Business success depends on visibility. Back in the day, this meant investing in flashy billboards and flyers. But today, a dynamic digital presence is what’ll float your boat.
Why?
Well, 97% of users research a local business online. So, you have to make sure you’re there. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a traditional company going online or a new business starting on the internet; you may just be invisible without a robust online presence.
How To Bump Up Your Business’s Online Presence?
The good news is, getting noticed on the web isn’t rocket science. Yes, the parameters of visibility may change, but the basics remain the same. So, are you ready to take your small business from invisible to invincible? Stay with us.
Create an amazing website
It may sound like a “well, duh” kind of advice. But it’ll surprise you that 1 in 3 small businesses don’t have a website. They don’t realize it, but they’re losing out on a ton of potential business.
A website is your shop window in the online marketplace. It’s where people will come to learn more about what you do and how to get in touch with you. If you don’t have a website, the first step is to create one. Many options are available, including out-of-the-box platforms like Squarespace or Wix. You may need to hire a web development team if you want a more complex and tailored solution.
The key is to find the perfect blend of affordability, ease of use, and functionality. Your website must also be mobile-friendly and have built-in SEO.
Optimize your site for search
Ah, SEO. It can make or break your online presence. And yet, it’s one of those things that only the experts understand. But if you pick up some valuable local SEO tips from reliable sources, you can become your SEO guru in no time.
Here are two basic steps to get you started:
- Create content that engages and informs users. Search engines love fresh, relevant content with useful keywords that reflect your work.
- Get high-quality backlinks from websites and articles related to your business niche.
You can always hire a professional SEO team to help get your website up to speed. Look for a provider with an excellent reputation and an impressive portfolio.
Choose the right keywords
Google search algorithms are constantly changing. But one thing’s for sure – keywords are still the building blocks of SEO. They help your customers find you when they don’t even know about you. So, you must be very disciplined with your keyword research. Find phrases and words that people search for. For instance, if you’re a car dealership in London, you’ll want keywords like “second-hand cars in London” or “used car dealership in London.” Paid keyword tools can help you identify the best keywords for your website.
But using keywords doesn’t mean stuffing your content with them. So, keep intent and relevancy in mind.
If you’re still unsure, talk to an SEO expert.
Generate buzz on social media
Social media is the ultimate litmus test for online visibility for businesses. It’s a great platform to connect directly with your prospects and customers, build a personal brand, showcase your portfolio, and rake in those likes and shares. More importantly, it lets you become the talk of the town. So how do you generate buzz?
The first step is to create accounts on the most popular channels (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram). Once that’s done, design high-quality content and post regularly. Engage with other users and comment on their posts so you’re part of the conversation. You can share your content on other users’ feeds and collaborate with relevant influencers in your niche.
And remember to be consistent in your messaging across all channels. It must be the same quality and tone so your audience knows it’s you.
Go on blogging sprees
Content is everything. Your customers want to learn more about your business and industry, so give them what they’re looking for.
Start an authoritative blog on your website – a great way to generate leads is by offering content upgrades at the end of each post.
Apart from posting regularly on your blog, guest blogging is another great way to increase brand awareness and drive more traffic to your website. Reach out to other websites and blogs in your niche, and explain what you do and how you can add value. Ideally, include a link back to your website.
You must use a variety of content formats, such as articles, infographics, case studies, video tutorials, and interviews. Keep your content fresh and engaging. The more people enjoy it, the more likely they are to share it with their networks.
Leverage email marketing
Email is the most cost-effective way to reach prospects and customers directly. So why not make use of it?
Create an email newsletter with compelling content and subscribe for users. Promote special offers, discounts, and new products to drive more traffic to your website. Add social media share buttons so readers can spread the word about your business. Last but not least, design attractive emails that look professional on all devices – desktop, tablet, and mobile.
There are a few useful tips that’ll help take your email composition to the next level:
- Use a catchy headline
- Avoid long paragraphs
- Make sure it’s visually appealing with bold headlines, colors, and images
- Include a CTA that directs readers to your website or blog
Finally, monitor and measure
No online presence campaign is complete without monitoring and measuring. You need to track your campaigns’ performance and make necessary changes if required.
Google Analytics is a great tool that’ll help you measure your website’s performance and see which pages receive the most traffic. It’ll also show you what keywords people use to find your business online, so you can optimize accordingly.
You should also use social media analytics to measure the performance of your campaigns. This way, you can invest your resources in high-return areas. For instance, if you see more engagement on Twitter than on Facebook, focus more effort there.
Conclusion
Creating a strong online presence takes time, effort, and resources. But if done right, it will bring long-term rewards for your business. So, don’t be afraid to take risks and experiment. It’s important to realize that what works for one business may not work for another, so be creative and find tactics that best suit your needs. If you ever need help, plenty of digital marketing and SEO experts can assist you in your journey.
