Resources Page - Useful Information

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Useful Information

Why not check out our eBook Store. Free eBooks available to help you, more titles will be added every day so keep checking back. We have also recently added a range of free business eForms view them here. In the coming days and weeks we will be adding a range of business policies, procedures and training material - your complete eBusiness solution.

Join the ACW Community for news, information, business opportunities, scam alerts and more. View the discussion boards here.

I operate my business through Facebook but do not have a website. Can I get certification that I am Australian owned and operated? ACW has recently added this service. We will now list Facebook Fan Pages, Groups and Blogs on our website. Apply online or see our Facebook Fan Page for more info.

I have a website and I am active with social media sites - how do I get more visitors to my site and build my networks? There are many ways to get more people to your website and social media profiles including advertising your site on free directories. Have a look at some Aussie advertising websites here. There are many networking-type websites that can help you get started with advice, forums and can help you spread the word about your business. Have a look at some Aussie networking sites here. If you are still unsure feel free to give me a call on 1300 872 665, I would be more than happy to help!

I would like to be more active via social networking sites but I am too busy running my business! Did you know that you can pay people at very reasonable rates to help you with social networking. They can help you set up a Facebook page or group, set up Twitter profiles and help you get fans/members - they can help you with logos, welcome pages and keep your social media profiles active. Enquire here. If you are still unsure feel free to give me a call on 1300 872 665, I would be more than happy to point you in the right direction of a virtual assistant.

My website is ready, my products and services are ready but I have no idea how to financially manage my business! Not a problem. Have a look at some Aussie sites that offer financial business solutions here, for many people that are just like you - you are not alone! If you are still unsure feel free to give me a call on 1300 872 665, I would be more than happy to recommend financial resources.

I am on the way to getting my business ready but I don't have a logo and I would really like some help with my brand. Again, not a problem. Have a look at some Aussie sites that specialise in business branding here, including logo designs, business cards, business stationery or full business branding solutions. If you are still unsure feel free to give me a call on 1300 872 665, I would be more than happy to point you in the right direction.

I send out regular newsletters and specials to my subscribers - how do I know if I am acting within the new spam laws? A question that should interest anyone who sends correspondence to mailing lists. You can get all the information you need from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) here. Or have a look at the Internet Industry Association (IIA) Codes of Practice here. You can also check out the Privacy Act 1988 here.

What payment solutions should I offer my customers? While there are many, many options available for customer payments I think it is important to offer more than just credit card payments. Offering a direct deposit option is cheap and you can monitor the payments you receive through your internet banking. If you want to accept credit card payments check with your financial institution about thier fees and set up costs. It might also be an option if you are just starting up to use direct deposit or PayPal so you are not paying extra for merchant fees straigt up. PayPal is secure, fast and a reliable payment option. Customers do not have to disclose their credit card details to you and PayPal is quite easy to set up. They do charge fees per transaction so check their fees before you start accepting PayPal payments. Visit PayPal Australia to set up your business account here.

What information should I display on my website? While you are a website owner, you are also a consumer. What do you like to see on websites when you purchase from them? You don't want consumers to feel that you are deceptive by not having any contact information on your site. If you are a registered business you have to display your ABN. If you have to have a licence to operate you must also display that licence number. See your state's fair trading website for more information about what licences you need to operate. Other things you can display on your site is a link to your social networking profiles, your blog if you have one and while you don't have to display everything you will seem more human to your customers if they can contact you. It could be as simple as only displaying your first name and your mobile number, including a live chat function on your site or hiring a call centre to answer your calls.

I want to make sure that my online business is 100% compliant. Have a look at these Guidelines for Electronic Commerce here or the Trade Practices Act 1974 here or the Australian Governments e-business guide here.

I work so hard and my product ideas and designs get stolen from my site and my Facebook page! This happens too often and to protect yourself, your designs and ideas visit IP Australia who deal with intellectual property, trademarks or patents here.