Bad websites threaten SMEs
Mar 28 2011
Consumers are unimpressed with many websites
Poor quality websites are scuppering the trade of small businesses, finds research.
According to a study by web host 1&1 Internet among 1,800 consumers, 37 per cent have walked away completely from poor websites, with a further 9 per cent opting to spend less as a direct result.
One third of consumers surveyed (34 per cent) believe that in general, the small business websites they use are ‘tired’ and ‘unimpressive’, and 41 per cent frequently find errors such as typos or broken URLs.
Some 66 per cent of companies surveyed admit that they struggle to maintain an attractive website, with the most common issue being the sourcing of fresh content (38 per cent). Three in ten (30 per cent) have been ‘reluctant’ or ‘embarrassed’ to recommend their website to their customers, at least once, because they knew of faults.
1&1 Internet CEO Oliver Mauss says, ‘It is essential that every company website inspires confidence. Businesses that invest carefully in their web experience will see higher levels of customer spend, retention and referral.’
Comment by sho Ikai
Thursday 7th April 2011I think all of the founders need to spend some time on HTML, CSS, and learn the Dreamweaver before they actually start the business. Now, it's the era of globalisation and technology, and you will have disadvantage if you don't know about the web technology, which is also the foundation for your business marketing.
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Comment by Steve Hippel
Tuesday 19th April 2011There is no doubt that a business website is a must. From personal experience I also believe that a basic understanding of online marketing is now essential too. Weather you run your own website or hire a designer you will greatly benefit from understanding what he is to achieve on your behalf.
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Comment by Mark Byers
Monday 9th May 2011Every small business should have a web site. A key question that must be answered though is how much should be invested in a web site, to create it and then keep it fresh. As a web design company we always start by finding an answer to this question for our clients. Only then can they make the right level of investment and budget for future investment in the upkeep and extension of what may become a very valuable business asset. I think one thing the survey reveals is that small businesses don't understand what a web site represents to their bottom line. They too often see a web site as something they must have rather than something that will help the business compete and grow. If you see something as just a cost you will invest as little as possible. On the other hand if a web site is a revenue generator then investment should never be an issue, as long as the returns exceed investment levels. In short, starting with the right mind set makes a big difference.
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Comment by JAYESHKUMAR PATHAK
Tuesday 12th July 2011I think they need concentrate on how to bring web traffic on there website, see the google is a best example of web design , simple but offering much more than you expect
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Comments [4]