Online Business Development

What is Online Business Development

Online Business Development (OBD) is the process of establishing an online, Internet-based environment for the process of conducting business over the Internet. In most cases this means establishing an online store, but in some cases, it simply means establishing a company website where clients and potential clients, or members, can obtain important, company-specific information.

ClickDirect offers a comprehensive range of services to assist organisations to develop online business environments - Back to top

The results emanating from online business development are significant, and include:

• The ability to reach new online customers in a small town, in your own city, or across the world, who would never have heard of your company or products and services before.
• The ability to reach these customers at a minimal cost.
• The ability to target specific online markets and customers with your products and services.
• The ability to build communities of interest relating to your business, or your products and services, increasing interest and future sales.
• The ability to develop online strategic partnerships and joint ventures to exploit business growth opportunities.
• The ability to significantly increase your market share by outsmarting the competition.

Overall, the benefits of developing an online business, either as an independent business or as an extension of an existing business, can be dramatic. Not operating in this manner, when your competitors are, can provide serious competitive disadvantages. Building a great online store can bring great rewards - Back to top

ClickDirect has a very practical approach to assisting companies in trading online. It is our job to ensure that our clients reap the rewards of successful trading on the Internet. We have the skills and resources to make this happen quickly and painlessly, and in a manner that provides for sustainable and profitable revenue growth.

Our process utilises specific frameworks and building blocks that make rapid development and deployment of online stores, as well as websites, a reality, while, at the same time, providing for the functionality and flexibility needed to be successful.

Establishment of Business Websites

ClickDirect develops websites for clients, utilising a range of web development tools, languages and templates. Based on the specific requirements of a client, the appropriate technologies are agreed.

The process relating to the establishment of business websites usually consists of the following steps:

• Obtaining a client briefing relating to their specific requirements.
• Viewing and reviewing existing company websites (if relevant).
• Analysing competitor sites.
• Agreeing the overall site concept, as well as the preferred technology platform with the client.
• Finalising specific design elements.
• Obtaining initial content from the client and other sources.
• Developing the first version of the website.
• Obtaining client feedback on the website structure, as well as the “look-and-feel of the site”.
• Obtaining additional website content.
• Developing the second version of the site.
• Obtaining final client feedback and final content.
• Agreeing the website maintenance processes and responsibilities.
• Finalising the website.
• Taking the website live.
• Discussing, agreeing and implementing any additional operational or strategic elements relating to the optimisation of the website.

The above process can take anywhere from just a few days, to several weeks, depending on the complexity of the client requirements, as well as the availability of relevant content, product information, etc.

Establishment of Online Stores

ClickDirect utilises the exciting xMarket! system as the platform for developing online stores for its clients. This platform allows ClickDirect the ability to rapidly develop and deploy very focused and effective trading environments for its clients.

xMarket! Systems Functionality

The xMarket! system is a comprehensive and highly functional framework for trading online, for almost any business wanting to sell products or services online, to Internet shoppers.

System functionality includes:

• Multi-category, multi-product structure
• Various pricing structures
• Individual product displays, including photographs, pricing, discounts, sizing, colours, features, etc
• Discount structures (including coupons)
• Gift list functionality
• “Wish list” functionality
• Newsletter features
• Detailed product sales reports
• Site advertising banners
• Various site colour schemes
• Electronic payment systems management
• Direct customer delivery functionality

In addition to the above, xMarket! clients are able to utilise the ClickDirect merchant account system for accepting electronic payments, as well as leverage off the existing ClickDirect delivery and logistics expertise.

ClickDirect also offers all xMarket! Client’s practical training with regard to maintaining the product and pricing files, as well as obtaining sales reports.

All xMarket! clients are hosted by ClickDirect within a monthly service fee, at no extra cost!

Benefits of the xMarket! System

The xMarket! system is an ideal environment for small and medium-sized organisations, or new businesses, wishing to take advantage of the benefits of trading over the Internet.

• Extremely easy to set up and get going!
• Very simple product and price maintenance process.
• Comprehensive payment, shipping and courier functionality provides simplicity for customers.
• Very economical with no hidden costs, making it easy to invest in, and budget for.

Be online in no time and start reaping the rewards! - Back to top

ClickDirect has the skills and experience, as well as innovative systems and tools, to speedily and effectively create successful online trading environments for its clients. The company has a proven track record in trading over the Internet using its own xMarket! product, as well as in assisting receptive organisations to trade successfully and achieve outstanding results - Back to top