59% of Aussie small businesses lack a website

The majority (59%) of Australian small businesses still do not have a company website, yet two-thirds of Australians won’t even consider a small business unless they can find it online, according to research from GoDaddy.

The domain registrar and web hosting company surveyed 425 small business owners and managers across Australia, finding that despite recognising the benefits of having a website, the majority of businesses have yet to take the plunge.

Primary reasons for not having a website include a perception that the business is too small (44%), that it is too expensive to have one (30%) and that no employee has the time to build or manage one (17%).

But among companies that do not yet have a website, almost half (47%) are considering building one within the next 12 months.

Businesses lacking a website say they would be more likely to build one if it was inexpensive to do so (47%), if the process was quick and easy (39%) and if they could use a DIY website builder (36%) or appoint a professional to build it for them (34%).

According to the survey, the top perceived benefits of owning a website include making a business look more credible and professional (65%), opening up new business opportunities (58%) and improving visibility on Google (56%).

Among companies that operate a company website, 61% believe that it has contributed as much as 25% growth to their business.

“Over 2 million small businesses are the backbone of Australia’s economy and many are missing out on growth opportunities that can be realised by building a professional website,” said Tara Commerford, GoDaddy ANZ Vice President & Managing Director.

“More education and support is needed, which is why a key focus for GoDaddy is making going online approachable and helping small businesses embrace digital opportunities by demonstrating how quick and easy it really is to build a website.”

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Edelweiss

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