Over half of small businesses do not have a website
54% of businesses with less than 50 employees do not have a website – and 58% of these believe they do not need to start one.
The poll of 400 UK sole traders and small businesses by creative software developer Serif also found that 81% of respondents like to source information online before buying, and prefer to buy from companies which have websites.
Of the companies that did have websites, it was found that 41% of new business leads came through this channel.
Gary Bates, managing director at Serif, said: “With over 80% of people in the UK accessing the internet, most of them every day, it’s increasingly vital that small businesses have a website of their own to reach that informed and active audience.
“A branded website – even an informative brochure-style site – adds credibility and perceived professionalism to a business and is still the most cost-effective marketing tool. Even if e-commerce is not needed, having a business website is still of huge benefit.”