Online presence is one of those terms that’s constantly evolving. Once it was enough just to have a website online, whereas these days a proper online presence requires you to go further. Here are some examples of how you can go about it in your small business.
Website and App
Business is cut throat, if you want to stand a chance against your competitors then you need to make a good impression on customers and clients. And one way to do this is with your website, this will be the first thing that most customers will see of your business.. A web designer will be able to create something custom to you. You could outsource your maintenance to a managed IT services company, who can ensure that everything is loading quickly and correctly without errors. Many smaller businesses still aren’t reaping the rewards of an app for their company, it’s so worth taking the plunge and working this into your budget, An app makes you look smart and professional, and at least for the time being it puts you ahead of your competition.
Social Media
Social media is something that business owners have been really able to take advantage of, allowing them to get closer to customers, communicate with them and even understand them better. It’s quick and casual, customers can seek answers to questions and you can push your marketing materials on these platforms. Having a good following and being responsive on social media is a great way to improve your online presence.
Blog
The benefits of blogging for business have been well established. A blog makes you look reliable and trustworthy, and a good archive shows that your business has been around for a while and isn’t just a scam. It shows that time, effort and love has been put in, and can also show your customers that you know what you’re talking about. A blog linked to your website can also help to bump up your position in search engine listings as well as improve your domain authority- things that can help you to get more organic traffic.
Online Reviews
Reviews can make or break your business, and when customers are looking to shop with you for the first time, chances are they’ll check your reviews first. Anything negative can put them off and cause them to go elsewhere. Great reviews on the other hand will give them confidence, as if others have had a good experience then it shows that they probably will too. One thing you need to be working on as a business owner is building up your reviews.. You can’t provide any compensation for them, but you can follow up after transactions and politely ask if customers would be willing to leave you one. Point them to the review tab on your facebook, or your link on a third party review site such as Reevoo or Trustpilot. Having lots of reviews online when customers search increases your online presence, and can help to positively sway anyone who’s a little unsure into making an order.