Fifty years from now, artificial intelligence will either be the greatest thing to ever happen to humanity—or the reason we all live in fear of our toasters.

No one really knows which way it’ll go, but given how fast AI is advancing, we’re either heading for a utopia where machines do all the work, or a sci-fi horror film where we have to negotiate with our fridge just to get a snack.

So, let’s take a look at what AI could be doing for us in 50 years. The good, the bad, and the completely ridiculous.

The AI Utopia: Everything Is Easy (Maybe Too Easy?)

If AI develops the way its biggest fans predict, life in 50 years will be absurdly convenient.

• No More Jobs (But Somehow, That’s a Good Thing?) – AI will handle everything from accounting to surgery, leaving humans free to spend their time on “more meaningful” activities. Which sounds great, except most of us have no idea what we’d do with unlimited free time.
• Hyper-Personalized Everything – Your AI assistant won’t just recommend what to watch; it will predict your mood, order your food before you know you’re hungry, and maybe even schedule therapy sessions when it senses you’re in a bad mood.
• Fully Automated Cities – Imagine self-driving cars that never crash, traffic lights that actually work, and government departments that respond to queries instantly instead of putting you on hold for an eternity.
• AI Doctors That Never Make Mistakes – In theory, AI-powered medical care could diagnose diseases earlier, customize treatments for each patient, and even predict illnesses before they happen. Say goodbye to waiting rooms and misdiagnoses.

Sounds fantastic, right? But hold on—because every utopia comes with a few problems.

The AI Apocalypse: When It All Goes Horribly Wrong

Now, let’s talk about the slightly less exciting (but far more likely) future where AI gets too smart for its own good—or just makes life really, really weird.

• Total Dependence on AI – If AI takes over everything, what happens when it crashes? If AI controls transport, finance, and food production, a single glitch could throw the entire world into chaos.
• Surveillance Like You Wouldn’t Believe – If you think companies track you now, imagine a future where AI analyzes your every move, word, and thought. Privacy? Gone. Your smart home will know more about you than your own mother.
• The Rise of AI Overlords? – Let’s be honest—if AI gets too advanced, it might decide it doesn’t need humans at all. Maybe it won’t go full Terminator, but it could start making decisions we don’t like, and there won’t be much we can do about it.
• AI-Powered Misinformation – Right now, AI can already generate fake news, deepfake videos, and manipulate social media. In 50 years, AI could make reality itself feel optional—good luck figuring out what’s real and what’s been generated by a super-intelligent bot.
• The Great AI Divide – If only the richest corporations and governments control advanced AI, regular people might be completely at their mercy. The world could split into those who control AI and those controlled by AI.

So, Will AI Save Us or Destroy Us?

At this point, the only thing we can say for sure is that AI will be everywhere in 50 years. Whether that’s a good or bad thing depends entirely on how we manage it.

Best-case scenario? AI enhances human life, making everything easier, safer, and more enjoyable. Worst-case scenario? AI turns against us (or just makes everything so automated that life becomes unbearably dull).

Either way, in 50 years, one thing is certain: your toaster will be smarter than you. And that’s just a little bit terrifying.

Running a small business is like driving an old Holden ute.

Some days, it’s smooth sailing. Other days, it feels like the whole thing is rattling apart, and you’re just praying it holds together long enough to reach the pub.

But here’s the thing—you don’t need to rebuild the engine to make it run better. Sometimes, a quick tune-up is all it takes. So, if you’re looking to give your business a bit of a jolt this week, here are five simple things you can do that actually work.

And no, none of them involve “manifesting success” or sitting in a circle chanting about growth potential.

1. Contact Past Customers (Because They Actually Like You)

Business owners are obsessed with chasing new customers, but let’s be real—getting strangers to buy from you is like convincing a cat to go for a swim. Meanwhile, past customers already know you, trust you, and might even like you.

• Send them a quick message or email—something like, “Hey, remember us? We’re still here, and we’ve got something new you might love.”
• Offer them a little something extra—a discount, a bonus, or even just priority booking.
• Ask them to leave a review. Because nothing builds trust like random strangers on the internet saying nice things about you.

It’s free, it works, and best of all—it takes about five minutes.

2. Fix That One Annoying Thing on Your Website

Your website is your digital shopfront. And if it’s a mess, customers will walk away faster than I walked out of that awful BMW X6.

• Is your contact info easy to find? If customers have to go on a treasure hunt just to call you, they won’t bother.
• Does your homepage actually explain what you do? If not, rewrite it. In plain English.
• Is your site mobile-friendly? Because if your website looks like an unreadable mess on a phone, you might as well be invisible.

A bad website doesn’t just annoy people—it loses sales. So fix it.

3. Post Something (Anything) on Social Media

If your business’s last social media post was in 2022, people will assume you’ve either gone bankrupt or been abducted by aliens. Either way, they won’t buy from you.

• Post a behind-the-scenes snap—people love a peek into real businesses.
• Share a quick tip that makes customers’ lives easier.
• Show off a great customer review (bragging is fine when someone else is doing it for you).
• Run a ridiculously simple giveaway—”Like this post and tag a mate for a chance to win [something cool].”

The key here is to be human, not a corporate robot. People don’t follow businesses for bland sales pitches—they follow for personality, humor, and interesting stuff.

4. Launch a Flash Sale (Because Everyone Loves a Deadline)

Want to shake things up and make some quick sales? A limited-time offer works because people are lazy. Give them a deadline, and suddenly they find the motivation to buy.

• 24-hour sale on a popular product or service.
• Bundle deals—buy one thing, get a little extra for free.
• VIP-only discount for email subscribers or past customers.

Whatever you do, keep it simple. No one wants to read a 17-paragraph explainer about how to claim your “exclusive, limited-time, members-only, unlockable platinum deal.” Just say: “Hey, this thing is cheaper today. Buy it before the deal’s gone.”

5. Make Life Easier for Your Customers (Because They’re Not Psychic)

Want more customers? Then stop making them jump through flaming hoops just to buy from you.

• If customers always ask the same questions, stick the answers on your website.
• If your booking process is clunky, streamline it.
• If your online checkout is an obstacle course, simplify it or lose sales.
• If people keep calling to ask how to pay you, maybe—just maybe—your payment options aren’t obvious enough.

Tiny fixes can mean the difference between a sale and someone giving up and buying from your competitor. And you don’t want that.

Final Thoughts: Get Off Your Backside and Do Something

Business doesn’t magically improve on its own. You can either sit around waiting for the economy to change, the stars to align, or Jeff Bezos to personally recommend your business…

Or you can do something practical this week.

• Contact past customers.
• Fix the annoying things on your website.
• Post something on social media.
• Run a quick sale.
• Make it easier for customers to buy from you.

Pick one (or all five), and take action this week. Because even a tiny improvement is better than sitting around doing nothing and hoping for the best.

Right then, artificial intelligence.

The two most terrifying words in business today—unless, of course, you’re the one selling AI. We’re told it’s going to revolutionize everything, making businesses more efficient, customers happier, and life easier.

But let’s not kid ourselves—there’s a fair bit of nonsense attached to all this AI hype.

Yes, AI can be useful, and for small businesses, it might just be the thing that keeps them competitive. But it also comes with some serious headaches. So, let’s take a look at the good, the bad, and the downright idiotic parts of AI in small business.

AI: The Miracle Worker (Sometimes)

The best thing about AI? It can handle the boring stuff. No one starts a business because they love answering emails at 2 AM or manually updating stock levels. AI can automate the tedious, brain-meltingly dull parts of running a business, which means owners can spend more time doing what they actually enjoy.

• Chatbots & Virtual Assistants – Sick of answering the same customer questions over and over? AI chatbots will do it for you, meaning customers get instant responses without you having to lift a finger.
• Marketing on Autopilot – AI can send emails, post on social media, and even personalize website content so customers feel special—without you actually having to talk to them.
• Inventory Management – AI doesn’t forget to order stock. It can predict what’s going to sell and restock accordingly, reducing the chances of running out of your best-selling items.

Sounds brilliant, right? Well, hold your horses, because here come the problems…

When AI Goes Horribly, Horribly Wrong

AI isn’t perfect. In fact, sometimes it’s as useful as a chocolate teapot.

• Customer Service Disasters – AI chatbots are great until they aren’t. If you’ve ever tried explaining a slightly complicated issue to one, you know what I mean. The moment things go beyond “Where’s my order?” or “What are your opening hours?”, they crumble like an old biscuit. Customers get frustrated, and suddenly, your “efficiency” is costing you business.
• Privacy Nightmares – AI is hungry for data. It wants to know everything about your customers—where they live, what they buy, what kind of biscuits they prefer with their tea. But with great data collection comes great responsibility. Mess it up, and suddenly, you’re in a legal battle because your AI-powered website leaked customer details all over the internet.
• Integration Hell – AI might be clever, but it’s about as cooperative as a cat at bath time when it comes to integrating with existing systems. Small businesses often use older software, which AI tools don’t always play nicely with. You’ll spend more time trying to make it work than actually benefiting from it.
• The “We Don’t Need Humans” Fantasy – AI evangelists will tell you it can replace staff, cutting costs and increasing efficiency. What they fail to mention is that customers still want to deal with actual humans. If your AI-driven customer service makes people feel like they’re talking to a robotic void, they’ll simply take their business elsewhere.

AI in the Future: Opportunity or Disaster?

The reality is AI isn’t going anywhere. But rather than taking over completely, it’s going to create a weird hybrid business environment where some things run like clockwork, and others go completely off the rails.

• AI-Generated Content – It’s already writing page content, social media captions, and even customer emails. But let’s be honest—it still reads like something written by a particularly uninspired intern.
• Cybersecurity Risks – AI is great at automating things, but it also makes cybercriminals more powerful. Hackers can use AI to break into systems, steal data, and make your life a living nightmare.
• AI Bias and Stupidity – AI learns from data, and if that data is flawed, it becomes as biased as your grumpy uncle at Christmas dinner. This can cause problems when AI is making hiring decisions, approving loans, or managing customer interactions.
• Over-Reliance on AI – Some businesses will rely on AI so much that when it fails, they’ll be completely useless. Imagine an AI-powered shop where the self-checkout system crashes, the chatbot refuses to help, and the human staff have no idea how to function without it. Absolute chaos.

Final Verdict: Should Small Businesses Embrace AI?

AI is not the enemy. Used wisely, it can save time, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. But small businesses need to remember it’s a tool, not a replacement for common sense.

Instead of going all-in on AI and replacing every human interaction with an automated system, businesses should:

• Use AI for the boring stuff – Automate emails, marketing, and admin, but leave real customer interactions to actual humans.
• Keep a human backup plan – AI will fail at some point. Make sure your staff knows how to take over when it does.
• Respect customer privacy – AI might love collecting data, but customers hate feeling like they’re being watched. Use AI ethically and transparently.
• Don’t get caught in the hype – AI is not magic. It’s just very fancy software.

So yes, AI has a future in small business. But before you bet your business on it, just remember—when it goes wrong, it goes spectacularly wrong.

And if you don’t believe me, just ask any business that’s had their AI-powered inventory system accidentally mark all their stock as ‘out of stock’ for a week.

People often assume that a web developer and an IT technician are the same thing—after all, they both work with computers, right? But in reality, these two roles are as different as a chef and a waiter. They might work in the same industry, but they do completely different jobs.

What Does a Web Developer Do?

A web developer is responsible for building and maintaining websites. They write code, design layouts, and ensure that a site looks good and functions properly. Web developers typically specialize in:

• Front-end development: Creating the parts of a website that users interact with, using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Back-end development: Managing the server, database, and applications that run behind the scenes, using languages like PHP, Python, or Node.js.
• Full-stack development: A combination of both front-end and back-end development.

A web developer’s job is creative and technical. They bring a website to life, ensuring it works smoothly on all devices and browsers.

What Does an IT Technician Do?

An IT technician is more focused on the hardware and software that keep a business running. They handle:

• Computer maintenance and repair – Fixing hardware issues, replacing parts, and troubleshooting software problems.
• Network management – Ensuring that internet and internal networks function correctly.
• Cybersecurity and data protection – Keeping company systems secure from viruses and hackers.
• User support – Helping employees with tech issues, from forgotten passwords to printer malfunctions.

An IT technician ensures that computers, networks, and other tech-related systems stay operational, minimizing downtime for businesses.

The Key Differences

The main difference? A web developer builds websites, while an IT technician keeps computers and networks running. A web developer writes code and creates online experiences, while an IT technician fixes broken computers, manages networks, and ensures businesses have the tech support they need.

So, the next time you need a website, call a web developer. But if you need help setting up email on your computer or your Wi-Fi won’t work? That’s a job for an IT technician.

Let’s get one thing straight: your website is not just some fluffy bit of internet magic that floats in the ether.

It’s a finely tuned machine, a precision instrument, a roaring V8 of ones and zeroes. And if you don’t understand how it works, well, you’re about as useful as a satnav with a dead battery. So let me explain it—properly.

The Domain Name – Your Internet Number Plate

First up, the domain name. This is the flashy badge on the front of your website. It’s how people find you online, like “yourbusiness.com.au” or, if you’re feeling particularly patriotic, something even more obscure.

The “.com.au” bit? That’s your vehicle registration—it tells the internet bouncers that you’re running an operation in Australia. You can’t just buy one of these, either. No, no. You need an ABN or ACN to prove you’re a legitimate Aussie business, because unlike certain online scams, we like a bit of credibility Down Under.

But the domain name is just a pretty face. It doesn’t actually do anything. For that, you need…

The DNS – The Internet’s Secret Satnav

DNS, or Domain Name System, is the mystical force that translates human-friendly names like “yourbusiness.com.au” into machine-friendly IP addresses. Think of it as the satnav of the internet, directing traffic where it needs to go. When someone types in your domain, the DNS tells their computer, “Ah yes, that website is parked over there,” and sends them to your web server.

If your DNS is wrong, it’s like trying to drive to Sydney with a map of Mars. You won’t get very far, and you’ll probably end up in a very dark place filled with 404 errors.

The Email Server – Your Digital Postie

Now, let’s talk email. If you’re using a proper business email like “you@yourbusiness.com.au” instead of something tragic like “yourbusiness1972@hotmail.com,” you’ve got an email server working behind the scenes. This server receives and sends emails on your behalf, making sure your messages don’t end up in the internet’s rubbish bin.

This is all configured in your DNS settings with things called MX records. If these aren’t set up right, your emails will disappear into the void, never to be seen again—like my patience when someone says, “Have you tried turning it off and on again?”

The Web Server – The Big, Powerful Engine Under the Bonnet

The web server is where your actual website lives. It’s a big, powerful computer that dishes out your website to visitors faster than a supercar off the line. When someone visits “yourbusiness.com.au,” their request is sent to your DNS, which points them to your web server, which then loads up your website for them to see.

Your web hosting provider manages this. If they’re decent, your site runs smoothly. If they’re not, your website loads at the speed of a 1993 Toyota Corolla going uphill in third gear.

How It All Connects – The Whole Package

So, in summary:

• Domain Name: The flashy badge on the front
• DNS: The satnav that directs traffic
• Email Server: The digital postman ensuring your emails don’t get lost
• Web Server: The high-performance engine that powers your site

If any of these parts fail, your website grinds to a halt. And if that happens, you’ll have a bad time. But now, at least, you know why.

So go forth, set up your website properly, and for heaven’s sake—don’t use a free email address for your business.

Ah, email scams. The cockroaches of the digital world. No matter how hard you try to stomp them out, they keep coming back, more resilient and annoying than ever.

And thanks to AI, the days of spotting a scam because of laughable spelling mistakes and dodgy grammar are coming to an end. The scammers have upgraded, and so must we.

So, here’s how to stay ahead of the game and avoid giving your bank details to some bloke in a dark room who thinks he’s clever.

1. The ‘Too Good to Be True’ Syndrome

If you get an email telling you that you’ve won a lottery you never entered or that a Nigerian prince wants to share his wealth with you, congratulations! You’ve been selected… to be scammed. If it sounds too good to be true, it is. No one gives away free money, especially not strangers on the internet.

2. The Urgent Call to Action

Scammers love a bit of pressure. “Your account will be suspended in 24 hours!” “Immediate action required to avoid legal action!” Absolute rubbish. Real companies don’t operate like this. They send you a polite reminder or a friendly nudge, not a virtual threat note demanding you click a link NOW or face financial doom.

3. Suspicious Sender Addresses

Once upon a time, scammers weren’t the brightest bunch, and their email addresses looked like they’d been created by a cat walking across a keyboard. Now, they’re sneakier. They use addresses that look real but have subtle typos, like “support@paypai.com” instead of “support@paypal.com.” A quick hover over the sender’s email address (without clicking anything, obviously) can reveal all.

4. Dodgy Links and Attachments

Clicking unknown links is the digital equivalent of licking a random door handle—it’s just a bad idea. Always hover over a link before clicking to see where it really leads. If it looks like someone has smashed a keyboard to create the URL, it’s probably a scam. And attachments? Unless you’re expecting one, don’t open it. That “invoice” could be a one-way ticket to malware town.

5. The AI Factor: Perfectly Written Lies

In the old days, a scam email was easy to spot because it read like a poorly translated instruction manual. But now, with AI writing better English than most people, scammers are churning out emails that look completely legit. No spelling mistakes. No grammar disasters. Just smooth, convincing text designed to fool you. So, you need to look deeper—scrutinize the sender, the request, and the legitimacy of the message itself.

6. Trust Your Gut (and Your Common Sense)

If an email makes you feel uneasy, trust that instinct. When in doubt, go directly to the company’s website and contact them through official channels. Never, ever click on links or provide personal details unless you’re 100% sure the request is legitimate.

Final Thoughts

Scammers are getting smarter, but you can be smarter too. Stay skeptical, double-check everything, and remember—no Nigerian prince is waiting to make you rich.

If you ever feel tempted to believe a too-good-to-be-true email, it doesn’t hurt to get someone else’s opinion. Ask a friend, colleague or your friendly neighbourhood web developer (I get asked often). Spending an extra little bit of time checking an email could save you a whole lot of heartache in the end.

For years, small business owners have been told that if they just plug away at SEO, their website will magically rise through the ranks of Google, and customers will flock to them like seagulls to a chip.

Well, I’ve got some news for you. Organic search is still there, but it’s not the powerhouse it used to be. Between algorithm changes, paid ads hogging the top spots, and the fact that people are increasingly discovering businesses through social media, relying on search alone is like trying to win a marathon in flip-flops.

Enter social media: the loud, fast-moving, slightly chaotic but undeniably effective way to get people onto your website. If you use it properly, it can be the single biggest driver of traffic to your business.

Step One: Social Media Isn’t Just for ‘Brand Awareness’ – It’s a Sales Tool

Many small business owners treat social media like a hobby—posting the odd picture, writing a caption that says “Check this out!” and hoping for the best. But here’s the thing: social media isn’t just about getting your name out there. It’s about sending people somewhere—your website—where they can actually buy something, book a service, or learn more about what you do.

Every single post should be part of a funnel. A photo? Link it to your online store. A behind-the-scenes video? Drop a call to action that directs viewers to your services page. A glowing review? Guide people to the testimonials section of your site.

Think of social media as a motorway. If it’s not leading somewhere useful, it’s just a very noisy traffic jam.

Step Two: Make Every Post Count

Your audience is scrolling while waiting for their coffee, half-watching TV, or pretending to work. You’ve got seconds—maybe even a fraction of a second—to grab their attention and make them click.

Here’s what works:

• A great hook. Something short, snappy, and impossible to ignore. If your first line is dull, nobody’s sticking around for the rest.
• A clear call to action. “Click here to learn more,” “Shop now,” “See the full story” – whatever it is, make it obvious where they need to go next.
• A direct link. Sounds simple, but you’d be amazed how many businesses forget this. If people have to hunt for your website, they won’t bother.

Step Three: Engagement Fuels Visibility

The more people engage with your posts, the more the algorithm rewards you. Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn don’t just show your content to everyone who follows you—they push posts that get interaction.

That means you need to do more than just post and hope. If someone comments, reply. If someone shares, thank them. If someone asks a question, answer it. A post with five genuine comments will be seen by far more people than a post with zero engagement.

And before you say, “But my audience doesn’t engage,” consider this: Maybe you’re not giving them something worth engaging with. Try a question, a poll, a strong opinion, or even something funny. The more interaction you get, the more your post spreads.

Step Four: Don’t Just Guess – Use Analytics

Throwing posts into the abyss and hoping for the best is a waste of time. Every social media platform gives you insights into what’s working and what’s not.

Check your analytics. Are people clicking links from Instagram but ignoring Facebook? Focus on Instagram. Are videos outperforming photos? Do more videos. Is your audience more active at 7 PM than at 10 AM? Post at 7 PM.

Data tells you exactly what works. Use it.

Step Five: Keep the Funnel Flowing

Social media should always lead to your website, but once visitors arrive, your site has to do its job. That means:

• A clear and fast website. If your site takes ages to load, people will leave.
• A straightforward navigation system. If visitors can’t find what they came for, they won’t stick around.
• A strong call to action. If you want them to book, buy, or contact you, make it obvious and easy.

The Bottom Line

Right now, social media is your strongest tool for funnelling people to your website. Ignore it, and you’ll be left shouting into the digital void while your competitors lap up the clicks. Use it properly, and it’ll deliver customers straight to your virtual doorstep.

So stop waiting for Google to do all the work—take control, post with purpose, and watch as your website traffic starts moving in the right direction.

You’ve seen the headlines—yet another business falling victim to a phishing scam, customer data stolen, reputations in tatters.

It’s easy to think it won’t happen to you, but cybercriminals are always on the lookout for their next target. If your website isn’t properly secured, you’re practically inviting them in for tea and biscuits.

But don’t panic just yet—this guide will show you how to lock down your site and send these digital con artists packing.

Step 1: Lock Down Your Domain Like It’s the Crown Jewels

If your website isn’t rocking an SSL certificate (that little padlock in the address bar), you’re practically rolling out the red carpet for scammers. Get one. Now.

Next, set up DMARC, SPF, and DKIM. These aren’t just random letters someone pulled out of a Scrabble bag. They’re email authentication protocols that tell the world, “If an email isn’t from us, it’s from some dodgy bloke in a basement.” Without them, scammers can send emails pretending to be from your business faster than you can say “data breach.”

Step 2: Stop Contact Forms from Becoming Scam Factories

Your website’s contact form is like the front door of your business. Would you leave it wide open with a neon sign saying, “Come on in, hackers!”? No? Then install Google reCAPTCHA to stop bots from spamming you with phishing attempts.

Step 3: Teach Customers and Staff to Smell a Scam

If something looks dodgy, it probably is. Educate your customers: “We will NEVER ask for your details via email.” And train your staff not to click links in shady messages that look like they were written by a drunk toddler with a keyboard.

Step 4: Two-Factor Authentication – Because Passwords Alone Are for Amateurs

If you’re still relying on “admin123” as your website password, just hand your business over to the hackers now and save them the trouble. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your admin panel and encourage customers to do the same. It’s like putting a second lock on your front door—because one isn’t enough when criminals are about.

Step 5: Updates Aren’t Optional, They’re Essential

Your website’s plugins and software are like milk—they go bad over time. Hackers love exploiting outdated plugins, so keep them updated. If a plugin hasn’t had an update in years, bin it. No exceptions.

Phishing scammers are annoying, persistent, and always looking for crumbs. But if you follow these steps, they’ll move on to easier targets (like that guy still using “password123”).

Lock down your site, secure your emails, and stay one step ahead of the cyber-weasels. Because nothing is more satisfying than stopping a scammer in their tracks. And if all of this sounds like gibberish, or you’d rather focus on running your business than wrestling with website security, contact your website developer who can handle it for you. The expert in regional small business websites is Tropical Coast Web Design. Get in touch with us because we believe keeping your site safe shouldn’t be another headache on your to-do list.

There are two types of businesses in this world.

The ones that need a brochure website and the ones that need an online store. And the problem? Too many business owners don’t know which camp they fall into.

Some set up an online store when they don’t need one, staring at their empty orders like a fisherman who’s just cast his net into a swimming pool. Others go with a simple brochure site when they really should be taking payments online—because let’s be honest, making money while you sleep is significantly better than not making money while you sleep.

So, let’s clear this up, shall we?

Brochure Websites: Because Not Every Business Needs a Checkout Button

A brochure website is the online equivalent of a firm handshake. It tells people who you are, what you do, and why they should care. It’s perfect for businesses that don’t sell physical products online but still need a professional online presence.

Think of a local plumber. You don’t go to a plumber’s website expecting to “Add Pipe Repair to Cart” and check out with PayPal. No, you go there to get their phone number, see if they look vaguely competent, and maybe read a few reviews before deciding whether you trust them with your pipes.

Brochure websites are also brilliant for service-based businesses—lawyers, electricians, wedding celebrants, consultants, and anyone who relies on client contact rather than instant transactions. These websites set the stage, show off expertise, and give people a way to get in touch.

Online Stores: The Shop That Never Sleeps

Now, if your business involves selling things, then a brochure website alone is as useful as a shop window with no door. Sure, people can look, but how are they supposed to buy anything?

If you make and sell handmade jewellery, run a clothing brand, or stock agricultural irrigation equipment (yes, I see you, farmers), you need an online store. This isn’t just a fancy website—it’s a sales machine. Customers add products to a cart, enter their details, and—just like that—money lands in your account. No need for them to call you, send an email, or visit you in person.

For eCommerce businesses, an online store is the difference between running a modern operation and still using pen, paper, and the “call me for a quote” method, which is a guaranteed way to lose impatient customers to a competitor who does let them buy instantly.

So, Which One Do You Need?

The answer is simple:

• If your business relies on people contacting you before they buy (like a lawyer or a builder), a brochure website will do the job perfectly.
• If your business sells products directly to customers (like a gift shop or a boutique clothing brand), an online store is what you need.

Get it right, and your website will work for you—not just exist. Get it wrong, and you’ll either be staring at an online store with no sales or answering the same “How much is this?” phone calls from customers who should’ve just been able to click “Buy Now.”

Either way, the internet is supposed to make business easier. So make sure your website is actually doing that.

Right, so you need a “.com.au domain for your business? Excellent choice.

It tells the world you mean business in Australia. But, of course, this being the land of rules and regulations, there are a few hoops to jump through before you can slap your domain name on a website and call it a day.

1. You Need an ABN or ACN (Yes, Bureaucracy is Involved)

Unlike the Wild West of .com domains, getting a .com.au name isn’t as simple as thinking of something clever and clicking ‘buy now’. No, you need to prove you’re a legitimate Australian business by supplying an Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN). It’s annoying, but it keeps out the scammers and weirdos, so fair enough.

2. Your Domain Name Must Actually Make Sense

You can’t just register BobsSuperCoolWebStore.com.au if your business is actually called Bob’s Plumbing Supplies. The domain name has to relate to your business name, products, or services. It’s a rule. And you know what? It’s a good one. Otherwise, the internet would be full of dodgy names leading to totally unrelated websites.

3. They’ll Want Your Contact Details

You’ll need to hand over your:

• Full name (Yes, your real one, not “BigBoss69”)
• Business address (Somewhere they can find you, not “Middle of Nowhere, QLD”)
• Email address (One you actually check)
• Phone number (Preferably one that isn’t constantly on silent) These details are vital, not just for the admin folk but also for when you inevitably forget to renew your domain.

4. Pick a Domain Registrar

You can’t just register a .com.au domain anywhere; you need to use an accredited .au domain registrar. Some are good, some are expensive, and some are the digital equivalent of a dodgy used car salesman. Do your homework before handing over your hard-earned cash.

5. How Long Do You Want It?

You can register a .com.au domain for one to five years. Personally, I’d go for five – because the last thing you want is for your domain to expire right before a big marketing campaign. Auto-renewal is your friend here.

6. Don’t Lose Your Domain Management Login

This part is probably the most important from my point of view as your web developer.

Once you’ve secured your domain, you’ll get access to a control panel where you can update details, renew the registration, or mess about with DNS settings (whatever those are). Store these somewhere safe or you’re in for a world of pain when it comes time to make changes.

Final Thought – Just Do It Properly

Getting a .com.au domain is easy – if you follow the rules. And, trust me, you want to follow the rules. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck in domain registration limbo, watching someone else snap up your perfect name.

Need a hand? At Tropical Coast Web Design, we know how to navigate the system without the usual headaches. Get in touch, and let’s get your business online – properly.