57 per cent of small businesses in India that choose to have an online presence most often choose websites over social media to represent their company, says a report by VeriSign.

The report titled ‘State of Small Business Online: Perspectives from Small Businesses in India with an online presence.’

According to a recent survey of millions of consumers by Weebly, 56 percent said they do not trust a business without a website.

The report further says that consumers are looking to connect with companies more than ever and establishing an online presence through a website, blog or social channels provides a great way to fulfill this desire. Maintaining ongoing communication and providing updates on company initiatives and promotions through digital channels helps companies reach a broader audience to create and strengthen relationships and build trust, which is critical for creating the all-important customer loyalty.

Internet Retailer recently reported that online research is critical for driving traffic to physical stores.

Some of the other key findings of the report included:

• - 62 per cent of small businesses in India believe websites make their business look more credible and are critical for success.
• - 21 per cent would choose a .net domain name if their preferred extension wasn’t available.
• - 74 per cent prefer a .com domain name for their company website.
• - 73 per cent would recommend investment in a website to other small companies in their industry.

Missed opportunities to build brand online

• - 93 per cent of those using branded email say it makes them look more credible.
• - Of the 43 per cent not using branded email, only about one-third knew it was an option even if they didn’t have a website.
• - 55 per cent were aware that they could point a domain name to an online presence hosted by another service, like a social media site.

Other trends

• - 58 per cent say that an online presence they have control over is important. Globally, that number is 72 per cent.
• - 47 per cent use social media as a part of their company’s marketing mix.
• - 64 per cent have staff dedicated to digital marketing efforts.
• - 23 per cent have a mobile version of their site. Globally, that number is 21 per cent.