Slow and steady wins the race with online offerings: COSBOA

The Council of Small Business of Australia says small businesses criticised for taking too long to get online have actually outperformed larger companies who set up mediocre sites quickly.

COSBOA head Peter Strong says small- and medium-sized enterprises are now embracing establishing their own sites, and enjoying being freed of troubles associated with bricks and mortar.

“What I’m hearing is that people online are making a major go of it, and one of the reasons is they don’t have the rents that are associated with bricks and mortar,” Strong says.

“They also don’t have the same issues with workplace relations, leasing, occupational health and safety, and dealing with parking and poor town planning.”

“We find that not only are they are more efficient and doing quite well, but they’re also less stressed.”

Strong was speaking as research commissioned by COSBOA and Telstra Business showed that four in five SMEs have a website, and one in five uses social media, mainly to interact with customers, offer promotions and generate sales leads.

The report, based on surveys of 321 businesses in October, also found that SMEs intend to increase their internet presence this year, as well as invest in new technology.