Webstaq Digital Articles

Do I Really Need a New Website and
Why Does it Need to be Managed

If you run a small business, no matter what it is that you do, or where you’re located, you need a website. Small business websites are crucial for online visibility, branding, and driving sales, but only if you've got good web design.
Whether you’re launching your first small business website or going through a rebrand, your website has to be perfect. Here are some statistics to help explain essential trends and important insights to keep in mind.

 

1. Approximately 73% of small businesses have a website

If your business still doesn’t have a website, you’re falling behind—fast. Nearly 75% of small businesses are already online, a sharp rise from just 50% in 2018. That means your competitors are gaining visibility, trust, and sales while you stay invisible. Don’t wait. Establishing a strong web presence is no longer optional—it’s essential for brand recognition and bottom-line growth.


2. Over 93% of website traffic is directed through Google

Google isn’t just the world’s most popular search engine—it’s the gateway to nearly all online discovery. In fact, over 93% of global web traffic flows through Google, and it processes more than 8 billion searches every single day. Those numbers aren’t just impressive—they’re transformative. For small businesses, this means that potential customers are actively searching for products, services, and answers online constantly, and Google is their first stop.
If your website isn’t built and optimized with Google in mind, you’re essentially invisible to the majority of your target audience. Search engine optimization (SEO) isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore—it’s foundational. Google’s algorithm favors fast-loading, mobile-friendly websites that offer valuable content and a seamless user experience. It rewards businesses that consistently produce high-quality content with better rankings, which translates to increased visibility, traffic, and ultimately, sales.
For a small business trying to grow, that’s a game-changer. Whether someone’s looking for a local bakery, a reliable contractor, or professional services, chances are they’re starting their journey on Google. By aligning your website with Google’s best practices, you're positioning your business to show up when it matters most—at the exact moment someone is ready to take action.


3. Google searches for ‘small business website’ have gone up by 30%

Search trends don’t lie—interest in building a small business website has exploded. Over the past five years, Google searches for “small business website” have surged to record-breaking levels. In just the last three years, search volume has climbed by 30%, a clear signal that more small business owners are recognizing the importance of having a digital presence.
This upward trend speaks volumes: entrepreneurs are actively looking to establish credibility, reach new customers, and compete in a digital-first marketplace. If your business isn’t online yet, the window for standing out is narrowing. Now is the time to act, before your competitors dominate the search results and your business gets left behind.


4. Only 40% of websites rank on the first page of search engine results

In SEO, page one isn’t just prime real estate—it’s the only real estate. Most users never scroll past the first page of search results, whether they’re solving a problem or looking for a new business to try. That means if your site isn't ranking near the top, you're practically invisible.
And here’s the kicker: only about 40% of websites ever make it onto page one. The rest compete for scraps of traffic most people will never see. If your business is investing time and money into a website without prioritizing SEO, you’re missing the point—and missing your audience.


5. Over 58% of all website traffic comes from mobile devices

A mobile-first mindset isn’t just a design preference anymore—it’s a necessity. As of early 2023, mobile devices account for 58.3% of all web traffic, and that number keeps climbing. In fact, it’s up 7% since 2020, underscoring how quickly consumer behavior is shifting toward mobile browsing.
What’s driving this? Smartphones are no longer just for scrolling social media—they’re the go-to tool for researching products, comparing services, and making purchases on the fly. If your website doesn’t deliver a seamless mobile experience, you're not just frustrating visitors—you’re likely losing them altogether.
Modern users expect speed, clarity, and functionality at their fingertips. So when you design with mobile in mind from the start, you're not just following a trend—you're meeting your customers where they are, and positioning your business to succeed in an increasingly mobile world.


6. 38% of people will stop interacting with a poorly designed site

When users land on your site, you’ve got seconds—literally—to win them over. With countless options just a click away, they won't hesitate to leave if your design falls short. In fact, 38% of visitors will abandon a website if they find it unattractive or hard to use. That’s nearly 4 out of 10 potential customers gone before they’ve even read a word.
The opportunity cost of poor design is real. Every confusing layout, slow-loading image, or clunky navigation path is a silent deal-breaker. Don’t let your site become forgettable—or worse, frustrating. A well-designed website should be intuitive, visually engaging, and aligned with your business's message from the very first scroll


7. 38.5% of users judge a business by how its website looks at first glance

Nearly 39% of professional web developers agree: bad design sends users running. Before you even get into SEO or backend functionality, your site needs to look the part. That first impression matters—a lot. A clean, modern layout with compelling visuals instantly builds credibility and encourages users to stick around.
That’s why bringing in a professional can make all the difference. Web designers understand how to marry form with function, ensuring your site not only looks great but is also intuitive to navigate, mobile-responsive, and aligned with your brand. It's not just about aesthetics—it’s about building trust from the first click.


8. Optimal website visual intensity can increase positive response to 5.03%

Visual intensity isn’t just about making a website look “busy” or flashy—it’s about creating an intentional and engaging experience. Every photo, button, thumbnail, and graphic contributes to how visitors feel and interact with your site. And here’s where it gets compelling: studies show that websites with optimal visual intensity—meaning a clear visual hierarchy and a thoughtfully dynamic layout—see a 5.03% positive response rate, which is 117% higher than those with minimal design impact.
That kind of lift can translate into more clicks, longer engagement, and ultimately, more sales. It's not just about aesthetics—visual intensity, when done right, nudges people toward action.


9. Poor UX (user experience) can cause 50% of users to choose your competitors instead

A poorly designed or neglected website doesn’t just frustrate visitors—it actively pushes them toward your competitors. Half of potential customers will leave if their experience is clunky or confusing. Multiply that by an average spend of $2.30 per visit, and you’re watching real revenue slip away.
User experience (UX) isn’t a box you check once—it’s a continuous investment. With 80% of a business’s profits often generated by just 20% of repeat customers, delivering a smooth, intuitive experience keeps them coming back—and paying.


10. The ROI of spending on UX (user experience) is 9,900%

That’s one of the clearest cases for UX you’ll ever see: a $1 investment yielding $100 in return. That’s a staggering 9,900% ROI—and it speaks volumes.
User experience isn’t just a design enhancement—it’s a business strategy. When your website is tailored to how real people think, browse, and buy, you remove friction, build trust, and increase the chances they’ll come back. Optimizing for UX means thinking through every click, scroll, and every second of load time with your audience in mind—and the payoff isn’t just hypothetical. It’s measurable


11. 62% of customers will ignore a business without a good web presence

These days, not having a good website doesn’t just make you invisible—it makes you look suspicious. A majority of potential customers will overlook a business entirely if it lacks a good online presence. In a digital-first world, a website is more than a convenience—it’s a credibility check. That’s not just a missed connection—it’s lost revenue.
In an era where nearly every customer begins their journey on the web, not having a professionally built website sends the wrong message—one of inaccessibility or even irrelevance. But the moment you establish a professional, informative site, you shift that narrative. You become visible, trustworthy, and primed for growth.
Your audience is already online. It’s time your business met them there—with a presence that speaks volumes before you ever say a word.


12. 96% of potential clients learn about a business online

Still on the fence about building a website or improving the one you have? Here’s one last stat that’s hard to ignore: 96% of consumers use the internet to find and research local businesses. That means almost every potential customer is going online before making a decision—and if your business isn’t showing up with a credible, professional web presence, you’re missing a huge opportunity.
Sure, social media plays a role, but it only tells part of the story. A website acts as your central hub—where all your digital marketing efforts converge. It’s where people go to learn about your services, check your reviews, and decide if they trust you.
If you’re investing time and money into marketing, make sure your efforts lead somewhere solid. A polished, easy-to-navigate site gives your brand the authority and visibility it needs to stand out and succeed.

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