If your business isn't online, will you flat-line?

Searching for a business that cannot be found online might be the curse of the modern world. It can be infuriating and inconvenient.

A recent study in New Zealand by Spark showed approximately 50 percent of small and medium sized enterprises don't have an online presence - no website and no social media.

At fashion house Deval, up to 20 percent of sales are through the internet, and it is one way they don't have to spend a lot of money to showcase their brand.

But ARA Institute marketing lecturer Paula Arbouw says potential customers may also be looking for shop hours or address rather than just for shopping.

Ms Arbouw says businesses need to realise the landscape is changing and people's lives are increasingly becoming more online.

Customers who are online are going to be demanding it.

But then there are businesses which are solely online like celebrity chef Richard Till, who delivers meals to customers who order online via his app.

So for those who have yet to join the internet, are they missing out? Is there a risk of flat-lining?

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