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One in Three Websites Not up to Scratch
Listed under: News
Published: Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Despite 71% of small businesses in the UK hoping to increase their internet presence over the next year and a further one in ten wanting to replace their websites entirely, a third are currently failing to take any measures to do so, according to a recent report by web hosting specialist, Fasthosts Internet Ltd
Citing time constraints as the biggest reason for their procrastination, the report found that up to 27% of small businesses are presently unhappy with their website design, with a further 25% believing their offer is currently less than satisfactory.
With up to ten percent of a business's overall sales revenue generated as a direct result of its online presence, the findings suggest retailers are becoming increasingly aware about the importance of their web offer, seeing an estimated 55% of people aiming to expand the size of their website over the next 12 months. Interestingly, despite the controversy surrounding internet sales, 94% of businesses thought every enterprise – regardless of its size – should have a website, with a further 79% saying they would not wish to return to the days of solely off-line trading.
Retailer Betsy Browning of craft store B Crafty in Blackpool admits it can be hard to find the time to improve her website. She explains, “At the moment, I'd say I spend about three to four hours a week working on the site, which is nowhere near enough. While I wish I could dedicate more time to it, other commitments mean I simply can't afford the hours to do so. Unfortunately, I am not in a position where I can afford to employ someone to do it for me, so I just have to do the best I can.”
Commenting on the report, Steve Holford of Fasthosts Internet, says "In challenging economic conditions, business owners are more stretched for time and resources than
ever. However, it is important to remember that often the simplest improvements to a website can make a noticeable impact on sales conversion rates. Even a modest site must receive regular attention to fulfil its potential.
"Businesses can often find the internet to be as challenging as the high street,” he adds. “However, a big flashy website is not a prerequisite to achieving online sales growth. With a realistic strategy and a consistent commitment of time and resources, every enterprise can better reach their potential this year."
Citing time constraints as the biggest reason for their procrastination, the report found that up to 27% of small businesses are presently unhappy with their website design, with a further 25% believing their offer is currently less than satisfactory.
With up to ten percent of a business's overall sales revenue generated as a direct result of its online presence, the findings suggest retailers are becoming increasingly aware about the importance of their web offer, seeing an estimated 55% of people aiming to expand the size of their website over the next 12 months. Interestingly, despite the controversy surrounding internet sales, 94% of businesses thought every enterprise – regardless of its size – should have a website, with a further 79% saying they would not wish to return to the days of solely off-line trading.
Retailer Betsy Browning of craft store B Crafty in Blackpool admits it can be hard to find the time to improve her website. She explains, “At the moment, I'd say I spend about three to four hours a week working on the site, which is nowhere near enough. While I wish I could dedicate more time to it, other commitments mean I simply can't afford the hours to do so. Unfortunately, I am not in a position where I can afford to employ someone to do it for me, so I just have to do the best I can.”
Commenting on the report, Steve Holford of Fasthosts Internet, says "In challenging economic conditions, business owners are more stretched for time and resources than
ever. However, it is important to remember that often the simplest improvements to a website can make a noticeable impact on sales conversion rates. Even a modest site must receive regular attention to fulfil its potential.
"Businesses can often find the internet to be as challenging as the high street,” he adds. “However, a big flashy website is not a prerequisite to achieving online sales growth. With a realistic strategy and a consistent commitment of time and resources, every enterprise can better reach their potential this year."
