Anyone here have experience with Australian e-commerce?

Does anyone know the state of e-commerce in Australia at the moment?

I am opening an e-Commerce site early next year and although it is a bit further in the future, I wanted to know what peoples views are so I can guage whether it is a good idea to put a lot of resources into SEO work for Google and Yahoo in Australia or concentrate on traditional advertising?

What specifically do you want to know?

The industry has boomed here like everywhere else.
Its never been cheaper or easier to get a business up and running.

Of course you should work on seo and other online marketing.
Even Overture has established an Aust business for local advertisers.

Tell us more about your business. What are you selling. why are you waiting?


Rondo

Sydney

I am looking to start an online recordable media business. I have 8 years in the industry here in the UK. I hope to have a trade counter as well for some walk in trade but the majority will be online.

I have looked at many sites in Australia and they don't look polished or user friendly. I aim to change that and have a broader spectrum of quality products.

My site will be near identical to www.blankmedia.ca as the guy who wrote that is doing mine. Their site has a Google PR of 4 but hopefully I can get it higher?

I am waiting because I haven't moved over there yet! I am getting married to a Permanent Resident next month and hope to move over next March.

Sounds good!

This is a pretty competitve business in all countries I believe.
But there are cheap offline advertising methods here such as industry mags. There is also a large and talented media/production industry in both Sydney and Melbourne. Also plenty of home users.

A good method for local sales and promotion would be an online affiliate program. Offer a generous commission and join up clixgalore.com.au, commissionmonster.com.au or dgmaustralia.com(newish local branch of uk affiliate company) Affiliate programs have grown a lot here lately and you might find a gap in your niche!

Best of Luck

Rondo

Ah brilliant! Thanks for the links!

I'll email them today....

Hello Rondo!

Are you involved in SEO work in Australia then?