What does Net Starter do?

As the name suggests, we help clients expand their customer base and project their business in the most professional light. These days, an effective online presence is often the most cost efficient way of increasing sales and generating brand awareness for many businesses.

How is Net Starter different from the rest?

For starters, we have been around since the early days of this infant industry. Having commenced operation in the late 90’s, we have experienced the highs and lows of the Internet Revolution and emerged with a clear focus. Our industry has polarized into two distinct types of companies. The vast majority of web design firms are small scale businesses with fewer than 5 employees. In many situations these businesses lack the expertise and resources required to deliver quality solutions. On the other side of the spectrum are the boutique design houses and development companies that focus on larger projects. Although we do continue to deploy systems for some of the most recognised international brands like Hitachi, we distinguish ourselves with a specialised team of 16 staff, dedicated to the production of quality online systems for small business. Professional websites that add tangible value to the bottom line have traditionally been reserved for big business with deep pockets. Our aim is to make functional web solutions an affordable option for small business.

How do you make a profit by charging such cheap prices? 

Even though the majority of our websites are produced for under $5 000, we still manage to turn a tidy profit through streamlined processes and efficient project management. By dramatically slashing the typical set up fee and development cost, we have been successful in building a large customer based of over 1000 clients paying a monthly hosting/licensing fee of between $25 and $250 per month. From the outset, our long term goal has always been to sacrifice margins in the initial project cost to secure an ongoing revenue stream through fixed annuities. As long as we continue to deliver good service, we are confident that we will maintain a high retention rate and increase our customer base to over 5000.

How has the industry changed over its short lifespan?

I believe that the recent resurgence of the online sector is an indication of the renewed confidence in the industry as emerging technologies provide businesses with the platform to successfully expand their services and improve their performance. Unlike the original Internet boom which was characterized by a number overcapitalized IT companies exploiting a baseless fad, the current resurgence has been achieved through a growing infrastructure that has made the latest developments in technology accessible to the wider population. The inevitable expansion of the IT sector is destined to revolutionise the way business is conducted and force all small business owners to rethink their current strategies in an effort to take full advantage of an effective online presence. As the general population becomes more Internet savvy and the number of broadband users continues to increase, more and more opportunities will continue to emerge!

Why are websites so crucial for small business?

Developing a strong online strategy is one of the most important factors involved in establishing a profitable business operation. The implementation of an effective online strategy has been out of reach for most business owners in Australia for a number of reasons including an unwillingness to invest in the initial capital cost, the inability to obtain quality advice or guidance from knowledgeable advisors and a limited understanding of the commercial benefits generated by a professional website

Business owners generally underestimate the important role a website plays in conveying a professional image and providing customers with access to value added services. Business operators must proactively respond to the growing number of Internet savvy users by adjusting their marketing strategy to incorporate an effective online presence that accommodates their needs.

What makes your web systems so special?

 We like to think that our websites are special for a number of reasons. Firstly, they are high quality websites at an affordable cost. All of our websites incorporate the latest content management functionality and are produced at a fraction of the cost charged by our main competitors. Secondly, they are all search engine friendly. We have had tremendous success in producing websites that are highly ranked by the major search engines like Google. This has resulted in a number of the leading Search Engine Optimisation companies selecting us as their technology partner. Our system enables them to guarantee their customers results in the search engine rankings. Thirdly, our clients do not need to worry about their website dating with advancements in technology. Our centralised platform and licensing arrangement ensures that new features and functionality are immediately implemented to all of our clients as they become available.

How do you attract customers?

To date, our overall marketing strategy has relied on effective search engine optimisation. We believe that potential clients reviewing the different web design companies will evaluate each of the candidates based on the quality of their website and the caliber of their previous work. After all, the most compelling way of promoting your service is through an informative website that features at the top of the search engine results. Over the last few years we have cemented the Net Starter website as one of the highest Google page ranked websites in Australia. Only a handful of other Australian websites like google.com.au and smh.com.au share a Page Rank as high as ours. As a result of our success in the search engines, we receive approximately 10-15 enquiries per day. Our website is definitely our most successful and hardest working sales rep! In addition to our online exposure, we have partnered with some of the most progressive Industry associations like the ADA NSW, to provide members with access quality web solutions at subsidised prices. Through a combination of effective online promotion, association partnerships and client referral, we are currently rolling out between 50 – 70 solutions a month.

What is the best thing about your job

It always helpful doing something you enjoy, but I would have to say one of the big selling points is the relaxed office environment. Some of the attractions include the weekly pool tournament, the fully equipped bar (which should probably be licensed) and the phenomenal xbox infrastructure. Thanks to our arrangement with Hitachi, we have more Plasma’s than a Bing Lee store!

What is your role in the company?

Having co-founded the company before I started university, I have been involved in every aspect of the business over the past 8 years. Initially I was involved on a more operational level, but now that we have some the most skilled designers and developers in the country, I have taken on more of strategic role in the overall direction of the business. Some of my responsibilities include accounts and finance, acquisition opportunities and new business development.

How much funding did you need to start the business?

Unlike most businesses, we didn’t need any funding to start the business. The first 4 years of the business were characterized by organic growth. Because I was at university and working from home, the business did not incur many operational expenses. By the time we were ready to take the business to the next level in 2001, we were fortunate enough to have built a loyal customer base retained enough profit to set up our first office and hire our first employees. From that point on we have never looked back. The business has experienced exponential growth with a solid cash reserve.

I think if we had started the business later in life when we had more serious commitments, we would have needed at least $1 000 000 to get the business off the ground.

How much do you earn?

At this point we (co-founders) are able to draw a healthy salary. During the early years we made a point of retaining all profits within the business. This provided us with the foundation to finance the expansion in the following years and build sustainable business that remunerates us accordingly.

Who is Manfred the Monkey?

Manfred is our ambassador and the official spokesman for the company. He has been an amazing success in building credibility and generating awareness for the company. He is also a very dear friend. Where do you see Net Starter in 5 years?

Where do you see Net Starter in 5 years?

Hopefully with our logo all over a formula 1 Car!