Digital.com has published a new survey report on the impact of eCommerce on brick-and-mortar stores. The study provides insight into small retail businesses without a website and attitudes toward online shopping trends. Digital.com is a leading independent review website for small business online tools, products, and services. Research experts analysed responses from 1,250 small business owners across the US.
Survey results indicate that 23% of small retailers do not have a website. Furthermore, one-third of businesses say they have never needed one. 29% of respondents also say their customers are not online, and 33% believe social media can support their online needs.
No website, no plans for one
Research findings also show that a lack of resources can influence attitudes toward online shopping. 26% of small business owners say they do not have the money to build a website. Similarly, 26% say they do not have the staff to support a website. Another 24% cite a lack of knowledge or skill set to create and run a website.
“There is an overwhelming amount of data that shows consumers spend a lot of time online. They will typically start their search for a product or service over the internet,” says Dennis Consorte, Digital.com. “Any business that operates solely offline will miss the opportunity to attract new customers and build loyalty with existing customers. Particularly customers who are looking for more convenience.”
According to the report, online retail grew by 5.5% from 2019 to 2020. The study also highlights third-party data showing consumers spend an average of 6 hours and 42 minutes per day online.
Digital.com designed and paid for this independent study which includes a survey with single-answer and multiple answer questions. It reviews and compares the products, services, and software for running or growing a small business website or online shop. The platform collects Twitter comments and uses sentiment analysis to score companies and their products.
Last October 2020, Alibaba.com announced the results of its Alibaba.com US B2B Small and Medium Business (SMB) Survey. Small and medium-sized businesses throughout the US and across the globe have had to reinvent themselves during this pandemic. The report noted SMBs had to adopt social distancing and remote working, quickly embrace kerbsite pickup or click and collect. Many enterprises have had to upend their traditional business models through the rapid adoption and integration of technology.
Enterprise Times: What this means for business
Ecommerce can provide an opportunity for small businesses to keep pace with competitors. It can also provide a new source of revenue as well. Because it’s relatively easy to set up an online store, small businesses really only need an internet connection to run various eCommerce solutions and a shipping process. As the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the increase in eCommerce sales. It also forced many businesses, irrespective of size and sector to modify their business model. To rapidly develop eCommerce services to protect and support revenue streams. Surprised to learn some small business owners claim they don’t need a website and that their customers don’t go online. Not sure where these business owners have been for the last 20 years.
