If you want your small business to succeed over the long term, then you need to have a robust online presence.
Everyone is online!
According to Internet World Stats, internet users across the globe have reached 4.5 billion as of June 2019.
What do these statistics mean to you and your small business? It means that your customers are online, and if you want to be found and look professional, an online presence is a must.
In today's article, we'll cover how an online presence is beneficial to your business and the essential elements of a strong online presence.
Buckle up, here we go!
"But my business 100% referrals Tim, so I'm good!" you might say.
Good for you, but even businesses that rely on referrals heavily, need an online presence because referrals still go online to check you and your business out. Your online presence could be costing you referrals, and you don't even know it.
Here are some of the benefits of having a robust online presence:
The internet never sleeps, and every door you open online gives your small business a virtual showroom 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.
Also, the web enables possible customers to find your business any time, and in the privacy and comfort of their own home.
If you sell products or services online, your customers don't need to wait for your brick-and-mortar to open. A sale can be captured in real-time as soon as a customer becomes interested.
A strong online presence builds credibility for your business.
The combination of your website, social media, online reviews, and content can set your business apart from the competition or sink your chances of success.
Taking the time to make sure your online presence is complete and consistent plays a crucial role in how potential customers perceive your business.
An effective online presence will improve your SEO (search engine optimization).
In other words, it will be easier for people to find your business online when they search for the products or services you offer.
Every aspect of your online presence is an opportunity to communicate a consistent message, voice, and look for your company.
What do you think happens when your business has strong credibility, is easier to find online, and you've got a great brand?
That's right, more leads. You do want more leads, don't you?
Website, social media, reviews, SEO, videos, blogs, email, Google My Business, backlinks, data schema, and the list goes on and on. Thinking about your online presence can be overwhelming.
However, a complete online presence is only about three core elements:
Let's dig into each one in more detail.
Your website is where everything starts. Everything you do online and offline will drive traffic back to your website.
Think of your website as the hub of your marketing. Without one, nothing else works correctly or effectively.
How can you ensure your website is a solid foundation for your online presence? Focus on these two elements to start.
We'd highly recommend your home page have a number of the following elements.
There are many on-page SEO elements you can optimize on your website. Things like:
For an in-depth look at this, check out this beginner's guide to on-page SEO.
Optimizing your website for search engines is imperative because the higher your ranking is, the higher the chances of generating more leads and sales. It's a great way to boost your online presence.
There are also off-page SEO elements that are important.
The following elements all play into your SEO success.
For local businesses, the following elements are also important for your local SEO.
Another essential element that can catapult your online presence to the top is content.
Okay, so you posted a blog, and now you have content. Well, blogs indeed are a great type of content, but your job isn't done.
Tons of other types of content can boost your online presence:
Email users around the world are expected to hit 4.15 billion by 2021, so make sure to jump on the bandwagon NOW!
Email marketing is an essential type of content because it is affordable, measurable, convenient, and very accessible via mobile devices.
We are living in a social media age where almost everyone is active on a platform or two.
There are important things you need to know about social media marketing.
The first thing to remember is to identify the best social media platform for your small business. Don't create content for every single social media platform out there at the beginning.
Then choose the type of content you want to create.
Also, don't forget to define, track, and measure social media metrics to know the return on investment or ROI.
Like I said earlier, content has many forms. There are podcasts, blogs, videos, content hubs, and many more.
Always keep in mind that content needs to be the voice of strategy to ensure that your customers will interact and engage online.
And that's a wrap!
Always remember the three essential elements of a great online presence - website, SEO, and content.
These three elements can help boost your online presence to ensure that your business is at the front of the line.
We put together a list of resources for you to check out if you want to know more about improving your online presence. Also, don't be shy to TALK TO US should you need more help.
The Importance of Having a Rich Online Presence
The Importance of an Online Presence for Small Businesses
Creating a Strong Online Presence for Marketing Success
So what do you think about this article? Are you ready to boost your online presence?
Drop a comment below and let's discuss.
Also, it would be an honor if you think this one is worthy of SHARING.
Header courtesy of Pexels.
Tim Fitzpatrick is the President of Rialto Marketing. At Rialto Marketing, we help take the guesswork out of marketing so your small business can grow. Marketing your business shouldn't be a constant challenge. If you are ready to eliminate the uncertainty and confusion of marketing your business, we can help.