The power of technology and the Internet have led us to a digitally connected world where most people are always online. With a change in consumer buying habits and expectations, now more than ever, it’s important for businesses to have an online presence. When a consumer decides they need a product or service, they search the Internet to find a business. For small businesses, this is an opportunity to meet those customers in the digital channels they visit daily.
Consider these eight tips to grow your online reach:
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Create a website If you don’t already have a website for your business, take the time to set one up. A website not only allows your customers and prospects to see your products and services, but it also tells them more about your business, your team, and what sets your company apart. There are many content management systems that make it easier to build your website.
If you already have a website but feel like it’s not getting traffic, review it as if you were someone who knew nothing about this business. Is it clear what your business does? Who to contact if they have questions or want to do business with you? Do you use the right words to describe your products and services?
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Learn about SEO When you search for something on Google, thousands of results come up. These results are generated for you based on keywords that will most likely answer your query. Understanding search engine optimization (SEO) and what keywords customers are using in their search will help to put your business closer to the top of the result list. There are several online resources to help you learn all about SEO.
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Use social media Social media is a powerful tool for businesses to expand their reach and grow their presence online. By creating and sharing engaging content on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, businesses can attract new customers and connect with existing ones. In addition, it serves as a cost-effective way to drive traffic to your website page and target specific audiences.
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Know your audience By understanding the demographics, interests, behaviors, and pain points of your audience, you can tailor your messaging, tone, and visual elements to appeal to them. This targeted approach can help you attract and retain more followers, increase engagement, and ultimately drive more conversions. Additionally, understanding your audience can inform your choice of social media platforms, advertising channels, and content formats, allowing you to maximize your reach and impact.
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Email campaigns Email gives a business the opportunity to reach out to its audience directly. To start, build an email list of subscribers who have opted-in to receive communications from your business. As you gather more email addresses, you’ll want to update your list. From there, you can create targeted campaigns that provide value and encourage engagement. This can include promoting new products or services, sharing company news and updates, offering exclusive discounts and promotions, and providing helpful tips and resources.
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Create content your audience understands Make a list of issues or problems your customers or prospects may be facing. Use this list to create content that provides resolutions to their current issues and identify ways your business can help. You can then share your content on your website, social media, or email.
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Experiment with content This is essential for growing your digital presence because it allows you to test what works best for your audience. By trying out different types of content, such as blog posts, social media posts, videos, infographics, or podcasts, you can determine which formats and topics resonate the most with your audience. This can help you refine your messaging, tone, and style to better engage and connect with your audience.
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Be competitive Pay attention to what your competitors are doing and know the strengths and weaknesses of their online presence. Are they using a strategy that would work for your company? What keywords are they using to increase visibility? Is there an information gap they’re not filling?
Be safe while online.
Increasing your online presence can also mean increasing your risk for fraudulent activity. Review these cybersecurity tips to keep your business safe.