A recent study by Streamline.net (Hosting company) has suggested that small businesses are neglecting basic usability online.

"A further survey of 450 UK firms revealed that whilst half consider their website to look 'professional', 1 in 3 owners admit that they are guilty of 'neglecting' their sites."

Another interesting fact for small businesses is that 1 in 5 consumers take a web address from the side of a small company's vehicle whilst only 10% of small businesses currently display their URL on the side of any commercial vehicles.

Some top consumer facts to digest:

• 76% of consumers have now used the website of a small business
• 1 in 4 people state that small business websites are 'barely usable'
• 83% of online users found faults with the website of a small business

Some top small business website facts to digest:

• 54% were unfinished
• 52% contained broken links
• 50% contained out-of-date email addresses
• 31% are missing contact details

What is interesting from this report is that "The findings are in contrast to another survey of 450 small firms where 76% felt confident that the language on their website could in no way be perceived negatively, and 84% saw the images on their website as fit for purpose."

So a small shout-out to small businesses - make sure that usability and customer perception/corporate reputation is much higher on your list for your website. as you may be losing customers as you read this post! Never underestimate the power of a positive user experience as it can be the converting factor to your online success.

Related links:

• Read the full article on Usability News
• See how Sticky Panda can help you improve your online user experience
• Streamline hosting