Whether you are a small or large business, you are probably looking to attract new customers and clients. Fortunately, the internet has made it easier than ever to successfully build and maintain a strong online presence. New tips and tricks are being discovered all of the time, so it is important to keep up with the latest trends. From corresponding directly with customers, to creating your own company blog, here are some useful tips on how to successfully build an online identity..

Create a website

If you are a small business that is just trying to get started, building a website is one of the most crucial components to your success. To make it easier for customers to find you, be sure to include your company’s name in your website’s domain name. This will also allow people to find your company quickly when they perform a web search.

Make sure your content helps your ideal customer. It should be less about you and more about them and how your produce or service can solve their pain/problem.

Connect with your audience

If you want to form a personal connection with your audience, reach out to them in a way that is friendly and accessible.

For example, you can ask visitors to share their thoughts and feelings through feedback or comments. When you ask for comments, feedback, or opinions, the visitors will feel as though you truly care about their specific needs and concerns. Be sure to personally respond to every comment you receive though. It’s not fun talking to a wall.

Another option is to create a lead magnet. This is something you offer to give them (free and valuable knowledge) in exchange for their email address. Then once you have their email address, you can continue to nurture and communicate with them, which builds trust over time, which turns into sales.

Use search engine marketing

For many modern companies, search engine optimization (SEO) is a fast-growing trend that can produce tremendous results. SEO is used for displaying companies as close to the top as possible when someone performs a search through a search engine, such as Google or Yahoo (Check out our article on how to get to the top of google search results).. The higher up your name appears, the more likely it is that someone will click on your company’s link first. This can lead to increased sales, as well as increased retention of customers for many businesses.

Create a blog

Blogs are a great way to stay in touch with your customers, while showing off your expertise and how you can help them. It also helps with search engine ranking. Google loves a site that is updated regularly and also provides users with relevant and helpful information.

Caveat: If you plan on blogging, see it through. There may be nothing worse than having a blog and it not having any fresh content.

Share your expertise

We are not suggesting you give your services away for free, however, there is something to be said about an expert who is willing to help others. First determine where your audience is hanging out online. Maybe it’s Facebook or Linkedin. Maybe they’re on an online industry forum or private Facebook group (if there isn’t one, create one yourself). Next you want to share your knowledge without asking for anything in return. Help first, help often. That builds credibility and trust, as well as visibility.

It takes time

There are many ways to effectively build and expand your online presence and they all take time. Unless you have hundreds or thousands of dollars to run digital marketing ads (which is great if you do), all marketing is going to take time. These are long game tactics for businesses that are in it for the long-haul. No shortcuts or quick fixes. Building trust and brand authority takes as long as it takes.

About the author

0 Shares
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email