New research reveals SMEs are doing less than a third of what is required for a healthy digital presence. The Navii Digital Health Check found that the digital health of SMEs sits at only 32.2 per cent, based on website, SEO, and social media best practices among 602 SMEs surveyed.
In addition, the average business scored just 42.8 per cent on website basics such as a clickable phone number, having opening hours and contact information displayed, and including a business address.
SEO assessment is also part of the assessment wherein it examined simple best practices such as having a content-rich website, being indexed in Google, and ensuring homepage meta title and description comply with Google’s recommendations. The research found that 22.1 per cent was reached for Google My Business and local search, while 30.0 per cent was reached for SEO best practices.
Specific criteria is also set for specific social media platforms. For Facebook, specific indicators include minimum of two posts per week and at least five recommendations received in the past two months. The research found that only 18.1 per cent of best practice markers were achieved in the platform.
Instagram’s indicators cover the listing of an Insta account as a business account, use of Instagram Highlights, and the use of hashtags on every post. The research noted that only 24.8 per cent was reached for that platform.
“The results show there’s still a lot of work required for SMEs to achieve a healthy digital presence,” Liz Ward, co-founder and CEO of Navii, said. “Across the board, the SMEs we surveyed were underdelivering across their website, social media, and search engine scores and therefore missing out on opportunities for better exposure and engagement with their target markets.
“The good news is that in many cases, making a fix can be simple and the rewards can be huge,” Ward added. “Now is the perfect time to reassess your digital health and take the steps required to meet the needs of your digitally-savvy customer.”
