Why Small business owner should have their
online presense?
iving your small business an
online presence means more than simply putting up a little website with your
company's address and phone number. It means setting up a virtual version of
your business, with a welcoming, informative website, a Facebook page and
Twitter account. In this electronic era, more people search online for the
products and services they need as opposed to searching through a phone book.
Ignoring this important potential marketing platform is akin to saying, "I
don't need any new business."
The GInternet
has revolutionized the role small businesses have in the larger
economy. Despite smaller spaces, they can now compete with larger
businesses through an effective online presence.
"Just
a few years ago, 50 percent of small businesses didn't have a
website. Today you have to have a website and a social media presence."You
first have to figure out where your customers go to receive their news."
"Then,
if they are using social channels (and most Internet users are!), the next step
is to engage with them.
Social media isn't a one way street. Listen to your customers and reply to
their posts. That's how you turn average customers into brand
ambassadors."
With all of the
information swirling around the Internet, Google e-mail Alerts sift through the
noise for you, and deliver all of the articles pertinent to your business,
right to your e-mail inbox. There are tools like Postling.com that provide you
with work flow to take action on what you see in the social media.
Networking is very
important, but beyond that, find your niche and establish yourself as a thought
leader. Becoming a resource for your peers is a win-win: you'll help them while
you challenge yourself to continue to grow. Sharing knowledge earns you karma
and also gives you the opportunity to pay it forward.
Ultra-Competitive
Environment
In
today’s ultra-competitive environment, your small business needs an online
presence just to be found. Showing up in a prospective customer’s search
results can provide a significant advantage over competitors in your niche and,
let’s face it, a significant portion of the market you serve is made of up
consumers who begin their quest for products and services online.
If most
of your customer base is local, and you’re not looking to expand beyond the
local marketplace, make sure that your listing is linked to Google maps. Doing
so ensures that, when a customer or prospect types your city and business
description in the search field (e.g.- “Phoenix bowling ball repair”), your
business’ name and location should appear on the map. Prospective customers
also may find you by performing a “Search Nearby” on Google maps for bowling
ball repair businesses in the area.
Beyond
getting found, being listed on Google maps is helpful to customers who rely on
GPS devices to navigate their driving. Small businesses not listed on Google
Maps run the risk of seeming out-of touch.
There
are far more online directories than you might imagine. You may not use them
yourself, but you never know where your next customer may find you—so, choose
several and submit your information. Make sure you keep track of them on a
spreadsheet, so you can accurately update information as your business grows.
Look for
directories that are specific to your niche, as well as broad-based directories
such as: Local.com, AngiesList.com, Yahoo!Local, BingPlaces, Yelp,
YellowPages.com, CitySearch, Manta, Kudzu.com, etc. The value of online
directories varies, but having these listings should boost both your website
traffic and your search engine ranking.
Although
there are many social media sites to consider—and there are good reasons for
you to be using Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and others—Facebook is a solid
choice for both small businesses that are just venturing into the social realm
and local small businesses that want to bring in foot traffic.
Importance of Facebook
Facebook
is one of the most popular sites for small businesses because it provides a
great way to showcase locations, hours of operation, photos, web addresses, and
relevant content. Updating your Facebook page at least once a month will keep
your business top-of-mind for customers, and hopefully catch the attention of
prospects who are on the fence about doing business with you. You can also
encourage followers to share your page, which would increase your following.
The platform even empowers you to distribute targeted advertising to Facebook
users who may not know about your business yet.
Although
there are many social media sites to consider—and there are good reasons for
you to be using Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and others—Facebook is a solid
choice for both small businesses that are just venturing into the social realm
and local small businesses that want to bring in foot traffic.
Facebook
is one of the most popular sites for small businesses because it provides a
great way to showcase locations, hours of operation, photos, web addresses, and
relevant content. Updating your Facebook page at least once a month will keep
your business top-of-mind for customers, and hopefully catch the attention of
prospects who are on the fence about doing business with you. You can also
encourage followers to share your page, which would increase your following.
The platform even empowers you to distribute targeted advertising to Facebook
users who may not know about your business yet.
Easier
Selling and Marketing
It's a well-known marketing fact that people like to buy
but don't like to be sold. A well-written piece of copy for your products or
services on your website allow buyers to make a more relaxed, informed decision
to purchase, as opposed to feeling pressured by a possible pushy salesperson.
Marketing your business is also easier and more far reaching, as the electronic
format allows for a wider, more cost-effective distribution as opposed to
traditional marketing, which usually included printing and mailing costs.
Comments
Post a Comment