Verizon's Small-Business Website Ranked No. 1 for Offering 'a Great Overall Online Experience'

NEW YORK, Nov. 9, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon's website for small businesses, http://smallbusiness.verizon.com, has been ranked No. 1 in an independent survey of websites that target small businesses with products and services.  

Compass Intelligence, a global consulting and marketing analytics firm that conducted the review of the websites of 49 companies, said Verizon's small-business site "offers an elegant mix of multimedia, easy-to-understand product details, online buying and compelling customer stories that connect to an actual solution."  Compass Intelligence also noted that a recent major redesign of the Verizon site enabled it to capture the top ranking.

"Of all the websites we reviewed, we found that Verizon invested the most to provide a great overall online experience for small businesses," said Kneko Burney, president & chief strategist at Compass Intelligence.  "Verizon's small-business website is intuitive, and most importantly, the content is relevant to small businesses – not only seeking services, but seeking information and news to help them run their business better and get an edge on competition."

(Note: To review the results of this research click here; click here to watch a summary video of the research.)

The study also cited the Verizon Small Business Center, which is part of the company's small-business website, for offering "an engaging and unique experience."  The one-stop online portal is aimed at helping small businesses across the country improve productivity, stay informed, and expand their business connections.  

"It's satisfying to get this recognition," said Patrick McLean, executive director, Verizon Interactive.  "We have updated and redesigned our websites targeting small businesses to offer the best possible experience with relevant content – available to any small business, not just to Verizon's small-business customers."    

In the last three months, analysts from Compass Intelligence reviewed the websites of 49 major companies that target small businesses with products and services and ranked them on these attributes: site design, visuals, product information, resources, portal features and account tools.  Each of the websites received scores for usefulness, execution and relevance.

Verizon has two small business online properties -- http://smallbusiness.verizon.com/ and http://business.verizon.net – designed specifically for small-business owners.  The primary small-business website, http://smallbusiness.verizon.com/, provides detailed information about all of the small-business products and services offered by the company.  A tab on this site takes visitors directly to the Verizon Small Business Center, which offers free resources including industry news, how-to articles, professional networking, Verizon Small Biz Blog, free live webinars, tips from small-business experts, and more. (Click here for a virtual tour).  

In addition to Internet, TV and phone services, Verizon also offers small businesses online software applications such encryption and security solutions, as well as discounts on office supplies, shipping and other business products and services.  More information on Verizon's products and services for small businesses is available by calling 888-481-0387 or by visiting www.verizon.com/smallbusiness.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving more than 93 million customers nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 195,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $107 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts, high-quality video and images, and other information are available at Verizon's News Center on the World Wide Web at www.verizon.com/news.  To receive news releases by e-mail, visit the News Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news releases.

SOURCE Verizon