Over the last decade or so, technology has become increasingly important for small businesses that need to keep up with their larger competitors. Today, small businesses need more than just workstations equipped with computers. Many find that they benefit from networks, servers, cloud applications and other types of technology.
Even if your business already invests in SMB IT, you may find the following statistics surprising.
SMBs Spend Billions of Dollars on Technology
A survey from Gartner shows that global IT spending reached $2.5 trillion in 2017. That’s a shocking amount of money. Perhaps even more shocking, though, is how much money North American SMBs spend.
In 2011, North American SMBs spent $534 billion on hardware, software and IT services. By 2017, the businesses were spending $686 billion. In 2017, SMBs spent $169 billion on hardware, $218 billion on software and $298 billion on IT services.
The incredible amount of money that businesses spend on IT shows that owners and managers understand the importance of using technology to improve their services and keep up with competitors.
Nearly Half of Small Businesses Don’t Have Websites
Despite the small fortunes that many SMBs spend on technology, about 45% of America’s small businesses don’t have websites. This statistic seems amazing because it has become so easy and inexpensive to create professional websites.
Hiring a website developer to write custom code typically costs $5,000 to $10,000. Few of today’s small businesses need to hire someone for such a complex job, though. Instead, they can use platforms like WordPress and Squarespace to design and host their sites. Even after purchasing a domain name, most companies only spend a few hundred dollars per year on their websites.
Some small businesses refuse to invest in websites because they rely on their social media pages to communicate with customers. While businesses should have social media accounts, a Facebook page cannot replace a unique website that offers:
- Information about products and services.
- Details about your company’s history and future plans.
- SEO advantages that can help customers find your business online.
Failing to invest in websites shows poor planning. On the other hand, businesses that understand the importance of their sites can become more competitive.
Related: The Basics of IT Infrastructure for SMBs
About Half of Small Businesses Have Mobile Apps
While some small businesses don’t understand the importance of websites, others know that they need to improve their SMB IT so they can communicate better with customers. In 2016, 47% of small businesses said that they either had mobile apps or planned to release them in the near future.
Mobile apps can do a lot to help small businesses reach their goals. Depending on an app’s features, businesses can use them to:
- Take orders from customers.
- Let clients schedule appointments.
- Share information about upcoming events.
- Publicize products and services.
- Communicate directly with customers.
- Get detailed information about their customers’ shopping habits.
- Keep track of customer loyalty programs.
Not every small business will benefit from a mobile app. SMBs that release their own apps, however, can often give their customers better services. At the very least, businesses with mobile apps have more opportunities to communicate with customers and improve their branding.
Related: Are Managed IT Services Right for Your Business?
Where Do You Fit In?
The world’s largest corporations will always push the boundaries of IT. Still, it’s important to note that small businesses play important roles in the development of hardware and software. No matter how big or small your business is, adopting the latest technology will put you on the track to success.
That’s where we come in.
We help optimize your technology throughout your business. We help you strategically align it to meet your business goals. No more fretting about the details; leave the IT support to us, while you gain the time to focus on running your own business.
