Why Online Presence Is Essential for Every Business - Numbers Don't Lie, Verisign Research

97 percent of small businesses would recommend having a website to other small firms

WHO IS VERISIGN: Verisign’s Role:

Verisign is a key player in the operation of the global internet, maintaining the technical infrastructure that enables billions of users to seamlessly access websites and other internet services. Their responsibility for operating domains such as .com and .net places them at the center of global internet communication.

Author: Verisign • Connecting to the Web

Nearly three-quarters of Americans connect to the internet at least once a day. If you have a small business that wants to succeed, you need to go where your customers are. This means presenting your business online using a domain – whether through an email brand, a web address for your social media page, or a business website.

In September 2015, Verisign conducted a survey of 787 U.S. internet users aged 18-59 and 456 small businesses in the U.S. to learn more about their online behavior and preferences – focusing on how consumers use the internet and what benefits web presence can bring to businesses.

Key Research Findings:

How Consumers Use the Internet

· 59% spend 10 or more hours per week online.

· 34% spend more than 20 hours per week online.

· 91% use the internet to search for local products or services.

· 93% use the internet for pre-purchase research.

· 64% prefer to purchase from businesses they can contact online.

· 58% are more likely to visit businesses on Facebook if they can access it through a customized domain name on the website, rather than directly on Facebook.

· 92% prefer to get information from a company’s website rather than their social media pages.

How Domain Names Help Small Businesses

What Consumers Think:

· 74% trust a branded email address more than a free email address.

· 86% prefer a business with a website over one that only has social media pages.

· 77% believe a website makes a business more credible.

· 84% believe a business with a website is more credible than one with only social media pages.

What Small Businesses Think:

· 80% prefer a website over alternative methods like social media pages or online directories.

· 88% believe their website has made it easier for customers to find their business.

· 76% agree that a website is an excellent way to acquire new customers.

· 81% say their website has helped their business succeed.

· 68% consider their website their best online marketing tool.

· 84% say their website is important or critical to their business.

· 97% would recommend having a website to other small businesses.

· 84% agree that a website makes a business more credible.

· 71% believe using a branded email address makes a business more credible.

Summary of Results

Since 91% of consumers use the internet to search for local products and services, businesses of all sizes can leverage the web for success.

Small businesses using only social media for their web presence can increase web traffic by linking a domain name to their social media page.

Websites remain essential marketing tools. Consumers prefer company websites for obtaining information they trust. Small businesses believe that a website not only helps them acquire new customers but also contributes to their company’s success. In fact, 84% say their website is important or critical to their business.