No matter what type of business you have, an online presence is practically a requirement in the Internet age.
Having an online presence makes you more visible to more potential clients. It allows people to check your address and other details, making you more credible. It lets them see what types of services or products you offer and, based on your reviews and customer feedback, gives them a good idea of what to expect from you.
Being online offers many perks. It offers tremendous opportunities for growth and can even ensure your success.
If you’re thinking about establishing an online presence for your business, here are some pointers:
Set up a website
Your website is basically your office or headquarters on the Internet. This is where potential customers can find out all about your business, who you are, what you do, what your goals are, how long you’ve been around, what products or services you offer, where they can find you, your rates, your policies, and more.
A business website makes you look more legit and is a great place from which to offer value to your visitors and potential customers. The more value you offer people, the more likely they are to keep coming back and to eventually buy something from you or avail of your services.
On your website, visitors can sign up for free services, promos, discounts, announcements, and email newsletter. You can share videos, infographics, articles, and guides. You can set up a blog, post polls, and share an FAQ page.
Building an entire website may seem daunting, but with so many free website builders out there, it’s actually quite easy. Just take your time and set up one section at a time.
You can start building your website by signing up with a free platform like Wix. Populate the website with photos and articles. Include lots of eye-catching graphics, add links to your social media pages, and make sure you update the blog on a regular basis.
You can start and maintain a website even if you don’t have a lot of technical skills. However, when you’re ready to take things up a notch, you may want to hire someone to help you with website design and someone to help you maintain the blog.
Engage with potential clients on social media
Millions of people turn to social media for inspiration for purchases and when they’re looking for specific products or services. This means that whatever your business is, you need to be on social media.
If you have to choose just one social network, pick Facebook. This social media platform reaches more than a billion users. It also lets you share a wider variety of posts — including photos, videos, and polls — than any other social networking service.
Once you’ve set up your social media page, make sure you regularly post updates and that you’re quick to answer questions sent through private messages or comments. Engage with potential clients on your page and in Facebook Groups related to your industry.
Final Thought
Setting up a strong online presence doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with a website and a social media page. When you’ve got the hang of it, you can add other social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram and a weekly email newsletter to the mix.