New research: Small businesses are prioritizing digital in 2021

Apr 1st, 2021
By Britney Hope
Banner advertising the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses and their Research Backgrounder document

The Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB) has recently released new research that indicates connecting with customers online, paying down debt and improving web and social media branding is the top focus for Canada's small businesses in 2021. Highlights from the study include:

  • 38% of small business owners in Canada believe online sales has been essential to their survival through the pandemic.
  • 48% of all business owners say they plan to sell online post-pandemic.
  • Only 2% of businesses are going to turn away from selling online after lockdowns and social distancing restrictions end. 
  • 40% of business owners say their main challenge these businesses are facing is attracting customers online,  so they are looking for advice on how to elevate their online presence, as well as improve their social and digital marketing. 

To help small businesses reach customers online, Google is launching an all-new version of Grow My Store, a free tool that improves a website’s customer experience. Businesses can request their free Grow My Store report, which will assess their site performance, discover how it compares to fellow retailers in their industry, and provide tailored advice on where they can improve.

Read CFIB’s full research backgrounder, Small Business Prioritizing Digital in 2021, for more information.