Franchise Spotlight: Internet
Low investment, no premises required and fast-growing markets among the sector’s benefits.
The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the already brisk global migration of many offline activities to the internet.
Other industry trends driving the shift, including rising internet penetration and connection speeds (Australia ranks fourth in the world for mobile speeds), plus improving online payment security, will continue to promise a bright future for internet franchises.
Australia’s $32 billion ecommerce sector is one notable success story, boasting an industry growth rate of 17.3% between 2015-2020, according to statistics from market research firm IBISWorld.
Internet franchise market analysis
Few online franchises require that franchisees have prior coding skills or experience since all relevant training is provided. And with technology evolving rapidly, these fast-growing networks have the expertise, financial resources and proven business models to continuously improve.
Because web-based franchises don’t need premises or, at least initially, employees, start-up costs and ongoing overheads are usually comparatively low. This is also good news for would-be franchisees who want to work from home and have flexible working hours.
Eazi-Sites and Eazi-Apps have each grown to around 300 franchisees, who generate a return on their investment after building just four websites or mobile apps respectively.
Eazi-Apps franchisees with no technical experience can learn how to build apps using a ‘drag and drop’ platform, with building blocks including shopping carts, appointment systems and messaging systems.
Offering more than 10 revenue streams, IOB Business helps organisations enhance their online assets and reputation, from their website to social media output and performance on customer review sites.
The SpinDealsapp gamifies the distribution of coupons and deals from clients to potential customers via a ‘spin the wheel’ game, building brand awareness through fun rather than intrusive, unwanted advertising.
Big Rock Digital franchisees find and manage clients, receiving monthly, repeat revenues generated by services that include developing a digital marketing strategy, sending digital communications, producing videos and revamping websites.