How important is it to have an online presence for all Small and Medium Enterprises?
Feb
Posted by: JP
Recently Arthur Goldstuck, an analyst spoke about the relevance of SMEs having an online presence.
Goldstruck discussed certain key points, found in the 2012 edition of the annual SME survey:
- One out of every five small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa would not be able to survive if they did not have a website.
- 65% of formal South African SMEs reporting that they have an online presence.
- From those included in the survey, a full 20% of those surveyed, said that their businesses would not have been possible without a website;
- The interim results of the 2012 SME Survey have already indicated that there is a strong link between being online and being competitive, profitable and sustainable. Some 79% of SMEs with a website reported profitability, whereas only 59% of SMEs without a website reported the same;
- SMEs in business for 10 years or longer are far more likely (72%) to have websites than relatively new businesses, indicating that the survey shows that of those operating for less than three years, just 46% are online.
- Many are still put off by the cost and complexity of building and operating a website;
- Interim results of this survey have also shown that a company website, as well as the use of cloud computing, is closely correlated with being highly competitive and strongly profitable.
From these surveys and discussions it shows having an online presence has never been more vital to the long term sustainability of a business, as the general public’s access to the Internet continues to accelerate.
Goldstuck concluded his discussion: “Since it is the older businesses that tend to have the websites, it seems obvious that for a new SME to obtain the same advantages, it is crucial for it to build an online presence as quickly as possible.”
He went on to say “After all, there is little doubt that an effective online presence is the key to a successful business. Such success will, in turn, have a positive impact on the SA economy as a whole.”
There are many opportunities open to you, speak to WebNow sales consultants and let them show you how to start off for a very small charge and grow big! Once you have established yourself then your path is laid and you can decide where to go from there! Healthy profits are very overpowering!
Don’t think twice! Take the plunge and register your domain! Have a one page website to show your presence!
REF: Gauteng Business News 31st Jan 2012
