Forbes: Top Website Statistics For 2023

As we enter 2023, the internet continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with websites and online presence becoming increasingly important for both individuals and businesses. From website traffic to mobile usage, it's crucial to stay up to date on the latest trends and statistics in the online world.

In this article, we've researched and compiled the top website statistics for 2023 to give you a clear picture of what's happening in the industry and what you can expect in the coming year. Whether you're a web developer, digital marketer or simply interested in online trends, this article will provide valuable insights and a glimpse into the future of the internet. 

General Website Statistics1. There are about 1.13 billion websites on the internet in 2023

While there are 1.13 billion websites in the world, only a fraction of these are actively used and updated. A staggering 82% are inactive, meaning only 200,121,724 of the 1.13 billion websites are actively maintained and visited.

Assuming you read 300 words per minute (WPM), by the time you finish reading this article, 200 websites have been created.

Seventy-one percent of businesses now have a website in 2023. This is an increase from previous years, and can largely be attributed to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. With the shift to online commerce and remote work, companies have realized the importance of having an online presence in order to reach a wider audience and remain competitive in today's digital landscape. The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the trend of businesses establishing a web presence, and it is likely that this trend will continue into the future. Code-free website builders have also made it easier than ever for businesses to establish an online presence.

According to recent statistics, 28% of all business activity is now conducted online.^[3]This shift to online commerce reflects the increasing importance of the internet in today's business world, and the growing trend of e-commerce. The ease and convenience of online transactions have made it a popular choice among consumers, and businesses are taking advantage of this shift by expanding their online presence.

According to recent research, 43% of small businesses are planning to invest in the performance of their website in 2023.^[2]This trend underlines the growing importance of having an effective online presence for businesses of all sizes. With consumers increasingly relying on the internet to make purchasing decisions, having a well-designed and optimized website is critical for a business's success in today's digital landscape. These small businesses understand the potential for growth and success through a strong online presence, making website performance a top priority for their growth plans.

Twenty-one percent of business owners face low website traffic^[2], which poses a significant challenge for their online presence. This can impact their ability to attract and retain customers, as well as their revenue and overall success. In today's digital age, having a well-performing website is crucial for businesses, and addressing this issue is essential for success in the competitive online landscape.

Calls to action are an important aspect of a website's conversion strategy and their effectiveness can be measured by the click-through rate (CTR). The average CTR across all industries is 4.23% ^[5], so for every 100 people visiting a website, 4.23 will interact with a call to action. This stat emphasizes the importance of having well-designed and strategically placed calls to action for a website to increase the chances of conversion. By understanding the average CTR across industries, website owners can benchmark their own results and make data-driven decisions to improve their website's performance.

The time it takes for users to form an opinion about a website is incredibly brief—just 0.05 seconds.^[6] This means that first impressions matter a great deal and websites need to be designed to make a strong impact in a very short amount of time. A well-designed website that is easy to navigate and provides a positive user experience can go a long way in retaining visitors and potentially converting them into customers. 

Website Traffic Statistics9. A staggering 93% of global traffic comes from Google

Ninety-three percent of global internet traffic is driven by Google,^[4] making it the dominant search engine in the world. With its advanced algorithms and user-friendly interface, Google has become the go-to source for billions of people searching for information, products and services online. The sheer size of the company's user base and its influence on the internet make it a critical player in shaping the digital landscape.

Google holds a strong position as the most visited website, with an impressive 85.1 billion visitors.^[7] This high traffic demonstrates the popularity and reliance on Google's services, such as search, email and online advertising, among internet users. For businesses, it underlines the importance of having a strong online presence through Google to reach a wide audience.

With over 33 billion visitors, YouTube takes the second spot as the most visited website.^[7] Its vast library of user-generated content and its popularity as a video-sharing platform make it a valuable resource for individuals and businesses alike. Having a strong presence on the site can help increase brand awareness, drive traffic and reach a wider audience.

North America has seen a rise in the use of mobile devices for accessing the web, with 51.2% of web traffic originating from these devices.^[8]

This trend has led to an increased focus on mobile optimization for businesses, as users expect a seamless experience regardless of their device. Making sure a website is optimized for mobile is crucial for companies looking to engage with their target audience in North America.