B2C Websites average 54,000 visitors weekly; 12% buy

[May 8th 2001]

Newly released research data about how businesses are faring online in 2001 are about to be released in a new report by ActiveMedia Research, "WebChange 2001: E-Business Comes of Age".

The total number of Web site visitors on a weekly basis average nearly 36,000, with B-to-C segments reporting as many as 54,000 in a week, compared to only 20,000 at B-to-B sites. Granted, many of today's sites that are not profit centers are not on line to sell, but the fact that site visitors is so great at profitable sites indicates that E-Commerce is currently strong. Sites that originate in North America garner the greatest number of weekly visitors. Europe is a fast-growing continent, however, so these numbers are expected to change as European businesses gain a greater online presence and their population online expands.

According to ActivMedia's VP of Market Research, Harry Wolhandler, "News of the great decline of E-Commerce is based more on entertainment value than on fact. While it is true that many of the Web's less financially successful businesses are in trouble, there is a substantial core of businesses that are both profitable and thriving. There is a continuing maturation process at work, and those sites that have learned to satisfy customers and build trust are experiencing consistent growth driven by internally-generated cash flow."

The ActivMedia research indicates that among remaining Websites in mid-Spring 2001, three fourths see their own online markets expanding, two thirds are attracting new customers, and half report increases in the loyalty of past customers. As another indicator of loyalty, purchase rates are rising, particularly for sites that have been on the Web more than three years. Currently Websites report that one in eight site visitors (12%) actually making purchases, with a slightly higher level of purchasing taking place in the B-to-B space.

Links
ActivMedia Research		http://www.activmediaresearch.com