Getting started with online marketing can be a scary prospect, but equipping yourself with some basic knowledge can make a big difference to your small business. Today, you’ve got more ways than ever before to market yourself – and you can dedicate as much or as little time and money as you want.
It doesn’t matter if you run an on or offline business, in a world where we surf the web to seek out products and services, you need a strong digital presence. So here are some handy tips to get you noticed in the digital arena:
SET UP A WEBSITE
This should be at the top of your list when it comes to online marketing priorities – in today’s market, it’s make or break for the future of your small business. A website connects you to potential customers, so they have a much better chance of finding out about you. Without one, you’re at risk of alienating clients and missing out on loads of new leads and sales.
BE SOCIABLE
Using social media is a way of ensuring people remember you, plus it’s a handy customer service tool. It can also help turn one-off customers into loyal ones, as you provide gentle reminders of why they might need you and answer any questions they have. Yet with so many social media platforms out there, it can be tricky to know where to start.
The first thing to remember is that there’s no need to set up multiple accounts right away. Instead, you should focus on one or two – such as Twitter and Facebook – manage them well and make updates little and often to build your audience.
Did you know that:
46% of online users count on social media when making a purchase decision.
50% 0f shoppers mad a purchase based on recommendation through social media.
71% of social media users are more likely to purchase from a business they’re connected to.
PROMOTE YOURSELF
Online advertising can be much cheaper than traditional ads in newspapers and on TV or radio – so why not make the most of the opportunity? Thanks to the internet, it’s never been easier to reach a local, national or even global customer base.
Your message is targeted to the relevant audience, meaning a bigger and better chance of return on investment (ROI) as people head straight to your small business’ website via the digital ad. What’s more, web analytics tools allow you to track who’s seen and clicked on your ad so you can actually see if it’s working or not.
EMBRACE EMAIL
Printing and distributing traditional paper newsletters can be expensive, but that doesn’t have to be the case when you go digital. In fact, email marketing is one of the most cost-effective and powerful techniques available to small businesses today.