If you're new to the online community and trying to compete with the attention the heavy hitters in your industry then we have something in common. Who has time to write a blog, maintain a home, deal with a crazy partner, and work 40+ hours a week?!- oh maybe that's just my life but you get the point-life is hectic so how do strike the proverbial balance and still put the effort in to get your name out there?...Those who do the following well become the names we come to recognize for innovation and creativity .
(Image via Flickr)
1. Put your business/personal brand out there-know the difference and implications between doing either or both of these. Word of mouth is always a great way to promote your business. However, society is not as dependent upon this ancient information passing method as it used to be. People today look online to determine which restaurants to eat at, which stores to shop at, and which products they want to buy. If they cannot find you online, then odds are good they won't find you offline either. Building an informative, targeted, and brand-developed website is no longer a step-up, it is a must have.
2. Don't just build a website, build the right website. Too many businesses just think that any website should suffice as presenting themselves online. This is just not the case as your website is your one-stop shot for making an impression, and that impression does not last long. The average site is viewed for less than 10 seconds. If you don't make a graphically appealing statement in that amount of time then you lose numerous potential customers before you even got a chance to present yourself. You know your business is better than others out there, so make sure you give your establishment a better shot by providing something that people or going to look at and more importantly, want to look at. Choose a quality web design company (or do it yourself-I have ideas if you want assistance), to help your business make the right impression.
3. Market your online presence. Just as you would send out fliers, mailers, print ads, and more for your brick and mortar location, you would also do the same for your online location as well. Simply building a website is not enough to get the masses to come flooding through your doors. You must market your website with just as much vigor as you would your regular business. The world of search marketing is constantly evolving and you should do yourself the favor of researching search engine marketing services to help promote your online brand.
One could not say enough how important it is to put a quality online establishment on the web for thousands of potential customers to view. Your website works for your business/self/both even while your are not. A quality online presence can level the playing field for you against other competitors. Where do you stand?
As always the Beehivebits Crew would like to hear your comments and how-to's