Katanning’s web directory switches online to make local businesses accessible via Google.

A $25,000 online platform is set to make accessibility to Katanning businesses and local events a lot easier. Launched on Monday last week, the Katanning Regional Business Association has transformed its business directory online, with a new website making local businesses more reachable on the internet. The online version of the Katanning Business Directory lists 65 businesses from around the shire of Katanning. The KRBA plans to expand it to include sporting clubs and community events. Emu Cafe co-owner David Harries said the new website would boost Katanning’s online profile, helping encourage more people to visit the region. “This actually gives businesses a presence on the web so they can promote their sales, their services, it gives their contact number, and shows where you can find them,” he said. Mr Harries, who has a background in computer science, volunteered his time to act as a key communicator between local businesses and website designers. He said the website would improve the search engine optimisation of Katanning businesses, which should increase Katanning’s presence on Google. Mr Harries said just over 40 per cent of businesses listed on the KRBA website had no representation on the internet before the creation of the online directory. The website was needed to adapt to the changing demographics of the town and the demands of COVID-19, he said. “We’ve got a lot more people moving into town, there is a huge influx of tourists and new workers into town, and they want to find things,” Mr Harries said “They’ve moved into a community they have never seen before and this gives them the opportunity to discover businesses that can actually help them, “So it is a two-way street — it is good for businesses and good for the community.” KRBA president Alan McFarland said the new site was the most efficient way to promote businesses in a changing town like Katanning, and the website was in addition to the hard-copy business directory, not a replacement. “The beauty about having it online is we can update it on a regular basis, while with the book we print it every two years, so if a business comes and goes or if we miss someone or if there is a mistake, we can’t fix it,” he said.