5 Steps to Building Your Online Presence
A crucial part of maintaining a successful business is building up a substantial online presence. In a world of social media and 24/7 accessibility, being visible and present on the web is as essential as coming up with a product or service in the first place. Digital marketing is a growing business and one which looks set to continue in the world of business and e-commerce.
The good news is that there are a few simple steps you can take to help build and develop your online presence, opening yourself up to hundreds of potential new customers and boosting the reputation and profitability of your business. Here are our top five steps to start taking your company to the next level today!
Build or Update Your Website
A website is an absolute essential when it comes to boosting your online presence, and is the first place you need to start. This will likely be the first contact your customers have with your business, and it needs to be accurate, professional, and accessible.
Include relevant information such as your physical location and address, opening hours, and any contact details, as well as the services or products you provide. It can also include a booking or reservation system to help your customers to easily access the information they need, as well as an opt-in or giveaway to entice new visitors and help you start building your email list for future marketing.
Setup and Promote Via Social Media
From planning parties to casual chats, social media is an integral part of our lives. This is good news for your business.You have a ready-made platform on which to engage your customers, as well as receive instant feedback and reviews.
You should have a page for your business on all the major platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and make sure these are regularly updated and accurate. Social media also allows direct interaction with fans and can be used to promote competitions or exclusive deals, share updates, and help your customers feel more closely connected to your brand, improving loyalty.
Improve Your Websites SEO
There is no point in having a phenomenal website if it is hidden on the third page of the Google search. Getting to grips with search engine optimization (SEO) is essential for making the most of your site and allowing your customers to find you more easily.
A well-optimized site will include keywords located strategically in the website copy, and this will help the page to rank higher on a Google search. Research shows that people are more likely to click through to top results for convenience, so it is crucial to ensure you are in the right place. Even better, the visitors are already searching for your type of business, taking care of half the battle for you!
Establish Your Paid Advertising Strategy
Paid adverts can be a great way to draw attention to your business. Social media platforms such as Facebook will run a campaign which allows you to benefit from adverts in exchange for a small fee, and this can be a great way to get your message out to a wide audience.
In addition, many companies will offer pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns, which are located in Google searches. You only pay if someone clicks on the link and through to your site, making this a cost-effective option if you have a limited marketing budget.
Generate Positive Reviews To Boost Your Reputation
One of the best ways to build a solid online presence is through ensuring that you have a plethora of positive reviews from your customers. As a business owner, you should ensure you have profiles on all the major review sites, and that you deal well with any feedback received. Customers trust other customers, so allowing them to take care of positive advertising is one of the easiest ways to establish yourself in the online space!