Nowadays, consumers are spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting a store for their online shopping. It is therefore increasingly important for companies to ensure that their websites stand out from the crowd. This can only be achieved if traders can find the right expertise and support when setting up an online store or extending their business online. Finding the appropriate help in such cases is certainly no mean feat, and this often discourages businesses from taking the plunge to invest in digital technologies.

The Malta Communications Authority has broadened its efforts to address such a gap by setting up an online directory branded ‘Blink’. This is the first of a host of initiatives stemming out of the National E-commerce Strategy, covering a seven-year period (2014 – 2020), which the MCA was tasked to draft and subsequently implement.

The strategy aims to ensure that entrepreneurs are equipped with the necessary means to capitalise on opportunities brought about by e-commerce. It also addresses a number of challenges businesses are facing in e-commerce, one of which is the availability of information on the skill sets required to take the bold first step to sell online.

Blink is a practical resource that provides access to all the information required by businesses who wish to take their operations online. It is a directory specialising in e-commerce service provision and has been purposely designed around a number of stages that reflect the different phases required to set up an online shop. This complements the MCA’s efforts to provide essential information to entrepreneurs interested in providing e-commerce services.

Back in 2009, the MCA had published the E-Commerce Guides for Business with the intent of creating a one-stop shop of information for those who offer e-commerce services or intend doing so. Therefore, Blink is a step further in assisting potential online traders.

It will be officially launched in October with the intent of providing an extensive list of the entities that offer ancillary services to online traders, making it easier for the latter to source the products and services they require for their e-commerce project.

The MCA is inviting businesses and self-employed individuals who offer e-commerce-related services to submit their details online via www.mca.org.mt/blink to form part of this online tool, according to the categories selected in the online form. Although the MCA has tried to be as exhaustive as possible in the identification of areas that are related to e-commerce, it welcomes any suggestions in this regard.

The listing in this directory is on a voluntary basis and completely free of charge.