Software Advice Research Reveals Clicks and Bricks are Paving the Way in 2021

New research uncovers 1 in 3 small businesses are moving a physical store online.

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Software Advice, which provides 1-on-1 help and personalized software recommendations, released findings from its latest survey on transitioning from a traditional business model to the click-and-brick model. Clicks and bricks, also known as click and mortar, hybrid retail models, or sometimes BOPIS retail (buy online, pick up in store), is a type of business model that combines both online and in-person operations. The survey results highlight how small businesses pivoted in 2020 by adjusting operating models and how they’re reinventing in 2021 through digitization.

Developing an online presence remains a key business priority in 2021:

• 35% of small businesses are establishing delivery or curbside programs
• 34% of small businesses are creating online learning materials
• 34% of small businesses are moving a physical store online

Software adoption helped to streamline operations and increase efficiency in 2020:

• 87% of small businesses achieved their goals by the nine-month mark
• 45% of small businesses reported improved engagement with customers
• 42% of small businesses reported reduced costs
• 31% of small businesses reported improved marketing campaigns

“With vaccines becoming available, plenty of opportunities await,” says Software Advice Global Vice President, Blake Clark. “This is the revival year for small businesses. It’s time to implement new strategies and adopt new technologies for a competitive edge in the marketplace.”

Software Advice is proud to partner with SCORE, mentors to America’s small businesses, on April 20 in a live webinar featuring Rieva Lesonsky, CEO of GrowBiz Media and SmallBizDaily, Ross Herosian, Founder and CEO of Tricycle Creative, and Blake Clark, Global Vice President of Software Advice. Register now and learn what the most successful businesses are doing in 2021 — trends you will want to jump on now.

Survey Methodology
The Software Advice Small Business Comeback Survey was conducted in January 2021. We surveyed 527 small business “leaders,” defined as full-time business owners, leaders or entrepreneurs in small-to-midsize companies in the U.S. with up to 500 employees.

About Software Advice
Software Advice™ helps businesses navigate the software buying journey. Industry-specific advisors guide people through the selection process and provide personalized software recommendations. Founded in 2005, Software Advice has helped over 800,000 businesses find the right software for their specific needs through 1-on-1 advice, objective research and actionable insights. Software Advice also features over 1 million verified user reviews to ensure people feel confident in their technology decisions.