The 2026 France Num Barometer paints a mixed picture: small businesses are widely present online and are adopting artificial intelligence quickly, yet not all clearly perceive the benefits of digital tools. Here are the key figures and what they may mean for a small business.
The study was commissioned by the Directorate General for Enterprise and carried out by Crédoc and the Centre Relations Clients. It draws on responses from 9,655 small and medium-sized businesses, collected from 23 March to 18 April 2026.
Online presence is now common
In 2026, 83% of surveyed businesses use at least one online visibility channel: a website or a social media account. 64% have a website and 66% use at least one free social network. These channels often complement each other: being visible online does not necessarily mean selling through a website.
Online sales or payment is offered by 34% of businesses, down three points in a year. At the same time, the internet contributes directly to sales for a growing share: 46% say at least 5% of their customers come from the internet, and 17% make more than half their revenue online.
Artificial intelligence is growing quickly
Four in ten small and medium-sized businesses say they use at least one AI solution, 14 points more than in 2025 and three times the 2024 level. Adoption is rising across the sectors studied, although usage rates differ. Among businesses using AI, 68% report a positive effect; the figure is 84% for those using paid solutions.
This rapid uptake is a reason to start with a practical need, such as drafting, sorting or analysing, then check time saved, output quality and the data shared with the tool. The survey reports declared uses; it does not show that every tool suits every business.
Using tools is not enough
The share of business owners who believe digital technology brings a real benefit fell to 71%, seven points lower than in 2025. Perceptions vary considerably by business size and sector. A website, software package or AI tool is useful when it solves a real task and fits the way the business works.
Projects remain widespread: 78% plan a digital project in 2026 or 2027. E-invoicing leads (39%), followed by buying software (26%), training (21%) and AI (18%). Meanwhile, 33% report no dedicated digital spending in 2025.
What a small business can take away
- Set a measurable goal before adding a tool: enquiries, sales, admin time or customer follow-up.
- Connect online visibility to the sales journey: a clear page, a way to request a quote, or online purchasing, depending on the business.
- Budget time for onboarding and training, not only software.
- Plan regulatory projects such as e-invoicing separately from growth initiatives.
Turning online visibility into sales
For a craft business, maker or small brand, visibility is only the first step: customers also need a simple way to buy or request a quote when an item is made to order. Torlann brings a product catalogue, orders, bank transfer payments and quote requests together in WordPress; its free edition lets businesses get started with these features. It may be worth exploring if this fits your way of working.
The Barometer describes national trends, not an individual diagnosis. Full results and methodology are available from France Num, which also provides the study’s open data.