Between 2007 and 2008, the number of people who said their primary source for local business information is search engines pulled ahead to outnumber the print directory (Yellow Pages). It’s clear the usage of the Yellow Pages is declining and use of the internet is rising. How many local businesses, that rely on the Yellow Pages for advertising, are being left behind? One study says that 44% of small businesses don’t have a web site. This number is incredibly high to me, and makes me wonder how much business these companies are missing out on.

Excuses about the cost being too high, or that their customers aren’t online aren’t valid anymore. For example, the 70-75 age group is the fastest growing age group on the internet. It isn’t difficult to have a web site designed anymore, and more competition in the market has pushed the costs lower. So what are small business owners waiting for? Now is the time to establish a presence online and take advantage of the increasing local search traffic.