Contents populate the web, and makes the internet an immense source of information. However, companies and businesses that have their own online presence rarely update their listing and contents on the internet. Updated listings and contents are what most people and search engines are expecting to see in the internet.
A survey conducted to small to medium sized businesses (SMB) has concluded that almost half of them (49 percent) say that they've never updated their site and listing. This was because most SMBs are confused and overwhelmed by even the basic of online marketing.
This is reflected in some of the following findings in the survey:
- 50 percent of SMBs have seen listings for their business that are not accurate.
- 70 percent of SMBs say they don’t have the time to manage listings and update their website contents.
- 23 percent of SMBs understand how listings can drive traffic to their website and improve their business.
It can be concluded that most SMB listings are likely to be missing rich and original content that consumers increasingly look for and rely on to help make purchase decisions. It also probably means that original errors in the listings (50 percent) are likely never corrected.
The overwhelming majority of these SMBs (85 percent) said that it’s important for them to be found on major search sites, local search apps and directory sites. And 78 percent believe that new customers will find them through these sites and apps.
Google has said in the past that roughly 20 percent PC-based searches are related to location and local information. The company has also formally and informally said that between 40 percent and 50 percent of mobile search is about local information or location.
Below is a list of some additional findings from the survey:
- 84 percent of SMBs believe that having a mobile enabled website is important to their business.
- 25 percent of SMBs know how to create a mobile optimized website.
- 62 percent of SMBs think it is important to be seen on major mobile apps.
- 85 percent of SMBs believe that in the future more people will be looking for their business on mobile sites.
These findings highlight and illustrate the challenges that many small to medium businesses face in managing their online information - even something as seemingly basic as managing listings information and contents. SMBs should not be an internet related company to have their listing up-to-date, and having interesting contents on their company's website. By having an online presence, any information delivered on the web can be beneficial for the business if done properly.
Conclusion
Websites and listings that are updated invite search engine better than the "untouched" ones. Internet users search the web mostly by using search engines, notably Google. When a website is rarely updated, Google, as well as other search engines, will put other "fast-moving" sites above it, making the intended site appears further down, and to other pages on the search result.
If new original contents is not seen as a priority by SMBs, updating the listings should come first. Listings is meant for people to ease them in contacting the company. If the listing is not up-to-date, it may not represent the company anymore, thus making potential customers land their decision on others. This can also give a negative impact on how people see the business' professionalism and dedication.