Sitemakers specialise in ecommerce solutions for retailers selling on the Internet

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Todays online statistics (originally published Spring 2006)

In 1996 when the Internet was still in its infancy, around 4.6 million users had online access in the UK. Over the past 10 years the rate of online activity has seen a steady increase with an audience of around 37.8 million today, nearly 63% of the UK population. 73% of Internet users have been online for 3 or more years which is now far more representative of the UK population as a whole.

Broadband

DSL broadband is available to 85% of UK homes and businesses and 41% of homes now have broadband using more than 4 million broadband connections. 56% of Internet users are now going online everyday and as people become more web savvy, they are visiting an increasing variety of websites covering a broader range of activities. Whilst the Internet increases its reach, diverse surfing habits mean that it is a highly effective medium for targeting niche audiences.

Broadband users are far more active online, spending twice as long online as narrowband users and viewing 3.5 times as many web pages. The profile of broadband users shows similar skews to those seen in the early years of Internet adoption. This will become more reflective of the total population as broadband usage continues.

Media Usage

People are spending as much time online as they do listening to the radio and twice as much time as they spend reading newspapers and magazines. Online is a great way to reach audiences in the middle of the day. The internet is having a significant influence on people's consumption of traditional media. Whilst online and radio form a strong synergy, other media are losing out as people spend more time surfing the web. Surfers find the internet to be a peerless aid when looking for information and trying to get things done. Online advertising is more effective if seen in the right context as audiences say they prefer advertising that relates to a website's content, thus paying more attention to it.

eCommerce

Websites where people can buy products and services are the most popular destinations. Online information plays a crucial role in people's decision making process. The Internet is a valuable resource to consumers when researching products and services and is often more trusted than other sources. 74% of users believe using a credit card online is 'safe' with the average user spending £627 in the last 6 months. 47% have a household income between £25k and £50k. 41% are aged between 18 and 35. 46% have been online for over 5 years. 38% have shopped online more than ten times in the past six months.

Christmas Shopping

More and more people are shopping online, spending more money and making bigger purchases.

Shoppers spent almost £5bn online in the UK to the lead up to Christmas 2005, up from £3.3bn the previous year. Spending online is expected to reach £8bn over the run-up to Christmas 2006. In comparison, overall retail sales rose by just 4% year on year in December. There can no longer be any doubt that the internet is a major part of the retail landscape, and that it will dominate the retail agenda for the future.

150 Million Users online in Europe

Germany and UK continue to lead the market in terms of total audience connected, with 76 million users between them. High growth rates continue among most countries for 'at home' user population. People connected are also spending increasing amounts of time online. With the trend in social networking websites taking a hold in recent months these trends are set to continue.

For more informtion about online retail and to arrange a demonstration phone us on 01458 253290 or contact us