More businesses moving online

DavidL · #1 27-07-11, 01:53 PM

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/mor...-1226102462028

Quote:

Research by accounting software provider MYOB has found that the number of Australian businesses now online has increased to 39 per cent, up from 35 per cent last November, with a further 22 per cent planning to create a website in the next 12 months

Quite amazing that only 39% of AU businesses have a website!

Also, even if only 1/2 of those 22% do get around to getting a website in the next 12 months, that would imply the actual number of business websites should increase by (22/2)/39*100 = 28% over the next 12 months.

Now that has to be good news for domain values

Good story to complement this thread - http://www.dntrade.com.au/online-sho...wth-t3430.html

ScottNugent · #2 27-07-11, 01:56 PM

Quite obviously (as a designer/developer) this make me happy!

But in honesty, I'm with you; I can't believe that! Everyone should be online these days; not just for advertising, for administrative purposes as well, for example!

whiterabit · #3 27-07-11, 02:08 PM

and the worst thing is that everyone is pushing social! social this and social that etc etc.....whats the point of running if we can even walk.

<tin hat>yes there are many businesses in AU who do both well, just trying to illustrate that we should be getting our websites right before we get in to social. and dont even get me started on mobile</tin hat>

ScottNugent · #4 27-07-11, 02:20 PM

I agree, a quality centralised web presence is vital; don't market if you have nothing TO market; prospects don't tweet for quotes; they follow links, read up, then contact!

nina · #5 27-07-11, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whiterabit

and the worst thing is that everyone is pushing social! social this and social that etc etc.....whats the point of running if we can even walk.

<tin hat>yes there are many businesses in AU who do both well, just trying to illustrate that we should be getting our websites right before we get in to social. and dont even get me started on mobile</tin hat>

I agree. I have to use these social networking elements so I can advise clients, however, I strongly disagree with plastering a business site with the facebook plugins, unless you have really worked on understanding the implications on your site when doing this.

I have spoken with well respected online marketing specialists who also agree that why on earth would you put a facebook link on your site when you've spent all that time and money getting people to your site in the first place.

However, as a new user of a smart phone (my HTC - as our home is APPLE FREE) - I believe that some businesses could do themselves a favour having a half decent mobile page with their contact details on there.

I guess MYOB have done this survey to help promote their rather ordinary free website which they are in bed with Google in marketing. I was a bit annoyed with it when I first saw it, but it has been a good marketing tool for me to help people understand the value of what you get for nothing.

But then again I've already broken my own rule with one of my sites with a facebook like page but it is good to test with and it keeps my 'friends' at bay.

Nina Meiers

snoopy · #6 27-07-11, 03:21 PM

I'm guess the 61% consists mainly of micro businesses (eg 1 worker) or small businesses where it may not be crucial or may be perceived as not crucial (fish and chip shops, cafes, small clothes shops etc). Possibly skewed towards older business owners also.

Was speaking with a tree and stump remover yesterday. He had been in the business 25 years and said his work now comes from the Internet and word of mouth only. Having said that it is probably far from typical given I found him online (adwords).

Said he spends around $12k per year on Google ads with each lead (in terms of a phone call) working out to around $10. He gets 3-4 calls a day. He used to spend $25k for a quarter page ad in the Yellow Pages and said it had been on a long decline starting about 10 years ago and was no longer cost effective to advertise in for him.

Not sure what he converts at but assuming say one third that is maybe $30 per sale. I'm guess he might have revenue of $500-$1500 on a typical sale so it probably works pretty well.

He had tried getting rankings organically and described it as a waste of money, found adwords far more cost effective.

Chris.C · #7 27-07-11, 04:56 PM

Yeah I'm not sold on the notion of ALL businesses needing a website either.

I was having a good yarn with the painter that painted our house recently, he is making good bucks without a website. He gets most of his leads via new services like Quotify and Service Seeking.

I don't think you need to stretch the imagination too far to envisage a future where the majority of B2C tradies obtain the majority of work via some portal that brings customers and tradies together.

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