Illinois SMBs had a basic digital infrastructure including a web and social media presence prior to COVID-19, but lagged behind in using more digital tools during the crisis than previously (64% vs 72% avg.) Among the hardest hit states, Illinois SMBs ranked in the bottom 10 states for projected revenue (-20% vs. -16% avg.). These businesses are heavily oriented towards recovery (47%) and retaining their customer base (41%). Most (55%) intend to increase their use of digital tools in support of these aims, even as they worry about cost (46%) and overcoming an information deficit (41%).
1) Search engine optimization / SEO (62% vs. 64%)
2) Search engine optimization / SEO (62% vs. 64%)
3) Social media and video platforms (66% vs. 69%)
4) Digital payments (65% vs. 67%)
How will I...
Optimize my business operations? (34% vs. 39%)
Retain my customer base? (41% vs. 42%)
Grow my customer base? (34% vs. 40%)
Recover from the damage done by COVID-19?(47% vs. 44%)
1) Business website (10% vs. 9%)
2) Online training platforms (10% vs. 10%)
3) Online hiring platforms (13% vs. 8%)
1) Webinars or livestreams (44% vs. 47%)
2) Step-by-step video tutorials (53% vs. 56%)
3) Step-by-step written guides (39% vs. 42%)
Evanston, Illinois
From shifting brick-and-mortar operations online to employing laid off restaurant workers, this digitally connected company overcame several hurdles while helping out colleagues in a struggling industry.
