Generally, creating an online business is not a one-time process thing. It’s time consuming, requires effort and proper planning; that is the key to a successful business. Online business also known as e-business is any form of business done over the internet. Before you venture into a small online business in Australia, you must first get yourself acquitted with IT. Knowledge of how your computer works, its software applications and your ability to navigate the internet is of utmost importance. In Australia, anyone who is dedicated can start an online business. But first, you need to ensure that whatever product or service you need to offer through your e-business complies with the Australian law. Online business can exist in different forms such as ecommerce sites, social media accounts, blogs and websites.
There are processes you can take while setting up your business online in Australia. Such processes only ensure trust, business ownership and smooth operation of your business online. Here is a step by step guide to get your business online in Australia.
Steps To Start Small Online Business in Australia
1. Register an ABN (If you don’t already have one)
2. Secure a Domain Name
3. Get a Business Website (Find a website Designer in Australia and get a website developed)
4. Setup Your Privacy Policy, Terms and Conditions
Register an ABN in Australia
You can apply for an ABN by using instructions on following website:
https://abr.gov.au/For-Business,-Super-funds—Charities/Applying-for-an-ABN/
Securing a Domain Name (Business Name)
Securing a domain name is a bit more costly in Australia than US. Your domain name is your web address. When researching for the possible online domain name or business name, you should keep in mind that your domain name should be,
• Memorable, not difficult to pronounce and not easily misspelled
• Short and simple
• Represent your brand and not already taken
Online tool like NameChk can help verify if your username is available on all social media platforms. Other online tools include NetRegistry, a domain registrar can also verify if your preferred domain already exist and ASIC database which help to check if your traditional company is registered in Australia. Once the verification is successful, it is important to register for both the “.com” and “.com.au” versions. Also it’s necessary to buy “.net”, “.mobi”, “.org” and “.biz” versions of the domain name too. This helps to protect your business identity from those who want to blackmail or target you online traffic.
Get a Business Website Designed in Australia
You will probably want to use a website professional. There are things you should keep in mind while getting a website developed for your business:
• Your website must be user friendly
• To increase your Google search result, consider optimising your website for search engines
• Website must be responsive and mobile friendly.
• Your services are clearly listed on the website
• Your strengths that derive your competitive advantage over your Competitors are highlighted.
Shecommerce is a website Designer Company in Australia Specialising in small Business Websites and can help you set it all up, design and develop your website and maintain it for you. You can check website packages at Small Business Websites
Shecommerce has been helping hundreds of small businesses to get their business online in Australia and get it ranked up in google and other search engines using SEO services.
Privacy Policy and Legal Notice
The three legal documents, Terms & Conditions, a Privacy Policy and Disclaimers should be provided on your website before you launch your website. For any legal Disclaimer in Australia, the main objective is, you must never deceive your clients in what you are selling, the services you are providing and what you are saying. The aim of a disclaimer is to limit liability and to remind users the limitations of the product or service provided.
Although private policy may not be an essential document, it can be used to establish trust with your website visitors and customers. Australian privacy commission requires that any online establishments should have private policies. This also requires that website owners should respect customers’ policy and personal information.
Your website terms & conditions states the general rules for using your website. This helps you to organize your return policy, shipping deadlines, and transaction details.
The objectives of websites terms and condition include
• Reduce risk during online sales
• Educate users on your business practices
• Subject to Australian regulatory needs, your website terms and condition should meet Consumer legislation protection and customer data collection requirements.