"If you are a business trying to reach the small business market (SMB), Web 2.0 offers tremendous potential for creating a one-to-one channel of communication," said Stu Richards, CEO of Bredin Business Information. "Web 2.0 allows you to present customized advice based on small-business owners' unique interests and requirements."
When asked what online resources the SMB currently uses to grow their business:
51% - e-mail newsletter
43% - interactive tools and online surveys
28% - community forums
23% - webcasts or webinars
21% - wikis
20% - social networking sites
16% - blogs
14% - RSS feeds
12% - podcasts
SMB owners were asked about their use of Web 2.0 or moreso, the reasons holding them back from using it. Here is how they responded:
Non-use of Blogs:
57% - do not see the value
22% - don’t understand how to use
22% - none of the sites I visit offer blogs
Non-use of social networking sites:
54% - don’t see the value
25% - none of the sites I visit offer social networking
22% - don’t know how to use
When asked where the SBM will start looking online for information to help grow and manage their business:
48% - search engines
33% - sites I know are good resources
19% - current vendors
The key opportunity appears to be creating SMB solutions/tools that are closely aligned with the challenges the SMB faces. It seems with education to the SMB market, Web 2.0 integration is a sure thing.
Have a question on how Web 2.0 can work for your business? Please post comment below.
- Data source for post from Kate Maddox and BtoB Magazine