We know that the internet continues to evolve and that taking a business online will increase exposure, but two thirds of Australian small and medium-sized businesses still haven’t invested in the benefits of building a formal online presence.
With two thirds of Australian consumers now searching the internet to better inform their purchasing decisions, and 7.5 million using smart phones to access the internet, it is imperative that SMEs acknowledge this growth area and actively develop a cohesive online presence.
Figures show that those SMEs that do have an established online presence are breaking through to new market territory previously un-accessed. A 2013 study by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) found that Australian SMEs are exploring the value of a modern online presence like never before.
- 18% now have mobile-optimised websites
- 26% use social networking channels like Facebook and Twitter for marketing
In a recent survey of Australian SMEs by MYOB, it was discovered that:
- 46% of online SMEs reported their website had increased customer leads
- 37% stated that an online presence made their business more competitive
- 31% claimed growth in both income and customer interaction
- 30% said they experienced better conversion of leads to sales as a result
Simply put, businesses that are not taking advantage of online platforms are denying themselves great opportunities for growth of brand and revenue.
Small and medium-sized businesses in Australia are already embracing the proven benefits of a strong online presence. To ensure your online presence is all that it can be, an integrated communications strategy that ensures consumer engagement through multi-channel content is best.
If online presence is taken seriously, an SME will appear more ‘established’ and therefore be positioned to better tackle the big competition. To discuss what online strategies will best suit your business, contact Infodec Communications today.