Melio: Small businesses and COVID-19

An online poll of 1,000 small business owners revealed that for 25% of respondents, the pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital tools for their business.

While the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on small businesses are far-reaching, our research results revealed a cautiously optimistic forecast — likely due in part to business owners’ quick thinking. The study was conducted on behalf of digital payment platform Melio in January 2021 and found 31% of small business owners said embracing new technology helped their business during COVID-19, according to new research.

While 57% of respondents said COVID-19 had a “somewhat” or “very” negative impact on their small business, 7% reported a positive impact and 36% reported the pandemic had no impact on their business.

The survey also revealed that many respondents were able to adapt and even evolve during the pandemic, by rethinking the way they operate their businesses. Some respondents said they managed to successfully enable their employees to work from home (23%), digitized the way they get paid by customers (23%) and the way they pay vendors (19%).

In addition to that, 19% of respondents increased their online advertising/marketing efforts and 17% revamped their business’ website to keep their business on the up and up during the pandemic. 21% increased their digital presence through social media, while 22% started selling products online.

The custom research project included an online survey, with a specialist panel of 1,000 small business owners. A news story was written from the research findings, and accompanied by an infographic and animated graphic – created and distributed by our earned media partner 72Point. The survey-led story generated over 160 pieces of coverage, 31 with links directly to the brand’s website.

BrandMelioServicesOnline research, News story, Infographic, Media distributionLinkwww.meliopayments.comContact uswww.onepoll.us