In 2024, 73% of small businesses in the United States have a website, but a surprising 27% still operate without one. This shows a significant gap in digital presence, given the growing importance of online business. With over a quarter of business transactions now conducted online, having a website is no longer just an option; it’s necessary.
The Role of Online Presence in Consumer Behavior
Consumer behavior shows a growing preference for digital interaction before visiting physical stores. 76% of online consumers check a company’s website before visiting the physical store. This highlights the importance of having an online presence to attract potential customers and drive in-person traffic. Businesses without a website may miss opportunities and lose customers to competitors with an online presence.
The Value of Investing in Website Performance
Recognizing websites’ critical role in business success, 43% of small businesses plan to invest in improving their website performance. However, despite this understanding, 21% of business owners report struggling with low website traffic, indicating that merely having a website isn’t enough. It must be optimized for user experience, search engines, and conversion to benefit the business.
SphereCard: A Cost-Effective Alternative to Traditional Websites
While websites are essential, they can also be costly and challenging to maintain, especially for small businesses. Almost 30% of small business owners believe that setting up a website is too expensive, and 35% of those without a website feel their business is too small to need one. This is where SphereCard comes in as a powerful alternative.
SphereCard offers a cost-effective solution that provides many benefits of a traditional website. Unlike a standard webpage, SphereCard includes features like advanced communication tools, contact sharing, appointment scheduling, and reputation management, all designed to help small businesses thrive. These features can be more useful than a regular website, especially for companies looking to streamline operations and enhance customer interactions without the heavy financial investment.
Websites as a Key Marketing Tool
Despite concerns about cost, most small business owners (92%) agree that a website is the most effective digital marketing strategy. A well-maintained website serves as the cornerstone of online marketing efforts. However, for those who find a website out of reach, SphereCard provides a valuable alternative, allowing businesses to maintain a strong digital presence and engage with customers effectively.
Conclusion
In 2024, small businesses will need an online presence, whether through a traditional website or an innovative solution like SphereCard.