How to Set Up an Online Presence for Your Business
Being online is essential. Without a digital footprint, your business will miss opportunities to build trust and engage with customers.
Even if you have a physical store, potential customers will likely form their first impression of your business through a Google search, social media, or reviews. If you don’t take control of how your business is represented, you’re leaving your online reputation in the hands of others.
Setting up an online presence is not as difficult as it may seem. Here are four ways to get started:
Why your business needs to be online:
Being online is no longer optional for small businesses. In today’s digital world, an online presence is crucial. It helps increase visibility, build trust and credibility, and allows for consistent customer engagement.
1. Build a professional website:
Having a website is either the minimum requirement or a competitive advantage, depending on your competition. A website makes your business look more professional, increases visibility, and provides a direct touchpoint for customers.
To create a website, choose a memorable and relevant domain name, select a reliable web hosting provider, determine your desired level of control over the design, ensure mobile-friendliness, include an easily accessible contact page, and add quality content.
2. Create social media accounts:
Social media is a crucial platform for customer engagement. It allows you to foster a sense of community, build brand loyalty, and tap into current trends. However, maintaining an active presence is necessary for growth.
Before creating social profiles, consider if your customers use social media, if your competitors are using it, if you can commit to regular posts and engaging with customers, and if social media is the best platform for showcasing your business.
3. Generate, manage, and showcase reviews:
Reviews greatly impact purchasing decisions and your business reputation. Having positive reviews, responding to feedback (both positive and negative), and regularly updating your business listings will increase your online visibility and demonstrate responsiveness to customer concerns.
4. Create a Google My Business profile:
A Google My Business (GMB) profile allows you to manage and optimize your business listing on Google. This helps you appear in relevant search results and maps. Creating a profile ensures you have control over the information displayed about your business.
To create a GMB profile, sign in to your Google account, visit the Google My Business website, provide your business details, and complete the verification process. Once verified, regularly update your profile, respond to reviews and questions, and post updates or offers to engage with your audience.
Use your online profile in your marketing efforts:
Your online presence should complement your other marketing efforts. It’s important to integrate positive reviews, active social accounts, and an informative website into your overall marketing strategy. This will increase visibility and provide customers with specific actions to take.
Remember to check out our other startup marketing guides to create a comprehensive marketing strategy for your business.
Hello!
I’m Andrew Brooks, a seasoned finance consultant from the USA and the mind behind phonenumber247.com.
My career is built on a foundation of helping individuals and businesses thrive financially in an ever-changing economic landscape. At phonenumber247.com, my aim is to demystify the complex world of finance, providing clear, actionable advice that can help you navigate your financial journey with confidence. Whether it’s personal finance management, investment strategies, or understanding the nuances of market dynamics, I’m here to share insights and tools that can propel you towards your financial goals.
Welcome to my digital space, where every piece of advice is a step closer to financial clarity and success!