What an Australian Business Website Needs: A Practical Checklist

This is a practical checklist, not legal advice. Obligations depend on your business, turnover, industry and what you collect, so check the official guidance below and talk to an adviser where it matters.

Be clear about who you are

• A real business name, contact details and a way to get in touch that works
• Where you operate and what you offer, stated plainly
• Terms of sale, delivery and refunds if you sell online

Australian Consumer Law

The Australian Consumer Law applies to businesses selling goods and services in Australia. Broadly, what you say about your products and services has to be truthful, and pricing, contracts and fees must not mislead. If you sell online, this affects how you display prices, describe products and handle refunds. The ACCC and business.gov.au publish plain-English guidance.

Privacy

If your site collects personal information (enquiry forms, accounts, analytics, newsletter sign-ups), you should be clear about what you collect and why. Whether the Privacy Act applies to you depends on factors including turnover and industry, and the rules have been changing, so check current OAIC guidance rather than assuming you're exempt. A privacy policy that reflects what you actually do is good practice either way.

Email and SMS marketing

The Spam Act requires consent before sending commercial electronic messages, clear identification of your business, and a working way to unsubscribe. Build that into sign-up forms and email tools from the start.

Payments and tax

Most Australian businesses use established payment gateways and, where suitable, buy-now-pay-later options. Display GST correctly and issue compliant invoices. Your accountant is the right person to confirm the details. See ecommerce development for how we approach stores.

Accessibility and performance

An accessible, fast website serves more customers and reduces risk. Good structure, readable contrast, keyboard access and descriptive alt text cost little when they're built in and a lot when they're retrofitted.

Tracking with care

Analytics and advertising tags collect data, so configure them to match your privacy approach. See analytics and conversion tracking.