Affordable Websites

Affordable Websites specializes in affordable web solutions tailored to fit the needs of the small business, home-based business, organization, non-profit, church and individuals.

Many small businesses have developed Web sites to expand their markets. A 2001 survey of small businesses conducted by the NFIB found that 45% of small firms have a Web site. The survey found that a majority of small businesses with Web sites reported gaining new customers (67%), improving competitive position (62%), and increasing total sales (56%) Nearly two-thirds of small businesses with Web sites made a profit or covered the costs of their Web sites. However, only 24% of businesses with Web sites generate revenue from online sales. Most businesses say that Web sites stimulate purchases either at the place of business or by e-mail, fax, or phone. Very small firms benefit the most from being online. Over a third (35%) of businesses with fewer than 10 employees gain 10 to 99 percent of current sales directly or indirectly from their Web sites.

More recent data indicates the continued impact of e-commerce on small businesses. A 2004 survey of small businesses commissioned by eBay and conducted by ACNeilsen found that a majority of small businesses say that the Internet has helped their business grow (58%) and become more profitable (51%). A small but significant number of small businesses (15%) report that they could not survive without the Internet.

By Anne Byers, Nebraska Information Technology Commission (Fall 2004)