The internet provides small businesses with the ability to level the playing field with bigger competitors and to drive growth. To do so a small business must first develop a concrete online presence that can help them to grow.
Maintain a Great Website
All companies, big and small, should have a website. Be sure to fill it up with quality information on your products and services and have interactive backgrounds and well laid out information on it.
A website is an investment, as is designing and maintaining it, but it is one that will often yield significant benefits down the road.
Websites should have clear directions and information on how to buy your products and services, what the nature of your products and services are, and the ability to interact with your company’s employees for questions or complaints.
Maintaining this information on your website will provide your company with a greater web presence that is effectively the face of your company online.
Leverage Off of Social Media
Smaller companies are able to leverage off of social media to obtain free or cheaper forms of marketing that can create buzz and revenue around their business.
A social media account with a dedicated person responding to customer inquiries and maintaining a fun and interactive aura can help to invigorate a customer base and lead to customer loyalty and increased revenue.
In order to effectively use your social media account be sure to have a dedicated person to retain a consistent message and interaction.
Use irregular coupons and interactive promos to attract attention to the social media site and to promote gaining followers.
Provide insight into future product launches and make sure a positive image and your reputation are considered when doing so.
Keep sensitive areas like politics out of the picture and keep the focus on your product offerings.
Run contests and promos to attract more interest in your business and promote the social media site on communications and with your company’s physical presence.
Promote Your Company Online
There are a number of ways that you can promote your business online, both affordably and cheaply.
Many companies will buy digital advertising that is targeted towards potential and existing customers.
Digital advertisers can directly target segments of the market based on age and demographics and your company can spread its word online through digital channels.
Use Third-Party Sites
Many people will visit third-party review sites to check on your business and to use it as a Source to see where to buy products and services from.
Review sites and professional trade sites can seem more authentic sources to many. Read what customers are saying on these sites and use their satisfaction to help build better products and services for yourself.
Interact with customers in a professional way to help build your reputation and level of professionalism. Post on message forums and offer insight to customers to help to improve their loyalty.
The internet has helped to level the playing field for companies. Small businesses can use the resources available to develop and grow.
