The number of small and medium-sized businesses that spend money on online advertising is now greater than those investing their dollars in traditional media like print and television, according to Kelsey Group. That's a first, and the research firm says it marks a turning point.

The annual study, conducted with ConStat, says that 77 percent of SMBs are advertising on the Internet, up from 73 percent a year ago. Meanwhile, those using traditional media to hock their products and services dropped from 74 percent to 69 percent.