You've probably got a website (although it’s been a while since you updated it) and a Facebook page, maybe an Instagram account too…but is that the entirety of your online strategy? Are these platforms leveraged to their fullest potential? Can consumers effortlessly find and engage with you online? If there's even a hint of doubt, you might be missing out on potential business.
On average across industries, more than 70% of people do online research before making a purchase decision. That is a staggering number and with the rise in use of mobile devices, people often look for information on the go. - which means you have to be able to be found in a mobile friendly way too.
Why it’s imperative
There have been dramatic changes in consumer behaviour, especially when it comes to shopping. Which raises the pivotal question: Is your business optimally visible online? Read on to discover our top six tips for your business.
We’ve created a checklist with extra tips for you to download and try for yourself.
The other very large benefit of having a solid online presence is your ability to collect valuable data on how people interact with you and your business. Prior to the current digital age, advertising and marketing was incredibly difficult to measure - yes you know how many newspapers were delivered, but how many people read them and how many of those saw your advertisement… and how many who saw it came into your store t make a purchase specifically because they saw your ad? - It’s impossible to ever know! But with a strong digital presence you can track purchases, how people found you and event he specifics of how they interact with your business - that data is worth it’s weight in gold!
On the flip side
So now you know WHY you need to define you customers and HOW to stay ahead of trends and changes, lets take a step backwards - how do you actually choose who to target? We’ve created an easy 6-step plan for you! You can see a sneak peek of this plan below, but be sure to download our handy printable DF guide which includes more detailed info, tipes and tricks to defining your target audience.
The facts of the matter
We know it’s really hard to find the time to post regularly on social media, to update the content on your website or create a new Google ad, but do you realise by choosing NOT to do these tings you are missing out on possibly seven out of every ten people making to purchase from you, simply because they don’t see you when they are looking online! If that isn’t inspiration enough, we don’t know what is! Being online also helps people to visualise your brand and gain a more personal understanding of who you are, what you stand for and what you offer. It gives people a chance to engage with you in a more casual, non-committal way (which suits some potential buyers better than a phone call or coming into a store) it also helps you to provide detailed information about what you sell so that when people do interact with you, they are well informed and don’t need to take up your time with a lot of questions.
Can your customers find you?
Ensure you shine online
1. Mobile friendly website
Half the number of website visits worldwide come from mobile devices, it's time you ensured your website is mobile-friendly. If it's not, you might be halving your potential customer base. Need help with this? Just give us a buzz!
2. Master Meta/Facebook's Ads Manager
We emphasise the Ads Manager, not ‘Ad Center’. Why? because it gives you immense control over your ad targeting on Facebook and Instagram. Why waste money advertising to people who are not interested in your offerings?
3. Embrace E-Commerce
If you have products, showcase them in an online store. Several platforms allow easy setup of e-commerce portals.
4. Promote Your Online Presence
Display links to your digital profiles wherever you can. Email signatures, video descriptions or comments, in-store signs, newsletters - every touchpoint matters. And if you have multiple online touch points, consider using tools like LinkTree (or alternatives) to consolidate all your links.
5. Harness the Power of Google Ads
Contrary to popular belief, Google Ads aren’t just for big corporations. With the right strategy, they can yield phenomenal results. We had a client whose Google Ad led to a significant sale within three days of its launch, offsetting their advertising cost multiple times!
6. Leverage SEO for Organic Growth
Beyond paid advertising, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is an essential tool in enhancing your online visibility. By optimising your website's content with relevant keywords, meta descriptions, and high-quality backlinks, you can improve your site's ranking on search engines. Remember, the majority of online users don't go beyond the first page of search results so you need to be up there!
Ensure your online game is strong
6 Top tips - sneak peek
So, in Conclusion…
Being visible online is pivotal in this digital age. Need assistance? Reach out to us. We help businesses elevate their online presence every day, and we'd be thrilled to guide you through it or even train your team!
Want to try it yourself? Grab our handy checklist which guides you through some of the practical first steps you can use in your business at each of these six stages above.