[Guruju]

Hi All

As a sole trader who provides business services and is an author of a business book I had two issues. The first was having a website that could be easily found on internet searches and could be a first port of call for anyone who sees me or gets a business card at a function etc. The other aspect was a need to be able to sell my book online. It is very easy to get ripped off or pay too much for online presence.

I took a long time to find a small provider here in Perth than actually tries to help its clients do more re marketing via online and offline. My web host (GTP icommerce) is very reasonably priced, always accessible and makes it easy for me to amend my site when required. They also ensured that I keep up the top of the search lists. The shopping cart facility was built in from the word go, even though I wasn't ready to use it for about a year.

The second part was working with my bank (St George) to get a corporate account and then merchant services so my website cart linked through St Georges secure processing for credit cards. My book sells around the world and the funds get deposited the same day they are processed. GTP did all the hard work behind the website based on St George's technical info and it has just all worked so well for me.

In summary then, make sure you have a good website host and get to know your bank or change to ones that are helpful to small business.

Cheers

Julia