Let’s talk about something that will make your life a whole lot easier – online presence. Now, I know you’re not a huge fan of the whole sales game, and that’s totally okay. But here’s the deal: you can’t have a business if you don’t have sales right. But having a solid online presence can actually save you from having to do those dreaded hard sales pitches.
Think about it like this: instead of constantly chasing down potential customers, you can use your online presence to build genuine relationships with the people you want to serve. Your website, social media profiles, and review profiles become your virtual storefronts, where people can get to know you, trust you, and eventually become loyal customers – all without you having to resort to aggressive sales tactics.
So, by investing in your online presence, you’re not just putting yourself out there – you’re making it easier for the right people to find you and connect with you on their terms. It’s letting your online presence do the heavy lifting, so you can focus on what you do best: serving your customers. Sounds good, right?
Let’s Breakdown Online Presence
I know tech words and concepts get tangled pretty quick but online presence just means how your business shows up and interacts with people on the internet. This includes your website, social media profiles, online reviews, and any other place where people can find information about you online.
Why Does It Matter?
Well, think about how often you hop online to look for products, services, or even just to check out a restaurant before you visit. That’s exactly why businesses use online presence – it’s how they connect with customers in today’s digital world. It’s like your storefront, but on the internet.
But I’m Small, It’s Not The Same For Me
Absolutely! It’s not the same, it’s even more crucial for you! Having a strong online presence can help level the playing field. It lets you compete with bigger companies by reaching people far beyond your local area. Or if you can’t serve people outside your physical area it allows you to show up when out of town customers search for what your business offers. It gives you the chance to give your guests your special touch of local charm.
Nail Your Online Presence
Okay, now how do you get all this done? Here’s how you can make sure your online presence is top-notch:
- Get A Good Website: Your website is your online headquarters. Make sure it’s easy to navigate, looks great, and has all the info your customers might need. Also Google will search your website to verify information on your Google Business Profile.
- Get Your Google Business Profile: There are 1.5 billion “near me” searches every month. That’s Billion folks, the one with the “B”. If you own a business you CANNOT afford to ignore that kind of traffic.
If you don’t have it, what are you waiting for? If you do, check it often and keep it clean and updated. You wouldn’t open your store with junk on the floor. You’d pick it up first. Do the same with your online properties.
- Get Social: Don’t underestimate the power of social media. Pick a couple of platforms where your audience hangs out and start engaging with them. Share helpful tips, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or just have fun conversations. And you don’t have to stop with social platforms. Think of where your people are, forums, review sites, online communities. Be present and ready to connect.
- Listen and Respond: Pay attention to what people are saying about your business online. Respond to reviews, comments, and messages – whether they’re positive or negative. It shows that you care about your customers’ experiences.
Stay Consistent: Consistency is key. Show up the same everywhere you show up. Make sure your branding, messaging, and tone are consistent across all your online platforms. It helps build trust and recognition with your audience.