Business IT

Businesses without web sites: backward or just pragmatic?

By William Maher on Jun 26, 2012 5:48PM
Businesses without web sites: backward or just pragmatic?

Editor's Picks

IoT Explained: What is the Internet of Things in Australia (June 2022)

5 essential digital transformation ideas

Top 5 Benefits of Managed IT Services

Venom BlackBook Zero 15 Phantom

Opinion: Today’s news that two-thirds of Australian “micro” businesses have no web presence shouldn’t come as a surprise. What needs to be explained in more detail is why.

Depending on who you talk to, it’s often assumed that if you have a business selling something in 2012, you need to be online.

That's especially so if you’re one of thousands of Australian sole traders, perhaps working from home, or with less than four staff.

Around a third of Australian “micro” business have a web presence (four employees or less), according to numbers released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). It's news jumped on by Google, which offers free web sites with a  .com.au address and ecommerce. The search giant today released a statement urging local businesses to make getting online a priority in the next financial year.

“Whether you’re a pizza restaurant or the newsagent around the corner, it’s never been more important to be online,” reads the statement from Google Australia Head of Local Business Claire Hatto.

Newsletter Signup

Get the latest business tech news, reviews and guides delivered to your inbox.

I have read and accept the privacy policy and terms and conditions and by submitting my email address I agree to receive the Business IT newsletter and receive special offers on behalf of Business IT, nextmedia and its valued partners. We will not share your details with third parties.

One of the examples used by Claire Hatto is finding the closest florist or locksmith: “If you own a business and you don’t have a mobile optimised website you are invisible to a large number of clients who will just go to your competitor who’s made the move online already.”

There’s no doubt that for the thousands of florists, locksmiths and other businesses of a similar nature, having a web site at the very least is extremely important if you’re to catch potential customers who use Google to decide where to spend their money.

Today’s ABS numbers show that the amount of “Internet income” received by Australian businesses increased $46 billion to $188.7 billion in 2010-11. With the NBN on the (distant for some) horizon, pressure to get online is only going to increase.

Last week I spoke to the head of a prominent industry association who identified ecommerce as one of the issues the organisation has been speaking about “ad nauseam" to its members.

All of which begs the question, if your business is not online, why not?

The sectors with the least web presence are agriculture, forestry and fishing, according to the ABS. Transport, postal and warehousing all also sit below the average, while the construction industry reports less than 40% of businesses with a web presence.

We’d also be willing to bet there are a certain proportion of contractors and consultants who have their hands full, thank you very much, and are too busy, or just don’t want or need the extra phone calls and emails a web site would bring.

None of which is to say that getting online isn't important. 

Have a comment? Add your opinion below.

Copyright © BIT (Business IT). All rights reserved.
Tags:
abs agriculture australian bureau of statistics construction ecommerce fishing google micro small business transport
By William Maher
Jun 26 2012
5:48PM
0 Comments

Related Articles

  • Climate change is a collective responsibility - and supply chain management must be core to the solution
  • Getting your Semiconductors for Christmas
  • How shopping has changed for Christmas 2021
  • Three ways to cultivate loyal customers through social media
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share on Whatsapp Email A Friend

Most Read Articles

5 essential digital transformation ideas

5 essential digital transformation ideas

Digital dystopia: your reputation is on the line

Digital dystopia: your reputation is on the line

How to manage payment risks and fraud in 2022

How to manage payment risks and fraud in 2022

IoT Explained: What is the Internet of Things in Australia (June 2022)

IoT Explained: What is the Internet of Things in Australia (June 2022)

Poll

What would you like to see more of on BiT?
News
Reviews
Features
How To's
Lollies
Photo Galleries
Videos
Opinion
View poll archive
All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form without prior authorisation.
Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of nextmedia's Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.