The something4 '2006 SME Trading Summary'

 

Research JUST for SME owner/managers! Something4 manages the online presence and payment interfaces for more SMEs and multi-channel retailers than probably almost anyone else in the UK. Uniquely, we also don't just see one end of the transaction i.e. traffic or sales, we see the whole thing. We are now putting this wealth of information to good use by producing sector specific reports and sharing them with SME's owners and managers as a FREE and exclusive support service. 'The something4 2006 SME Trading Summary' looks at the changing trends throughout 2006 in comparison to statistical trends over the last five years. Our research looks specifically at the online trends within the D.I.Y, Arts and Crafts, Health and Beauty, Professions/B2B, Educational, Home and Garden and Automotive markets; comparing statistics across various years..... How does your business compare to what we found for 2006?

The SME Market in General Website Traffic In comparison to 2005, the average number of website visits each merchant receives has increased by over 60%. Since our records began in 2002, website traffic has increased by over 600%! However, traffic growth per merchant is now beginning to slow. Website Sales The average buy-to-click ratio is down by 30% in comparison to our 2005 records. Buy-to-click ratios are currently averaging by 1.25% (i.e. 1 in 80 browsers makes a purchase). There has been a healthy 300% increase in sales since our records began in 2002. However, on average, sales growth is beginning to slow and 2006 only recorded an 18% increase on 2005.

The D.I.Y Industry Website Traffic Traffic growth is slowing in this sector, however, there was still a 50% increase in comparison to 2005 figures. The average traffic volumes have increased by 500% since 2002. Website Sales The average sale figures recorded in 2006 were double the number recorded in 2002. The average number of sales are up by 25% in comparison to 2005. The buy-to-click ratio is down by 30% in comparison to 2005.

Arts and Crafts Website Traffic Website traffic has remained constant, increasing by 50% per annum in recent years. Website traffic is currently over 600% higher than our 2002 records. Website Sales Sales growth is stable, remaining at 20% increase per annum. Sales growth has increased by 300% since 2002. The buy-to-click ratio is down by 20% in comparison to 2005.

The Health and Beauty Industry Website Traffic Website traffic is up by 260% in comparison to 2002 Website traffic growth is stable at 60% per annum. Website Sales The buy-to-click ratio had declined by almost 25% in comparison to 2005. The average buy-to-click ratio is now 1 sale in every 78 browsers.

The Professions/B2B Website Traffic Average website traffic growth has declined from 166% (2005) to 57% (2006). However, average website traffic growth has increased by over 2000% since our records began in 2002. Website Sales The average website sales growth is static with previous years within this sector. Website sales have increased by 700% since 2002. The buy-to-click ratio has fallen from 1 in 20 (2002) to 1 in 54 (2006). Furthermore, the buy-to-click ratio has fallen by 30% since 2005 and is currently at it's lowest since our records began in 2002, when the buy-to-click ratio was 1 in 20.

Home and Garden Website Traffic Average website traffic remain static for the third consecutive year. Website Sales The average buyer ratio has seen an increase of nearly 200% in comparison to 2005 and now averages 2.36%.

The Educational Sector Website Traffic Average traffic growth is stable at 65%. Website traffic has increased by over 1000% since our records began in 2002. Website Sales Sales growth is up by 25% in comparison to 2005. The buy-to-click ratio is down by 25% in comparison to 2005 and down almost 80% in comparison to our 2002 figure.

The Automotive Industry (Excluding Car Sales) Website Traffic This industry has witnessed high traffic growth with an increase of 100% over the past three years. Website Sales Website orders have increased by 60% in comparison to 2005 figures. However, the buy-to-click ratio has declined by 25% in comparison to 2005 and is down by 50% when compared to 2003 figures. The ratio currently stands at 1 in 77.

We hope our statistics have given you a better insight as to what's happened within the SME marketplace during 2006. We may have even more detailed information regarding your trade sector, so please don't hesitate to get in touch. For More Information About something4 Please Click Here .....So what's the conclusion? Trading in general has been steady throughout 2006 across most industries. The majority of sectors experienced steady, promising growth in both website traffic and sales. However, some industries did encounter a mild 'slump' in the average buy-to-click ratios, we believe that this is due to the increased level of online competition and online businesses that are still in their growth stages. Something4 anticipates that, in 2007, companies will become better established and develop better customer bases.

If you'd like to ensure that you're one of the first to view our next reports (or you'd like to ensure that a friend or colleague doesn't miss the opportunity), then e-mail your/their details to info(at)something4.com

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