Share this
by Fundid on Jun 29, 2023 8:00:00 AM
The internet has become the hub of the business world, and its influence is only growing day by day. In today's digital age, if you want your business to be successful, it's essential to have a strong online presence. Building an online presence can seem overwhelming, but with the right strategies and tools, you can take your business to new heights. In this guide, we'll explore some tips and tricks to help you build an excellent online presence for your business.
Step 1. Build a Website
The first step in building an online presence for your business is to have a website. To get started, first determine your website's purpose and target audience. Will you need the ability for customers to shop on your website? Will your website need the ability to process online payments?
Related Reading: 7 Features Every Website Needs
Next, choose a domain name and hosting service that align with your budget. Once you have established these basic components, decide on a website platform or content management system (CMS) that is user-friendly and suits your needs. From there, design your website layout, create content, and optimize your site for SEO.
Finally, ensure that your website is mobile-responsive and easy to navigate for optimal user experience. Remember that your website is an ongoing project, make sure to check it often and make updates as your business grows.
Tips for creating a great website:
- User-friendly and accessible on different devices
- Optimized for search engines
- Include a search bar for easy navigation
- Ensure you have your contact information and hours of operation easy to find
- Quick load time
- Clean and concise design
Fundid Recommendation: Short on time to build your own website? We've partnered with UENI, so you can get your website created in just one week! They'll get to know your needs, build your website, and teach you how to make updates so you are in control. Check out their current promotion to get your website completed in just one week!
2. Create Social Channels
Social media is an excellent way to connect with customers and build an online presence. Choose platforms that are relevant to your audience and share content that's valuable and engaging. If your target audience isn't utilizing Twitter, don't waste your time posting there.
Social media allows businesses to efficiently reach a wider audience at a fraction of the cost of traditional marketing methods. By posting engaging content and actively engaging with their followers, small business owners can establish a strong online presence, improve brand recognition, and even drive sales.
Tools to support your social media efforts:
Related Reading: 10 Ways to Grow Your Business on Instagram
3. Set up Your Yelp Business Page
Yelp is an online directory that helps people find local businesses. It offers tailored recommendations based on proximity, giving businesses the opportunity to attract customers through digital word-of-mouth. When looking for a great local business, Yelp is often part of the conversation.
Setting up your Yelp business page enables you to connect with customers and respond to their feedback. Positive Yelp reviews can help improve your online reputation and attract new customers to your business. Claim your Yelp for Business page for free today and get $300 in credit to put towards Yelp Ads.
4. Claim Your Business on Google
Google is a powerful tool that can help increase your business's visibility online. Claiming your business enables you to control the information displayed on Google Maps and search results. Include accurate information, such as your business hours, contact details, and website address, to make it easy for customers to find you.
Additionally, claiming your business on Google allows you to interact with customers through Google My Business, a feature that enables you to respond to reviews, post updates, and even share pictures of your products or services. This not only helps you engage with your customers, but it also increases the likelihood of your business showing up in local search results. In other words, claiming your business on Google gives you the power to enhance your online visibility and connect with customers in a meaningful way.
Why Your Small Business Needs to Have an Online Presence
If you're still on the fence about building your business's online presence, consider these five compelling reasons:
1. Reach a Wider Audience
One of the primary benefits of having an online presence for your small business is that it allows you to reach a wider audience. With a website, you are no longer limited to selling your products or services to people who live in your local area. You can now sell to people all over the world, which can help to increase your sales greatly.
2. Lower Marketing Costs
Another benefit of having an online presence is that it can help to lower your marketing costs. Traditional marketing methods, such as print advertising and television commercials, can be very expensive. By contrast, marketing your business online is relatively inexpensive. For example, you can create a website for your business for less than $200, and you can use social media to market your business for free.
3. Builds Trust and credibility
Another reason why your small business needs an online presence is that it helps to build trust and credibility with potential customers. In today’s day and age, consumers are increasingly doing their research online before making a purchase. If they cannot find information about your business online, they may not trust that you are a credible company. However, if they can find positive reviews about your business on your website or on Yelp, they are more likely to trust that you are a reputable company and do business with you.
4. Stay Competitive
In today’s digital world, more and more businesses are moving online. If you want to stay competitive, it is important that you have an online presence for your small business as well. By having a website and being active on social media, you can level the playing field with larger businesses and compete for customers’ attention.
5. Increased Sales
Finally, one of the most important benefits of having an online presence for your small business is that it can help to increase sales. With a website, you have the ability to sell your products or services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Additionally, by using effective digital marketing strategies, such as search engine optimization (SEO) and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, you can drive traffic to your website and generate leads that can be converted into sales.
Find the Tools You Need to Build Your Online Presence
Building a strong online presence is essential for the growth and success of your business. By building a professional website, creating social media accounts, and claiming your business on review sites and Google, you'll be able to reach a broader audience and improve your online reputation. With these tips and strategies, you can take your business to new heights and get ahead of your competition. Explore our partners to find exclusive discounts for Fundid members.
