(WEB HOST INDUSTRY REVIEW) — UK web hosting provider Fasthosts Internet (www.fasthosts.co.uk) on Wednesday that 33 percent of UK businesses said they have been neglecting necessary changes to their website because they lack the time to address them.
Fasthosts does not explicitly state within its press release the reason why it released the study, nor does it offer a clearly defined solution that offers to resolve the issue.
However, it is fair to assume that since Fasthosts is a web hosting provider directed at small and medium-sized businesses, the company is striving toward developing a greater understanding of SMBs and their unique needs.
The company offers domain name registrations, email solutions, shared web hosting, dedicated servers, online payment services, reseller web hosting and broadband packages.
Based on the results of a survey of 145 UK businesses, Fasthosts found a clear discrepancy between business owners’ online ambitions and how much time they currently invest on their websites.
The majority of respondents said they recognize that having an online presence is a vital aspect of modern business, with the average small company rating their website at 6 out of 10 for effectiveness.
And while 69 percent or participants said they are aware of aspects of their website that are in need of attention.
Meanwhile, 27 percent of companies said they are unhappy with their website design and a further 25 percent are concerned that their website does not have the proper communication tools in place to interact with customers.
Still, 20 percent of participants said they are seeking additional ecommerce functionality, 18 percent need to replace outdated images, and about 10 percent wish to replace their entire website.
Fasthosts indicates that while there are “plenty of products and services on the market to help enhance a business website, 1 in 3 owners admit to being floored by a simple lack of time.”
A further 32 percent have repeatedly put off changes to their website after prioritizing other off-line areas of their enterprise, 23 percent of businesses said they lack the funds to make the appropriate changes, and 3 percent said that they simply forget to make these changes.
Despite the relatively low percentage of participants admitting to changing their websites as needed, an overwhelming 71 percent said they are seeking to increase their overall online visibility during 2009.
Some 55 percent of businesses say they aim to grow the size of their website in the coming year, while 22 percent intend to begin online advertising efforts.
The use of social networks also seems to be growing in popularity among UK businesses, with 24 percent of respondents saying they were either using social networks to promote sales, or were planning to explore this area this year.
The average business surveyed says it is currently earning 10 percent of its total sales revenue as a direct result of its website.
However, the same business is hoping to increase this income to between 21 and 30 percent of total sales revenue during the coming year.
Approximately 33 percent of businesses surveyed said that achieving this kind of online growth is unlikely unless they first address any outstanding website issues.
“In challenging economic conditions, business owners are more stretched for time and resources than ever,” says Steve Holford, CMO of Fasthosts Internet. “However, it is important to remember that often the simplest improvements to a website can make a noticeable impact on sales conversion rates. Even a modest business website must receive regular attention to fulfil its potential”.
According to Fasthosts, the survey suggests that UK businesses “risk missing their online targets unless they can prioritize the work that their websites require.”
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