Whanganui has been chosen for a pilot program to help New Zealand businesses increase their online presence and be more easily found when their customers are searching for them. About Us, created by digital agency Socialize, is a free toolbox which lists contact details, maps, and photos as well as linking to existing business websites and social media. Business owners can create a free About Us page and establish an online presence so their customers can find them more easily. About Us also pro
vides free information to business owners using tools such as social media, online accounting, and blogging to improve visibility, productivity, and sales and to establish stronger relationships with customers.
Socialize CEO, Steve Adams, says NZ has a low percentage of businesses online and Whanganui’s businesses have an even lower than average online presence, which means they are not being found by potential customers.
“What we’re doing is trying to solve the problem of why hundreds of thousands of businesses aren’t online in New Zealand. The tools are out there, but too many businesses aren’t engaging with the internet,” Adams said.
“Up to 60 per cent (of businesses) are not searchable. A recent Innovation Partnership study estimated this is costing the NZ economy as much as $34 billion.”
