• by Ray Schultz , June 20, 2019

Most small businesses hope to increase sales with their digital marketing, but few are focused on retaining customers, according to Small Business Digital Marketing Resources, a study by The Manifest.

Of 529 small businesses polled, 31% say their top digital goal is to increase sales/revenue. Nothing else comes close.

Only 15% seek to improve brand awareness, while 11% look to increase website traffic and 10% look to convert leads to customers.

Tied for last place at 6% apiece are these goals: 

- Better understand digital marketing channels

- Improve search rankings

- Retain current customers

In terms of resources, 60% rely on in-house employees for their digital marketing, 40% have agencies, 39% use freelancers or consultants and 33% deploy marketing software.

Of those polled, 36% spend less than $10,000 per year. Another 19% lay out from $10,000 to $50,000 and 19% spend between $50,000 and $100,000. 

Only 6% allocate over $1 million. But 14% spend from $100,000 to $500,000 and 12% from $500,000 to $1 million. 

The study defines small businesses as those with 500 employees or less and limited revenue.