Google and MYOB’s joint project ‘Getting Aussie Businesses Online’ has seen more than 4,000 businesses take up the offer of a free website, an average of eight Australian business owners per hour since its launch on March 2, 2011.
The project, which aims to provide websites to 50,000 Australian businesses by the end of the year, will assist businesses with publishing important details such as opening hours and contact details online.
“We’re thrilled that more than 4,100 small business owners have already set up their free website. It’s a clear sign that once you remove the barriers of cost, lack of knowledge and time for Aussie business owners, they are keen to get online and be part of the digital economy,” said Tim Reed, CEO of MYOB.
Business owner Nadia French of Cakes by Nadia set up her website via this service to make her business more accessible and to add credibility.
“Customers simply don’t think you’re legitimate without one and Getting Aussie Business Online has filled that need for me very easily and fast,” remarked French. “It’s imperative for a small business to have this sort of online presence.”
Claire Hatton, head of Local Business for Google Australia, agreed. “There were nearly 15,000 searches for ‘cakes sydney’ last month. To be among the results, Nadia needs to be online.”
Added Reed: “Millions of Australians regularly turn to the internet to research local shops and services, so we’re thrilled to have helped Nadia get a website, so she can get online and be found. More than a million Aussie businesses don’t have a website, so we really hope as many as possible take Nadia’s lead and get a free website and get ahead.”
The website offer is not just a directory listing or online brochure. Businesses can do as much or as little with it as they want. In addition to basic details, French has created a photo gallery of her cakes, published a list of events she’ll be attending, and linked to her Twitter and Facebook pages.
To find out more, or to get online, visit www.gettingbusinessonline.com.au.