![Supporting SMEs, regions and the digital advertising ecosystem](/sites/default/files/styles/resize_900/public/section_image/SME_0.png?itok=7sOFVoHx)
SMEs’ trust in digital advertising increases by almost 50% vs 2020
New research shows SMEs trust in digital advertising has grown significantly since 2020. Small & medium sized businesses’ trust in digital advertising has risen by 24 percentage points in the past three years with 74% in total now saying they trust it - an almost 50% increase on 2020’s trust levels according to a new study.
Powering Up: The Study
Drawing on evidence from nearly 1,200 UK SMEs, 2020's ’Powering Up’ report explores how small businesses are using digital advertising, where they feel it excels and where more support is needed from the digital industry to help the market’s recovery in the wake of COVID-19.
The study, which has been conducted with MTM, shows that while SMEs’ uptake of digital is high and perceptions positive, there are also opportunities for digital advertisers to provide more accessible guidance for SMEs, to encourage greater use of online channels and maximise the value they deliver.
Our update to the report, published in late 2023 gives updated findings on SME's uptake of digital advertising, login to access now.
2023 report update![Sme research report](/sites/default/files/field-image/2020-06/Withcircle6.png)
Watch our summary of the findings
Interactive Toolkit: Helping SMEs get more out of digital
Our new interactive toolkit helps small businesses unlock the value of digital advertising - whatever their campaign objective. The toolkit pulls together guidance on different digital channels and strategies, tailoring advice based on businesses’ individual aims and resources.
TRY THE TOOLKIT![Coffee bar](/sites/default/files/field-image/2020-12/LEFT%20COFFEE%20_%20BAR_0.png)
Current usage of digital advertising among SMEs
use paid digital advertising
SAY THAT DIGITAL ADVERTISING PROVIDES A GOOD ROI
OF ALL DIGITAL AD SPEND ESTIMATED TO COME FROM SMEs
As we deal with the economic effects of COVID-19, digital advertising is continuing to play a crucial role for many SMEs, but more support from our industry is needed to maximise the role that it can play to boost recovery. For us and our members, the next phase of this work will be acting on this insight to ensure that we are effectively supporting SMEs throughout this period and beyond.
Elizabeth Lane, Head of Insight, IAB UK