Businesses are being urged to keep up with the changing face of marketing.

Latest research reveals almost 40 per cent of New Zealand's small businesses lack an online presence.

Online marketing company Yellow claims many businesses have told them they don't know where to start.

Yellow chief executive Darren Linton told Mike Hosking older businesses have relied on repeat customers and word of mouth.

"It’s served them well in the past - but now we're using digital products to find businesses more than ever.”

Linton says being easily accessible online was critical during lockdown.

He says it's particularly important new small businesses are online, as they seem to be worse hit.

LISTEN ABOVE