Optus has responded to an aggressive push by Telstra subsidiary Sensis into the SME web hosting and SEO sector by announcing the launch of a competing product line, named My BizOnline.
The first product in Optus’ product line is the My SiteOnline web hosting and management service, which will compete directly against Sensis’ equivalent SiteSmart service.
Under the service, Optus is offering SMEs a web and mobile optimised website (including copy, design, logos and hosting) for a base fee of $5.95 a month ($71.40 per year), plus a performance fee of $1.50 per phone call, on a 12-month contract.
Optus managing director of marketing Michael Smith said in a statement: “Our research shows 74% of Australian small businesses identify with the value of being online but are still being held back by time and administrative pressures. We’ve designed the My BizOnline range to make it much easier, simpler and more time-efficient to elevate your business into the digital world.”
The news follows several months of heavy media advertising by Sensis of its SEO and website hosting services.
Andrew Sadauskas is a former journalist at SmartCompany and a former editor of TechCompany.
