Background

Network Services is Australia's leading distributor of magazine titles. Established in 1982, Network Services has expanded to now distribute in excess of 150 million magazines annually.

The company services more than 5000 newsagents and 2500 supermarkets, variety and retail outlets Australia wide. Combining the prestigious stable of ACP titles and a leading array of independent publishers, Network Services boasts a total market share of retail magazine sales in Australia exceeding 45%.

Business Challenge

Until September 2001, the company was called Network Distribution Company (NDC). To coincide with the company’s re-branding as 'Network Services’, Bullseye were approached to design and develop a corporate website.

Network Services has not had a web presence previously and identified that at least one competitor offered similar services to customers online.

The company’s aim is to develop the site into a comprehensive tool for publishers who conduct business with Network Services. The initial web presence provides a foundation to this long-term objective.

The Strategy

Bullseye worked closely with Network Services to develop a website that fulfils a number of strategic objectives:

• Creation of a cost-effective web presence for Network Services, within a short timeframe.
• A website design that establishes and extends the company’s new corporate identity.
• Showcasing of information about Network Services, it’s products and services to customers.
• Allow Network Services to easily update web content internally, as needed.

The Solution

The website has been designed and developed to address the following:

1. Delivery of useful & relevant information to Retailers and Publishers.
2. Delivery of web-based content management tools to allow Network Services to manage a selection of content areas across the site, including content expiry dates.
3. Improved customer service with a mechanism allowing customers to send feedback, comments or contact Network Services online.

Results

The response from publishers has been very positive. Plans are underway to further develop the site to support the company’s long-term objective of developing the site into a comprehensive tool for publishers who conduct business with Network Services.