Research shows that by 2040, 95% of all purchases will be made online. This indicates the growing importance of establishing your online presence. Nowadays, having a quality product or service and robust customer service isn’t enough.
To stand out amidst the competitors, you need to provide additional value in the form of online engagement. If you wish to boost your business’s online presence but don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place. Here is a detailed guide containing strategies that can yield profitable results:
Table of Contents
Conduct Market Research
The first thing you should do is conduct market research and understand your target audience. Analyze customer demographics to curate tailored strategies. Identify growing trends in your industry and analyze how competitors are leveraging them.
As a small business, you’re stepping into a completely new domain. Research can save you from costly mistakes and utilize strategies that offer organic online visibility. It will also help you set clear, achievable goals.
Build a Website
A website makes your business searchable online, allowing potential customers to view you as a legitimate business. It allows you to display your products and services with high-quality pictures and detailed descriptions. Build a website for your small business in these four steps:
Choose a Domain Name
Start by choosing a short, easy-to-spell, and relevant domain name. Incorporate relevant keywords to help with search engine optimization (SEO). Check its availability to make sure another company has not already trademarked it. Buy domain name from a reliable provider that offers security features, such as domain locking and domain EPP code.
Choose a Hosting Provider
A hosting provider rents out server space to keep and manage website files. It also provides maintenance services to keep your site running. Find a hosting provider that can accommodate your website’s traffic and demands.
Pick a Website Builder
You can make your website on numerous platforms, such as WordPress and Squarespace, without extensive code learning. Alternatively, you can hire a developer who’d choose a coding language and create your website using HTML and CSS.
Choose Color and Layout
Lastly, think about the visual appearance of your website. Consider different layouts, color schemes, and fonts to create a website that aligns with your brand.
Invest in Search Engine Optimization
Competing with large businesses on the Internet is difficult. Luckily, with SEO strategies, you can attract organic traffic and boost your visibility. Here’s how you can improve website SEO:
Improve Website Usability
Make sure your website has smooth and intuitive navigation. Improve page loading time and make it mobile-friendly to enhance usability.
Keyword Research
Identify relevant keywords and phrases for your business and use them in the title tags and meta descriptions of site pages. Aim for low-competition keywords to increase your chances of better ranking.
Optimize Website Content
Create headers and subheaders (H1, H2, H3, and so on) for every page of your website. Logically placed headers will make it easy for search engines to grasp the main idea of your content while indexing and crawling. Well-structured headers will also improve user scanability.
Create a Google Business Profile
Set your Google Business Profile to help users find your website through search engines. Local SEO is another effective strategy for small businesses to attract local customers.
Building an online presence through SEO takes time. Stay consistent and incorporate the latest strategies for maximum results.
Create Valuable Content
Research shows that consumers are 131% more likely to purchase from a brand that provides educational content. Whether you’re running an apparel brand or offering tech-based services, content creation provides value that goes beyond the transactional nature of a brand-consumer relationship.
Conduct thorough consumer research and identify their pain points. Offer solutions to their problems and become a trusted voice in the industry.
Content creation allows you to build a loyal customer base organically. It can take several forms, including guest blogging, articles, and how-to guides. For instance, if you’re offering real estate services, you can publish informational blogs about the trends in real estate, mortgage rates, and how families can finance their first home.
Leverage Social Media Platforms
Did you know 86% of industry professionals say social media helps them gain brand exposure? Social media marketing can be a game-changer for small businesses. By fostering engagement and staying connected to your target audience, you can leverage the power of word-of-mouth.
Here are some tips to get you started:
- Post captivating infographics and engaging videos to provide value.
- Run paid targeted ads on Facebook or Instagram to generate leads.
- Leverage social media trends for better visibility.
- Partner with influencers who resonate with your brand to build credibility and reach a wider audience.
- Hold live Q&A sessions related to your products, services, or the overall industry.
- Host giveaways and competitions to boost engagement.
- Track key metrics, such as impressions and views, to understand what content resonates with your audience.
Social media platforms offer the perfect opportunity for community building. Develop a platform that provides direct engagement and feedback to build a loyal customer base.
Think of your social media pages as an extension of your business. Put time and effort into curating a strategy that boosts engagement levels and brand awareness.
Showcase Customer Reviews
Did you know that 92% of consumers read online reviews before purchasing from a local business? Moreover, many consumers consider online reviews as equivalent to personal recommendations. As a small business, reviews might be scarce, but they can be highly beneficial.
You can use online reviews to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your business and improve critical areas, such as response time, customer service, and delivery service. Take one step forward and display the reviews on your website and social media pages. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Use interactive widgets for Facebook and Instagram stories.
- Make a separate Highlights section on your Instagram page for customer reviews.
- Take reviews from sites, such as Yelp or Google My Business, and showcase them on your website.
- Ask for video testimonials from long-term customers.
The best way to gain consumer reviews is by responding to queries and creating a connection with your audience.
Address negative customer reviews with empathy and offer compensation to resolve any issues. This will ensure transparency and establish your business as trustworthy.
George is the voice behind Wisdomised, a news blog dedicated to delivering fresh, engaging stories that keep readers both informed and entertained. With a sharp eye for current events and trending topics, George crafts posts that make complex news accessible and enjoyable. His unique perspective and storytelling skills bring a refreshing twist to every update, inviting readers to explore the world through Wisdomised.