Harness the power of the internet with a .nz domain name

The internet is a cornerstone of the modern world, used by the vast majority of people for everyday tasks and numerous online searches. As such, it's a crucial tool for businesses to engage with customers.

In New Zealand 8 in 10 people use the internet on a smart device multiple times a day. Of those using mobile devices, 81% say they mainly use it to search, and 75% say they mainly use it to read the latest news. Chat and social are also primary uses.

On top of this, nearly all (97%) of online New Zealanders rely on the internet when searching for information, products and services, according to a new survey by NZRS Ltd, the registry for all .nz domain names.

As such, it is imperative for businesses to maintain an active, modern online presence as part of their operations. Having an online presence and doing what they can to be found in online searches help businesses engage with their target audience, NZRS says.

Businesses that integrate the internet into their business models, whether to increase engagement, sales or support, will see a growing competitive advantage, according to the survey.

Furthermore, those that also focus on the mobile experience have the upper hand, as 73% of customers will move to a different website if the one they are on doesn't function well on their mobile device.

Despite this, many Kiwi businesses are yet to realise the benefits of having any online presence, let alone one that is optimised for mobility.

Currently, only 29% of New Zealand businesses have a mobile friendly website, and only 15% are planning to be mobile friendly in the coming year.

When it comes to domain names, 60% of NZ businesses are yet to establish a web based presence using a domain name, and only 7% are planning to get one in the next 12 months, according to the survey.

However, the 40% who are using one have said it helps their business in a variety of ways:

• 93% find it helps to share information with their customers,
• 92% find it helps consumers connect with their business,
• 81% find it helps build credibility,
• 69% find it helps to increase sales,
• 51% find it helps drive customer loyalty.

Not only is it important to set up a domain name, but it's important to stay local, the survey suggests.

A .nz domain name for web and email highlights that a business is uniquely New Zealand and helps customers identify this straight away.

The survey shows 74% of consumers perceive .nz domain names as representing local, and 78% of businesses choose a .nz domain name because they are a New Zealand business.

Significantly, .nz websites continue to be the highest rated in internet searches for products, services or online news.

Furthermore, consumers were surveyed on how they felt about .nz domain names when searching online:

• 67% prefer .nz based websites when searching for information online,
• 75% prefer .nz  based websites when buying products online,
• 67% prefer .nz based websites when reading news stories online.

To find out more about how you can utilise domain names for your business, head on over to getyourselfonline.nz.