Consumer consumption habits are stimulating online demand with over 70% of Australians using the Internet.  The most significant demographic is the 30-39 year-old age group with 84% whilst the lowest was the 65+ demographic with 31%. 95% of households with an income of $85,000.00 use the Internet, whilst 46% of houses with an income of less than $35,000.00 accessed the Internet.

The main function for Internet usage was researching products and services 43% in difference to people who phoned a company for information 2% (Marketing Magazine, 2004).

Australia's early adoption of technology is at the centre of the growth in the web design industry. Tech savvy users are now at management level, which is certainly influencing business decisions. Another factor here is the Australian Strategic Framework for the Information Economy (2004-2006).

The Federal Government is investing heavily into the rollout of cost effective broadband access for all of Australia.  The end result is that consumption of the Internet for research and purchase will increase. In the U.S.A the roll out of broadband has demonstrated that people spend 50% more time online and purchase 64% more goods.

How can I go about building my site?

Think of your web site as a shop front for your business.  People will look at it as as physical evidence of what and who you are and how good you are.

Your credibility is in the hands of the designer and the company building the site for you.

The whole objective is to understand empathically what you need to achieve in the next 2 - 5 years in your business. From this point, then determine how you can take advantage of the technology and make it work for you.

Smart design and capable software can improve your quality of life through time and cost efficiencies. In short, you get a bigger bang for your buck.