Newtek Finds Most Small Business Websites Not Optimized for Internet Traffic

 Newtek Business Services, a provider of professional business services to small businesses, has announced the findings of its SB Authority Market Sentiment Survey, a monthly report addressing concerns of independent business owners. Based on a poll of over 1,400 respondents, the key finding from the August survey is that 50 percent of business owners say web traffic from search engines is an important source of new business opportunities. However, when asked if their website is optimized to maximize its search engine traffic, a majority of business owners answered either “no” or “unsure.”

The results from the August 2014 poll showed:

• 50 percent of respondents think that web traffic from search engines is an important source of business opportunities for their businesses.
• 36 percent said it is not an important source.
• 14 percent were unsure.

• 41 percent of respondents said that their websites are optimized to maximize search engine traffic.
• 36 percent said it was not optimized.
• 23 percent were unsure.

Barry Sloane, Chairman, President and CEO of Newtek said, “The market for independent business owners is one where every dollar counts. An underutilized or underperforming website is simply unacceptable for most business owners today. Costs are rising and sales are hard to come by but technology is one key tool that can save a business in a tough environment. Newtek recommends that independent business owners freshen up and sharpen their websites in order to compete in today’s economy. A website is a vital asset that must perform well and more businesses need to respect and understand the power of Internet search, as well as optimize their websites for internet traffic going forward. Our poll did not offer completely surprising results however we continue to encourage businesses to pay more attention to the quality of their website and better understand the value of Internet search.”