Wake Up Call - People Use the Internet to Shop

by Chris

Results from a survey conducted by Cambridge-based Internet design and marketing company, Netflare revealed some startling statistics about small businesses and eCommerce. Share your thoughts on the survey.

Stats like:
- 23% of sites hadn't been updated since their launch leading to inaccurate and obsolete content

- Only 8% even had an eCommerce element to their site

- 25% had no way of tracking online sales

- 38% didn't have a budget at all for updating their sites
And the survey covered small businesses in 19 different sectors.

So if you run a small business and are starting to feel guilty reading over these stats, this is your wake up call! The amount of people using the Internet to do at least some of their shopping is growing all the time. Do you really want to miss out on all of these potential customers? Nobody said it was going to be easy, but you just can't neglect your website and expect to get sales.

Not Selling Goods Through Your Site?

If you are selling goods, it's time to offer them through your website. Not just through your brick and mortar store. Not only will this increase convenience for your customers (they love convenience by the way), it will expand your customer base across the world.

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Not Tracking Online Sales?

Don't you want to know where your sales are coming from? Knowing this will only help you better target your customers in the marketing process.

Not Updating Your Site?

Do not leave out of date content on your site for potential customers to find. I promise you that they will not buy from you if you are still promoting some dated content that isn't even relevant anymore. It's just unprofessional, and nobody wants to take a chance buying from someone they've never heard of if they can't even present themselves in a professional manner.

No Budget for Site Updates?

If you don't have a budget for keeping a website updated, it's time to reorganize your budget. If you can't afford to hire your own designer, work with whoever designed your site and learn how to update it yourself. And make sure you have someone available to assist in case your site experiences technical difficulties.

It's the year 2008. It's time to start taking the Internet seriously as a way of attracting customers. Why deprive your business of more sales?


About the Author:
Chris is a content coordinator and staff writer for SmallBusinessNewz and the iEntry Network.