Small businesses in Australia are basically privately-owned corporations, partnerships or sole proprietorships that have up to 15 employees. Though most small businesses are home-based, the increasing popularity of Internet marketing has associated small business with E-commerce.
Small businesses can benefit from the business opportunities created when listed in online business directories. With most business activity in the country are dominated by small businesses, it is not surprising that the use of online business directories are crucial in creating an extensive clientele and a network of business partners as well. The Council of Small Business of Australia reported a growing significance of the Internet and E-commerce in small business through key indicators (as of July 2008):
• 97% own a computer
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• 93% connect to the Internet
• 71% place orders over the Internet
• 67% receive payments over the Internet
• 57% take orders over the Internet
• 54% own their web sites
The figures suggest that an online business directory has a very important role in helping companies maximise the power of Internet marketing. In this way, online business directories can help transform casual visitors and web browsers into paying customers.
Small Business Australia: Problems & Needs
One of the main problems associated in running a small business in Australia has always been generating new leads and maintaining repeat customers. Before, people tend to use the ever-reliable printed business directories to find a particular business for a certain consumer need. But it was time consuming for consumers looking for a particular company and costly for businesses who are trying to market themselves. The advancement of Internet technology have transformed business directories into an advertising and marketing media as more business owners are looking for return of investment, web traffic, business exposure and search engine optimisation.
Business Directory Australia: Its Benefits
Since small businesses have limited capital, getting listed in a business directory is a cost effective way of promoting its products and services. Business directories also help develop local presence for small businesses. Though most online business directories are virtually free, there are those who offer premium services for priority listings.
Another interesting benefit is that business directories can be customised according to locality, industry, market demographics and special interest. In this case, if you are an online furniture store owner in Sydney, you may want to get listed in a local Sydney business directory or in a furniture industry directory.
Business directories help you get connected with other small businesses as well. So if a dairy farmer wants to supply a local bakery with his produce or a small catering business wants to buy cutlery from a kitchen utensil supplier, business directories connect you with the right people.
Finally, small businesses simply do not have the time or skills to set up their websites. Even if they can spend thousands of dollars for a professionally-designed website, many of them can not maximise its potential let alone promote it to existing and potential customers. Business directories provide an alternative and cost-effective online promotion method for small businesses.
Getting listed in Australia Business Directory is a big step for a small business to get known. Australia Business Directory will help you advertise, promote your products and services, broaden your market reach beyond your locality and acquire your competitor’s customers.
