White Knight

The Australian government has acknowledged the importance of students to be equipped with outstanding computing skills to secure their future. Some time ago Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was quoted saying, “I want to turn every secondary school in Australia into a digital school’. Since numerous schemes and stimulus packages have been introduced to support the statement.

As our society accepts technology as an integral part of our everyday lives, it is quite common to hear Gen Y’s and X’s discussing how they or their mates have built their website. But should we be tapping into these evolving skills and asking our mates to build our new business website? The simple answer is … Why Not? - providing your mate can satisfy the following three points once your new site is built:

1. Will your site be easily found on the internet?

2. What proven online sales process will the site use to convert visitors to
sales?

3. How will you update the sites content?

Although most self taught ‘mates’ may have worked out how to build a website, in reality the majority have never considered what makes a website an effective business tool.

Let’s explore these three vital points in detail:

Finding your new website on the internet

There is completely no point in building a website if your customers cannot find it on the internet. Consider the following example:

Brisbane customers interested in purchasing a ‘Gift Basket’ may search for this item by typing ‘Gift Baskets Brisbane’ into Google. They may not even notice when searching for this term, they are presented with 238 thousand responses. This represents the total number of web pages you are competing with for that particular keyword.

Would you expect website to appear on the first few pages if the site wasn’t built with an understanding of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and include incompatible techniques like Frames or only use flash to build a site?

Professional web design firms understand the importance and benefits of SEO. They design websites using proven SEO techniques and can recommend first-class SEO Specialists for ongoing maintenance.

Building a website with a sales process in mind

Most mates don’t take into consideration the importance of an effective sales process and focus on the look and feel of a site rather than its functionality and navigation.

Websites developed to generate online sales must use a proven sales process. They must quickly capture attention (thus preventing the potential customer from clicking away) and lead them through a process that eventuates with a conversion.

A report released by Marketing Sherpa in 2005 estimates, “up to 50 percent of visitors to landing pages will bail in the first eight seconds.”

Updating and maintaining the websites content

Engaging a mate to update and manage your website can be risky business. For example, friendships don’t always last. Sometimes your mates are too busy, too stressed or are simply unavailable to update your website when required.

A professional web design firm should offer its clients the option of a self managed Content Management System; alternatively offer the service of updating and managing the websites content on behalf of the client.

This is a major point for consideration if you are planning on building a site that runs promotions and incentives. If you opt to go with a self managed Content Management System, after only a few minutes of training you can make as many changes as you want, immediately and free of charge.

A professionally designed website does not have to be expensive

Before asking your mate to design your new website, consider the points we mentioned earlier: Will your customers be able to find your website on the internet? Will they be captured by the site and proceed with the transaction?

And finally, will you be able to manage and maintain your website post the design stage?

With the growth of the Internet over the last decade, affordable web design is now a reality. There’s no need to invest tens of thousands of dollars to gain an effective web presence. Answer this? If you were building a new home, would you call your mate around to design and build it for you because he once helped you build a new desk you bought from IKEA? Unless your mate is a qualified architect, plumber, electrician and builder, you may be surprised at the end result.

It is very interesting to note just how quickly the face of the World Wide Web is advancing. We only have to take a look at the past twenty years to realise just how much the internet has impacted our day to day lives and the way we conduct business. This advancement is quite amazing considering that internet only introduced to Australian universities in 1989.

Today, you only have to turn on your television or open a newspaper to notice the Australian government and the communication networks are in a race to create superior quality networks specifically designed to enhance the way we use the web. Likewise, there is a major shift in designs of hardware, software technologies and increased development of eCommerce Design in an attempt to maximize a businesses profits and reduce overheads.

Opportunities for Small Businesses

It is quite clear that today consumers (in particular small business owners) are looking at ways of streamlining their current practices through the use of portable devices such as laptops, mini-notebooks and wireless data devices such as the iPhone and BlackBerry. According to the research conducted by Gartner, sales of mini-notebooks in Asia Pacific increased by a massive 82% in 2008 and are predicted to continue through 2010 and 2011.

Hardware limitations of these devices are cleverly substituted though the development of online applications. Some of these include: a wide range of Online Office Suites, virtual meeting rooms such as GoToMeeting, online faxing services such as  faxmate and accounting and invoicing packages such as Freshbooks just to name a few.

The Internet makes business online a reality

The introduction of the 3G Mobile networks and the common use of WiFi technology have recently enabled business owners to alter and streamline the way they conduct business through this new range of online products, allowing them to operate their businesses from just about anywhere.

This major shift is also supported by professional web design firms, in particular through the use of cleverly developed ecommerce sites automating the ordering, dispatching and accounting processes.

Why smart business owners are embracing online applications

Online applications are becoming more frequently used as they offer business owners a large range of benefits including:

• Minimal hardware requirements – all that is required to run online applications is a basic computer, a web browser and a reliable internet connection. Simple and portable devices such as mini-notebooks can now be
  used in place of large and expensive hardware solutions.
• Platform independent – with online applications, users are no longer limited to specific operating systems such as Windows or Mac OS.
• Users can access the applications from any computer that is connected to the internet - there is no need to purchase additional licences. Users can access documents saved on the server from any computer connected to the internet. This can present a massive saving to small businesses with multi licence requirements.
• There is no need to download or install software - all software upgrades are applied to the server. Users will automatically be able to access the updated version of the application net time they log in.
• Documents are stored in a secure online location – this prevents loss of valuable information if the computer experiences hardware failure, is lost or stolen.

The Future of online applications

The only limitation to effectively utilising online applications is access to the internet. This minor hick-up is however diminishing day by day as Telco’s continue rolling out state of the art technologies. As an example Telstra exclusively offer a new range of Next G Data Cards capable of 21 Mbps downlink speeds accessible to 98.8% of Australian population, whilst K-Rudd is well and truly on the way to build a world class high speed broadband network.

Moving forward, it is important for business owners to consider and embrace some of the available solutions emerging today. Online applications are fast becoming part of our day to day lives and most certainly are already affecting the way we conduct business. Just think, the internet only became available to the Australian public 20 years ago.

At our current rate of advancement, what are the potential consequences for those that don’t embrace this type of technology and use it to their advantage?

Most businesses owners are under the impression that in order to stay in touch with current buying trends, they must have a website - they are correct.

According to a report released in 2008 by Internet Measurement Company ‘Nielsen Online’, Australians are spending around 13.7 hours per week surfing the internet in comparison to the 13.3 hours of viewing television.

These figures in conjunction with the massive increase of online purchases have prompted the business world towards more active forms of sales and advertising using the World Wide Web.

As a consequence of this newly developed customer expectation, businesses are rushing in flocks to purchase websites so that they too can keep up with today’s customer demands.

The true purpose of a website

Interestingly though prior to engaging a professional web design company, a large number of businesses don’t take into consideration how this web tool will add to their bottom line. Rather than generating revenue, websites (if developed for wrong reasons) can simply add to companies running operational costs.

Before embarking on a mission to build a site, business owners should take into consideration that websites can serve different purposes and as such, content displayed should vary.

Business sites generally fall into the following three categories:

eCommerce Sites - these sites feature products and services that can be purchased without any form of consultation. Customers can simply browse through the online store and proceed to purchase goods using the available checkout on the site.

Features of effective eCommerce Sites can include:

• Professional looking and legitimate
• Easy and intuitive Navigation
• Simple and free of clutter
• Necessary links to privacy and /or assurance documentation
• Legitimate security payment logos (PayPal, GeoTrust, Security Seals, etc.)
• Simple to locate business contact details
• A fully intact and operational site without broken links, images, spelling and grammatical errors

In a bricks and mortar world, compare this concept to the newly designed self checkouts in stores in Big-W. These stores are designed to easily lead a customer through the sales process and use minimal human interaction. Compare this concept with a site that implements proven concepts of eCommerce design. This type of site will lead a customer along a clearly defined process, answering any concerns or objections along the way, concluding with a transaction.

Image Building Sites – these sites are specifically designed to distribute information. Generally, these types of sites are used by manufacturers – not retailers. Their sole purpose is to educate the greater society on the features and benefits of their products and services. If designed effectively, Information sites contain links to sites of their preferred distributors.

Features of effective Image Sites can include:

• A professional and legitimate look
• Accurate and descriptive information about products and services offered
• Links to preferred distributors

Companies like Coke and Nokia use Image Sites to drive business towards their distributors where the eventual conversion or sale will occur.

Information/ Lead Generation Sites – these sites form a part of the greater sales process. Their sole purpose is to educate clients on the range of products and services on offer and create a link between the website and a consultant.

In December 2008, Nielsen Online released a report showing that 81% of online holiday shoppers read reviews written by others customers when doing their shopping. This highlights the use of the Internet for research when making purchasing decisions. A good Information Site will use this to their advantage and offer topically related, quality information whilst still leading the consumer down a set path toward a physical point of contact and eventual conversion.

Features of effective Information Sites can include:

• Educational and topically related information regarding the company’s products and services
• Clearly visible contact details (e.g. phone number and/or company address)
• Ability to subscribe to regular newsletters
• Contact ‘me’ web forms
• Customer testimonials

Deciding the purpose of Your Website

It is vital to understand the purpose of a new website prior to engaging a web development company. You must consider whether the site will be built to educate potential customers on their range of products and services, generate immediate income in the form of an eCommerce store or determine whether its purpose is to create a lead for eventual conversion.

With a clear understanding of a websites purpose, business owners can incorporate their site to form a larger part of their overall sales process.

The lure of businesses to create an eCommerce presence is increasing due to the lower investment necessary to set-up a complete online business.

As more and more businesses make the transition from Bricks and Mortar to eCommerce it is critical that they gain an insight into the proven elements of a successful eCommerce site. This initial understanding will prevent future frustration and disillusionment toward their eCommerce experience and future online success.

Why many eCommerce Sites fail

Although Australia eCommerce is still in its very early stages, there are many Australian based websites that perform very well, all implementing similar principles to convert first time visitors to create eventual return customers.

Unfortunately many sites fail when it comes to basic principles and as a result are unable to convince a potential customer to purchase on their online store.

Trust in the Site you are buying from

One of the difficult hurdles to overcome is in gaining the trust of your potential customer. With constant reports on Internet Scams and dodgy online schemes, how is a customer supposed to trust you are a legitimate business offering a legitimate service or product?

An interesting excerpt from the VeriSign website mentions, “Fraud and identity theft have created a chilling effect on e-commerce. Of online consumers, 65% shop only at sites they know and trust, and 65% of online shoppers have abandoned a shopping cart because they did not “trust” the transaction.”

Unlike a conventional bricks and mortar store, your customer cannot actually see your store and understand whether it is reliable or trustworthy.

Fortunately there are several recommended ‘Trust Factors’ that can assist your customer in feeling more at ease when visiting your online store and convince them you are a legitimate business.

Make it easy to contact you

Ensure your contact details are easy to locate on your site. A majority of people won’t actually call, but it’s a good trust builder for your customer to see they can actually call if they need to.

There are customers that still feel uncomfortable completing a credit card transaction over the internet and simply want to talk with a real person. This succeeds in capturing customers that you would normally lose as you are offering an additional point of contact then sites that only offer an email address as a contact point.

They may also have questions that couldn’t be answered on your site. Remember a customer you convert once can become a customer for life buying from you time after time.

Is a Customers Transaction Secure?

Any potential customer offering their financial details over the internet needs to feel safe and secure that an unscrupulous dealer will not take their information and lead them to financial ruin. Although many credit card companies have systems in place to cover unauthorised transactions, your customer needs to
feel ‘peace of mind’ when purchasing from you.

What type of security does your site offer and how do you inform your customers of your security features?

In order for a new customer to feel safe with their transaction they should clearly and easily see the safety features before purchasing from you.

A Professionally designed and well laid out eCommerce site

Imagine 2 physical businesses you’ve never heard of a selling exactly the same product.

One business has its name written on the front window in marker pen, is  fairly dark inside and their products sit on a mismatch of tables covered in different coloured sheets. The other business has a professional shop front displaying their business name, mood music, is well lit and uses professionally designed, matching cases. If their products were the exactly the same price, which shop would you be inclined to choose?

This is the same when you compare an eCommerce site that is self made and one that is designed by a professional with experience in website development. An eCommerce solution should be simple to navigate, well laid out and your customer should be able to find what they are searching for quickly and intuitively.

Consistent and up-to-date Quality Content

It is fairly common for web browsers to loose confidence or trust when a website is out of date or presents inaccurate information.

An report released by Forrester Research discussing the issues with eCommerce websites stated, “Major problems included missing content, meager function, and frequent errors — weakness that thwart users as they pursue typical goals.”

Your customers want to make a well informed decision when purchasing from you and it’s your responsibility as the eCommerce site owner to provide them with accurate, complete and up to date information. If you believe you are not able to write the content for the areas of your site, enlist the services of a copy writer.

The Proof is in the Pudding

These are a tiny excerpt of many other important ‘Trust Factors’, yet are the most important when determining your eCommerce success.

If you are ever in doubt, take a look at the top 15 Australian eCommerce websites published by ZD Net. Every one takes advantage of these basic principles and uses it to their advantage.

Remember, an eCommerce website is on show 24/7 and is the online representation of your business. When your customers visit your site they will decide in less than 60 seconds whether they should make a purchase from you. If they don’t feel enough ‘Trust’ in the product or service you offer they will move onto your competitor and you will have lost the life time value of that customer.

With the economy in an apparent downturn, many business owners are turning to other alternative methods to continue to grow their business. There are a number of proven methods available all with their respective pros and cons, but one of the great trends forming in today’s business world is eCommerce.

According to Forrester Research, 2007 online sales experienced a growth of 21% over 2006 and future trends show a continued growth of around 14% p/a over the next 5 years, despite the current wavering economy.

Dilemma of eCommerce sites that perform

How do you develop a good eCommerce solution that delivers profits to the bottom line? One of the great challenges for Australian Businesses deciding to tackle the on-line world, is in the style of site they believe they need to design to generate any real profits.

Director of retail Phil Bonnano from The Leading Edge said, “Retailer sites in Australia are little more than catalogue pages on the web. Few sell anything online and most offer no integrated services between stores and sites. Most websites lack innovation, fail to engage the consumer and offer nothing new or exciting,”

This identifies an untapped market in the Australia eCommerce marketplace, where anyone with vision can establish themselves as the market leader in their niche.

Successful eCommerce websites are built by using Proven Techniques

The key to a successful eCommerce site is in establishing a solid foundation and planning the future success. It’s critical to understand what and how a customer will buy from you and the message you want to portray about your business.

Think of creating a new website like the opening a new outlet or store.

Would you expect to have a high performing store if your customers had to walk through an unidentifiable maze to find your cash register? Or even worse, would you design a physical store where you customer is ready to buy only to
discover they can’t complete their transaction as they are shopping in a display only store?

It is critical for your customers to find their shopping experience simple and enjoyable.

This is achieved through the integration of eCommerce methods and proven web design techniques.

eCommerce offers a Measurable Return on Investment

One of the greatest challenges in marketing is through understanding what does and doesn’t work. Different marketing strategies can take months to come to fruition and you may not even understand if they are actually achieving a return on investment.

eCommerce is proving to break free from the mould offering a medium that allows successful measure of campaigns through applications such as Google Analytics.

As David Trewern from marketing agency DTDigital was quoted as saying  “You can prove the return on investment – and it is very hard to get that level of data and results from other mediums. This takes the guesswork out of it in a
bad economic environment, when people want to be sure of their investment.”

eCommerce offers the opportunity for all businesses to compete on a level playing field

In the physical world there is a massive difference between the big and little guys. Myers, David Jones and Woolworths hold the obvious upper hand over smaller independent retailers. This translates across many different industries and identifies a necessity to consider other mediums in order to grow business.

The on-line world offers a solution proving that businesses with a solid eCommerce plan are able to outperform their competition.

Sites like vroomvroomvroom are an example of how smaller businesses can compete on the same playing field as Hertz, Avis and Budget through smart eCommerce sites that make it easier for visitors to navigate and buy through.

They currently have only 10 employees, and through well thought eCommerce strategies and implementation of technology have established themselves as market leaders in the Australian car hire industry. By redeveloping their eCommerce strategy they managed to grow their revenue by 121% in 12 months.

Do I need to take out a second mortgage to get a piece of the eCommerce action?

With expected growth of 14% p/a it is important to ensure you have a well thought eCommerce solution to establish yourself as a leader in your niche. This will obviously involve an investment, but will not cost you anywherenear the price of setting up a physical shop and hiring a team of people to run it.

It is important to think of an eCommerce site as an online presence servicing your customers 24/7, leveraging your time and reducing your expenses.

In today’s economic climate it is critical to ensure you are adapting to the market place. What better way to do that then to become a market leader in your niche through the development of an eCommerce strategy that will outperform your competition.

I had a busy day yesterday and I wanted to share how I managed to get all  done quickly and efficiently.  I write this from a consumer perspective and hope that my bias for the internet is somewhat tempered.

My task yesterday was to organise conveyancing solicitors and removalists (we have just sold our house and need to move in the next two weeks), organise a rubbish removal post move, and get dinner ready for when my partner got home.  All this on top of the day job.

I jumped on Google and typed in “Removalist Brisbane”.  A range of options came up.  I clicked on the first couple to get an understanding of the providers.  I liked the look of one of the websites, and the information they provided.  I looked for a contact form, but they only provided quotes via the phone.  I picked up the phone and gave them a call.  They were obviously busy as they had me on hold for 5 mins.  Once I eventually got to speak to someone 7 mins in, they wanted a range of my contact information, and then advised that they would not be able to provide a quote until some stage later in the day.  I thanked them and declined the offer.

All up that process took me 20mins.  I then clicked on the next mover and found that they had a fully automated online booking system.  I was able to provide all the information necessary, input the day and time I need to move, all the other requisite detail and within 5mins I had fully organised the move!  How simple was that.  I was suitably impressed.  5mins, very efficient and straight forward and I had the truck, men and people coming on the day I wanted, including the delivery of packing materials.  They phoned me up 30mins later and confirmed the booking, all done.

I then Googled for a conveyancing solicitor.  This time looking for one who specifically offered online booking services.  I found a professional solicitor, input my details into their website and uploaded the contract for sale.  Within minutes I received an SMS from them confirming receipt.  This process took me 2 mins.

I Googled “Rubbish Removal” and found a company that comes and collects all the left over items for rubbish once you have moved.  I chose the company that provided an online booking service, within 3mins, details were input into the website and booking confirmed.

Last task was dinner.  I carried out a Google search for Pizza, chose a restaurant that delivered and provided online ordering through their Restaurant eCommerce system.  Within 3 mins, dinner was ordered and paid for.

So to recap.  I was able to organise:

• Solicitors (3 mins)
• a full removalist service (5 mins)
• rubbish removal services (3 mins)
• and fix dinner (3 mins)

All this was able to be arranged online in 13 mins!!  This is 7 mins less that it took me to make one phone call to try and arrange removalists.  That is what I call customer service.

Any organisation that is yet to fully embrace online, is really missing out on servicing busy customers who want convenience and efficiency.  This is just one case study of how online can really be a competitive advantage and how Australia eCommerce is still one of the greatest oppotunities available today.

If you would like to talk to us today about setting up eCommerce for your business, click on either of the below for more information:

Restaurant eCommerce |                eCommerce

I want to address a couple of points with this post.  Firstly the common misconception that conducting business via the internet diminishes good customer service.  Secondly the causes of small business failure and how eCommerce can address these.

In our discussions with small business, we talk to customers about the benefits of having a website.  There is some concern within businesses that are still yet to get a website, as to the impacts on their customer service levels, particularly around personal and direct engagement.  These businesses are worried that if they direct the customers, who like ringing them and having a chat, to a website, the loss of personal contact diminishes the customer service.

As Susan Ward from About.com indicates “Good customer service is all about bringing customers back. And about sending them away happy – happy enough to pass positive feedback about your business along to others, who may then try the product or service you offer for themselves and in their turn become repeat customers.”

With this in mind, providing good customer service is not a one dimensional process.  With the improvement in internet speeds, more and more consumers are using the internet to research products and services, along with understanding which company to choose.  Business, in order to provide good customer service, should provide a number of avenues to keep their customers happy.

CustomerServicePoint.com indicates that with increases in the intensity of competition in commoditized market sectors, customers are turning their backs to businesses that do not deliver value.  Therefore with this in mind, small businesses need to think about not only their customers that they deal with on the phone, but potential customers that prefer to deal via the internet.  They then should develop customer service strategies to cater for the differences in their customer demographics.

So providing your customers a website to; understand more about your company, your value proposition, your ethics and an avenue for them to contact you, other than the phone, is good customer service. Also being available on the phone to talk to your customers that prefer this channel, and in person, if your business requires it.  Its not just one approach, but several.

So, how is this related to Australia eCommerce and issues that small business encounter in their daily trade?

Well lets first look at issues that small business in Australia, and most other developed nations, face.

According to NT.gov.au, the reasons for small business failure are:

1. Lack of capital - cash flow

2. Poor planning

3. Poor customer service

4. Economic conditions

Now before I get into the detail of these points, let me ask you a question.  How would your business compete if; you could operate on upfront payments from customers, therefore improving your cash flow, provide your customers an avenue to buy from you 24 hours a day 7 days a week, providing avenues for all your customers to communicate with you and provide feedback AND reduce the operating costs of your business at the same time?

I assume that some of you know where I am going with this.  With exception to economic factors, the reasons for small business failure are entirely within the business owners control.

Most small businesses operate in crowded and competitive markets.  By offering a level of service, quality and affordable pricing, you can easily stand out from your competition.  The trick is to do this on a shoe string budget, as most small business are in a competitive market.  eCommerce is the logical solution.

By setting up a website and implementing eCommerce Design, where your customers can come 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, without disrupting the small business owners work life balance, without increasing operational costs to service at this level, small business can very easily become significantly more competitive.  eCommerce also addresses the issue of cash flow.  Your customers usually will pay prior to the despatch of goods, unless of course you setup specific terms with larger trading partners.  However, if your business deals direct to the consumer, then you will reap cash flow rewards.

eCommerce will also afford you the opportunity to provide your customers with an avenue to provide you feedback.  This feedback is valuable.  You can use it to improve your planning, which in turn will improve your business and increase customer satisfaction.  You will also be able to send out loyalty vouchers, via email easily, and create blogs to inform your customers about new products and services.

The benefits of ecommerce in helping small business be successful cannot be understated.  If you are reading this, then you are part of an advanced party of business owners who are starting to broaden their knowledge of eCommerce in an effort to procure a competitive advantage.  Most small business are still one dimensional in their customer service.  You have the chance to get the jump.

The last point about factors impacting small business is the economy.  While this is largely beyond the control of business, by offering an eCommerce solution, you can reduce the cost of doing business.  Think about how much it would cost you to keep your shop or warehouse open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  By providing eCommerce, the only operating cost, in providing a 24/7 solution, is the hosting & support required to keep your website live.  All emails, orders and feedback can be attended to in normal business hours.  However, your customers can find your website any time of the day or night, any day of the week.  They can see your product range, select and pay, all while your at home with your family and friends enjoying work-life balance.  eCommerce automates the process of serving your customers.  You can keep your costs down, but provide higher levels of service.  This will lead to repeat and increased business.

If you are considering eCommerce, we would be only too happy to be of assistance.  Simply click here to find out more: eCommerce

According to the Small Business Adviser (NSW Government) eBusiness can provide the following benefits:

• Reduced Costs - the efficiencies and automation of online transactions can allow businesses to confidently reduce labour, paper and data entry errors.  This is of particular importance given the current state of the economy.  Small business needs to start looking at smart ways of reducing costs, but not the capacity to service their customers.  The internet is their best weapon to fight a recession.
• Reduced Time - online retailers, like www.plan4me.com.au, are enjoying the benefits of pure online retailing.  Their customers are receiving their product quicker and as a consequence their suppliers are enjoying a shorter sales cycle.  When a business sets up eCommerce, they are streamlining the purchasing process and shortening the lead times.
• Flexibility with Efficiency - eCommerce Design allows businesses to handle complex situations, product ranges and large customer databases effortlessly and accurately.  Customers on our restaurant online ordering system www.wkwd.com.au/merosys, are able to upload their entire menus and their customer database.  The customers then can manage their own profiles, order with a single click and browse the menus of the restaurant.  No longer does the restaurant need to worry about data entry, it is entirely user generated.  The transaction becomes simple for the customer and the restaurant saves time and money while still providing superior service.
• Enhanced Relationships - the accuracy derived from our customers websites is leading to improved communication between their trading partners.  This results in improved supplier payment cycles and thus enhances the long-term relationships with their key suppliers.
• Barriers to Entry - by providing your customers superior and convenient service, via your website, you build strong relationships with your customers.  This in turn fosters loyalty and as a result, you have created an barrier to entry against competitors.
• New Markets - the internet has the potential to expand your business into wider geographical locations.  www.realtyonlineadvertising.com is a website we setup for one of our long term customers.  They are able to run a global internet business from the comfort of their office in Brisbane.  They have customers in, Canada, USA, Australia, NZ and the Caribbean.  Where else can you run a global business, except on the internet?

Basic Steps to Expand your eBusiness Capability

• It is a good idea to stage the implementation of the eBusiness so business and its employees can adapt gradually.
• Use email to replace fax.  Email is faster, more responsive and more adaptable than fax
• Use the internet to locate useful business information
• Provide access to company information on a website to keep customers informed via a regular newsletter
• By having a website, customers will have instant access to up-to-date information and you can print brochures less often
• Setup a company intranet which provides access to important company information to all employees
• Check with your suppliers and customers - there may be certain business transactions you can convert to electronic versions to improve business efficiency (Source: Small Biz NSW Government)

It is estimated that over 79% of Australia now use the internet for Banking, Social Networking, Shopping and Travel information. This is a staggering 16.5 million Australian’s that now use the internet on a daily/weekly basis. Internet usage for generation X and Y is at saturation point, with a significant usage increase from the Baby Boomers (ZD Australia, 2008). The intesity of internet use by Australians is among the highest in the world. Australia ranks sixth in the world in terms of the total number of internet users, despite its relatively small population (CIA, 2000).

A recent Nielsens survey found that the vast majority of Australian Internet users (87%) had made a purchase over the internet, compared to the global average of 77% showing Australia eCommerce at 10% above the average. In addition 53% of the respondents to the Nielsen survey said that they had made their last online purchase less than a month ago, and the majority of these respondents (81%) had actually made multiple purchases within the past month. Overall, according to Nielsen, Australians had averaged five purchases in the previous month per person.

Smart Company has indicated that the least affected of the retail sector are the eCommerce retailers. This economic downturn has led many companies to start exploring more cost effective solutions. The internet is proving to be the best weapon for business to combat recessionary pressures.

With such a recent proliferation in internet use, mostly due to the increasing number of consumers with access to broadband and wireless services, organisations that are not taking advantage of reducing the cost of doing business, may get left behind. According to Smart company, web-savvy companies who are using eCommerce Design to their advantage on their websites for multi-purposes are enjoying enormous opportunities, cost savings and productivity gains. These companies revealed to Smart Company that their websites are increasingly generating a high proportion of their revenue.