A 1000 percent rise in Google searches of tax-related keywords since April has led MYOB to urge tax and accounting consultants to build an online presence now, or risk losing their business to competitors who are online.
According to Google Product Specialist Kate Conroy, over 70,000 searches a month indicate consumers are looking for accountants and professional financial advice online.
“In Australia only one third of small businesses have a web presence. The fact is, if you’re not on the web and cannot be found your business simply is invisible. Having a website is just as important as having a phone or mail address,” Conroy said.
“During this busy industry period, for small and medium tax accountants in particular, it’s a big risk they really don’t have to take,” she added.
With data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showing that more than 70 percent of businesses with four people or less don’t have a website, MYOB is again suggesting SMBs take advantage of its Getting Aussie Businesses Online Program.
Launched in partnership with Google, the program is designed to break down barriers felt by businesses who want to get online quickly, easily and for free.
EzyAssist, an accounting and financial management business in South Australia, is just one of the more than 16,000 businesses who’ve signed up since the program launched in March.
“Since registering with Getting Aussie Businesses Online I have absolutely noticed an increase of attention to my business. It is allowing me to compete with the bigger, more well known agencies in my area that have more cash to spend on marketing” Owner Fiona Carver said.
