59% of Australian Small Businesses Have No Website [2025 Data]

Key Takeaways

• Only 41% of Australian small businesses have a website in 2024
• 59% of SMBs lack a website (rising to 65% in regional areas)
• Websites contribute up to 25% growth for small businesses
• 75% of Australian consumers prefer to purchase from businesses with websites

The Digital Divide in Australian Small Business

In an era dominated by digital technology, it’s surprising to learn that a significant portion of Australian small businesses are still without a website. This statistic raises important questions about the state of digital adoption among Australian SMBs and the potential opportunities they might be missing.

Reasons Behind Low Website Adoption

Several factors contribute to the hesitancy of small businesses to establish an online presence:

1. Perceived lack of necessity: 44% believe their business is too small to need a website
2. Cost concerns: 30% consider it too expensive
3. Time constraints: 17% lack the time to build or manage a website

The Impact of Not Having a Website

The absence of a website can have significant consequences:

• Reduced customer base: 75% of Australian consumers prefer to purchase from businesses with websites
• Missed opportunities: 58% of businesses with websites report new business opportunities
• Limited online visibility: 56% of businesses with websites are more easily found on search engines

For businesses in Perth’s southern suburbs, that search engine visibility gap is most acute at the suburb level. The results from SEO work in Rockingham show how location-specific ranking translates directly into leads for service businesses.

Benefits of Digital Presence

Small businesses with websites report several advantages:

• Up to 25% business growth
• 59% increase in customer enquiries
• 65% improvement in perceived credibility and professionalism

Overcoming Barriers to Website Creation

Cost Considerations

The average expected cost for a professional website is approximately $3,200. However, actual costs vary widely by scope, platform, and provider. For a full breakdown of what a website costs in Australia in 2025 across 15 platforms and business types, the numbers tell a more nuanced story. However, more affordable options exist:

• 36% of businesses would consider using an easy-to-use DIY website builder
• Free tools are available for creating professional-looking logos and basic designs

Efficiency Tips

• Implement responsive design for automatic mobile device adjustment
• Focus on essential information for easier updates

Mobile Optimisation: A Critical Factor

• Over 50% of global web traffic now originates from mobile devices
• 60% of Australian consumers prefer .au websites when shopping online

Action Plan for Getting Online

1. Start with the basics: A simple, well-designed website is a good starting point
2. Choose a local domain: A .au domain can build trust with Australian customers
3. Prioritise mobile responsiveness: Ensure your website is optimised for smartphones
4. Maintain current information: Regular updates improve search engine rankings
5. Utilise analytics: Measure the impact on your business using web analytics tools

The Importance of .au Domains

Bonus Tip: Leveraging Social Proof

Incorporate testimonials, reviews, or trust badges on your website to demonstrate that others have benefited from your products or services. This can significantly boost credibility and encourage potential customers to engage with your business.

Conclusion

In 2024, the lack of a website can significantly limit a small business’s growth potential and customer reach. With the majority of consumers preferring to engage with businesses online, having a web presence is no longer optional—it’s a necessity for staying competitive in the modern marketplace.

For Australian small businesses yet to establish their online presence, now is the time to consider the benefits and explore the options available. The potential for growth, increased credibility, and expanded customer base make it a worthwhile investment.

Ready to Enhance Your Online Presence?

Consider this: What’s the first step you’ll take to establish or improve your business’s website?

By implementing these strategies and continually refining your approach, you’ll be well-positioned to capitalise on the digital opportunities available to Australian small businesses.

Citations

1. auDA. (2024). “Fact sheet – Benefits of a .au website for your business or side hustle”.

2. GoDaddy. (2019). “Study reveals why 59% of Australian small businesses don’t have a website”.

3. PupDigital. (2024). “Essential Mobile Optimisation for Business Websites”.