Unleashing Local Business Success: Proven Formula for Thriving Online
As an online growth specialist, I'm constantly looking for ways to help local businesses succeed online. In today's increasingly digital world, it's more important than ever for small businesses to have a strong online presence. Without it, they risk being left behind by their competitors.
My focus is not on getting your business online but making it more visible with better SEO, online reviews, and content so that potential customers know what is available and how to get it. Customers need to have a seamless online experience and not have to jump through multiple hoops.
Before we start
Every client I work with starts with an online health check. I use a tried-and-true method of looking at all the places the client is active and visible on the Internet. This, of course, starts with the website, then social media channels, online review platforms, and Google Search. A report is developed and discussed with the client as a starting point for our adventure.
From there, we discuss what makes your business different from others and who your target or ideal audience is. The "What am I selling?" and "Who is my customer?" questions are important for honing in on what is needed to address the goals. Oh yes, the business goals are captured, and then a strategy is developed.
Getting Started - Oh, The Website
One key way I help local businesses succeed online is by studying and optimizing their websites. A well-designed website is the foundation of any successful online marketing strategy. It's the first place potential customers go to learn about your business and what you have to offer.
Focus on the user experience to build a website that converts visitors into customers. The results of the Online Health Check provide insights. This means creating a site that is easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and filled with valuable content. It should also have a clear call to action that encourages visitors to take the next step, whether signing up for a newsletter, making a purchase, or booking an appointment.
Improving Search - SEO
I also help local businesses with search engine optimization (SEO). This involves optimizing their website and online content to rank higher in search engine results for specific keywords. By appearing higher in search results, businesses can attract more qualified traffic to their website and ultimately drive more sales.
To determine which keywords are important, we return to the business's USP (what makes you different) and target audience. Knowing what you want to position and who you want to position it for gives you the parameters to build your keyword lists.
I’m your Digital Sherpa!
I always look for what's working and what my clients need to know.
Search = Google
Over 96% of searches happen on Google, and Google is the first to provide insight into your business. Your Google Business Profile is a must and needs to be maintained. Making sure all your details are up to date, relevant information is easily accessible, and photos or videos are high quality and informative is key to catching the attention of potential customers.
Search and Google are synonymous for local businesses, and with Google comes Maps. Getting a high ranking on Google Maps depends on how your website is optimized for SEO and how your Google Business Profile is set up and maintained.
What are your online reviews like?
Online reviews are a make-or-break moment for many customers. Many leave reviews after interacting with your business. Others read reviews before they contact you. The number and quality of reviews can be influenced by you as a business. Knowing how to ask for reviews highlighting a specific aspect of your service is key, but knowing how and when to respond and engage with a particular review shows your compassion and interest in the person's review.
Social Strategy?
Another way I can help is by creating strategies for your social media accounts. Social media is a powerful marketing tool for small businesses because it allows them to connect with their audience more personally and engagingly. Businesses can build brand awareness and drive website traffic by posting regular updates, engaging with followers, and running targeted ads.
While all of the above is probably logical, what is often ignored is having an online strategy. Social media is not just about uploading a photo whenever you feel like it. To build your brand, you need to define your online strategy, which often starts with social media. It also applies to how often you update your Google Business profile, how often you read your online comments, and when you respond. How to deal with negative comments or reviews. This leads to the final area: online content.
Content Creation
The final way I help my clients is by teaching them the role of content marketing. Creating regular content about your business, products, and services is key to how Google ranks websites and businesses. Content can be social media posts, articles posted on the website in a blog, photos, videos, or even a podcast that could be relevant to your business. Knowing how often to create content, what to create, and where to place it are all pieces I work with clients to design. Experience design starts with content.
I teach clients what content is relevant, where it should be seen, and how to align it with the online strategy we created earlier. I teach clients how to create content and align it with their USP and target audience. I often meet small business owners who have a unique founding story. It could be the 270 years the family has owned and operated the business. Maybe the founder had a specific trigger that made them think differently about a certain market and want to share that revelation with others through their business. These stories should not be ignored when the day-to-day business consumes so much energy.
Digital.Done.Right.
These are some of the ways I help local businesses thrive online. From optimizing websites and other online presences to developing online and content strategies, I'm committed to helping small businesses succeed in today's digital world. By following these strategies, local businesses can attract more customers, increase sales, and ultimately thrive in today's competitive online landscape.
