Date: 2006-03-03 Category: News

SMEs ignore search engine importance at their peril

by Sali Earls

According to research carried out by Fasthosts, some 49 percent of SMEs may never be found online, and are losing out on their share of 19.2 billion of online sales, simply because they do not submit their websites to search engines.

Fasthosts’ SMEs On The Web survey asked more than 2,000 SMEs about their search engine practices, attitudes towards sponsored links and favoured search engines.

According to eCommerce industry body IMRG, the 19.2 billion spent online on goods and services is forecast to grow by 36 per cent in 2006. Consumers use search engines as a first point of call to search for products and services, with 89 percent of respondents choosing Google as their search engine of choice. However, companies need to ensure a high listing within the natural results on the left hand side, as 30 percent of respondents indicated that they never click on sponsored links.

Andrew Michael, CEO of Fasthosts said, "Our study once again shows the importance of search engines. In 2006, no business can afford to be invisible online, yet too many SMEs are.

"I was amazed to see that SMEs are not considering how much they personally use search engines when it comes to the importance of ranking for their own company. If you are not listed on Google, your web site might as well not be online."

2,094 businesses participated in the online survey carried out during January and February 2006 by Fasthosts. 49 percent of respondents admitted that they do not submit their website to search engines, which accounted for 1,026 votes.

The survey is still active - to take part and see the full results, visit www.fasthosts.co.uk/poll.