their operations are too small to warrant a website.

A well-crafted website is a cost-effective tool that can level the playing field for small businesses, allowing them to compete with more prominent players in their industry.

It serves as a virtual storefront that operates 24/7, reaching potential customers beyond geographical limitations and business hours.

3. Underutilization of SEO in Small Businesses

Recent studies have shed light on a surprising statistic: a mere 17% of small businesses invest in Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

This underutilization of SEO can have significant consequences for these enterprises, as it means they often miss out on the coveted first-page ranking on search engines like Google, potentially deterring valuable customers from discovering their products and services.

Without a strong SEO strategy in place, small businesses face an uphill battle when asking for attention in the digital realm.

While larger corporations with sizable marketing budgets can more readily invest in SEO practices, smaller businesses often struggle to compete for visibility.

4. How Long Does It Take for People to Leave Slow Sites?

More than half (53%) of mobile website visits are abandoned if the loading time exceeds a mere 3 seconds.

This data highlights the impatience of modern online users and emphasizes the critical need for websites to optimize their mobile performance.

The three-second threshold has become a make-or-break point for user engagement.

If a mobile site fails to load within this brief window, visitors are quick to abandon it in search of faster alternatives.

Such a high bounce rate can have detrimental effects on a website’s overall success, leading to lost opportunities, reduced conversions, and lower search engine rankings.

5. Are Small Business Websites Mobile-Friendly?

Are Small Business Websites Mobile-Friendly?

According to data from 2019, an impressive 94% of small business websites took a significant step forward by adopting a mobile-friendly approach.

Embracing responsive design and mobile optimization, they wanted to create a user-friendly interface that adapts flawlessly to various screen sizes, enhancing accessibility and engagement for their customers on the go.

The benefits of mobile-friendly websites extended beyond just meeting the expectations of tech-savvy consumers.

Search engines also recognized and rewarded this effort, as mobile-friendly sites received higher rankings in search results, ultimately driving more organic traffic and potential customers to these businesses.

6. How Much Business Growth Can Websites Give?

A recent study revealed that approximately 19% of small business owners presently without a website firmly believe that their businesses could experience a remarkable 25% growth within a span of three years or less, simply with the integration of a well-designed website.

The statistics highlight a connection between the absence of an online platform and the potential decline of business growth.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, consumers are actively seeking information, products, and services online.

Small business owners who fail to embrace this shift may find themselves missing out on a number of potential customers.

7. How Much Do Small Businesses Spend on Websites?

Despite the undeniable importance of having a website, budget constraints can be a significant hurdle for small businesses looking to establish themselves online.

Surprisingly, recent statistics reveal that over 28% of small businesses with websites have managed to do so on a tight budget, allocating less than $500 dollars to their online ventures.

In the past, creating a website required significant investments in web design, development, and hosting services.

However, thanks to the rise of user-friendly website builders and affordable hosting options, the landscape has changed dramatically.

Now, even those with minimal technical expertise can craft a functional and visually appealing website without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the prevalence of small businesses with websites has seen a notable increase, with 64% of them recognizing the necessity of establishing an online presence. 

Overall, the statistics on what percentage of small businesses have a website suggests that small businesses have made strides in recognizing the significance of having a website, but there is still room for improvement. 

Embracing online platforms, optimizing for mobile, and adopting SEO strategies can empower small businesses to compete effectively, expand their reach, and tap into a vast pool of potential customers in the digital landscape.

Sources

Review42Review42 2Fit Small Business
ZIPPIAForbes