Google and MYOB are giving away 50,000 free websites - or are they

[fatimahislam]

Due to the large number of small to medium Australian businesses without an online presence Google's SME Business Leader Claire Hatton said; "We want to address this gap by removing common barriers like cost and time to set up a website. We also want to make it easier for Australians to find the information they're looking for online".

But there's still no such thing as a free website - after the first year a $5/month fee will be charged.

MYOB chief Tim Reed said that they will be able to sign up 50,000 businesses this year.

How much does a free website really cost?
The cost needs to be viewed in terms of the image manipulation service marketing value of a no-frills 3 page website.
What will prospects and customers think about your business when they see it?


Will search engines effectively index your site?
Will you have time to keep the information up to date?
Is it able to turn prospects into customers?

These are some of the questions a prospective DIY website builder needs to ask. If a website-for-the-sake-of-having-a-website is the only reason for setting one up then it is effectively like placing your corporate philosophy on your bedroom wall - the only people who see it will be the ones you have specifically invited.