No matter your business’s market, your customers are looking for you online. So, let’s talk about how to get your business online can strengthen in. Not only that, but I’ll also cover how to start and how to ensure your long-term success online. With this post, you can learn to take your business online and stay online effectively.
Here are some reasons why getting your business online is worthwhile, regardless of its offline success.
1. An online presence future-proofs your business
Remember how drastically restrictions and health concerns reduced foot traffic and in-person shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic? That’s a prime example of the difficulty offline businesses face when circumstances restrict physical interaction.
2. Going online increases brand awareness and reach
Have you ever discovered an amazing local business that was right under your nose all along? Your business is that business for someone, and your goal is to minimize the time it takes for them to find you.
3. Online presence prompts in-person interactions
A study found that 76% of consumers search for a business’s website before stopping by. This is likely because they want to know what to expect before committing to a trip outside of their home. The good news is: 45% of those consumers actually visit the physical location after finding that the business has a strong online presence. That said, if getting more people through your doors is a priority, building a strong online presence should also be a priority.
4. Going online generates additional revenue via online sales or bookings
For retail-based businesses or businesses that allow customers to book services in advance, can benefit from being online. Global e-commerce sales are on the rise and are projected to reach an impressive $6.5 trillion by 2024, presenting a huge opportunity. You can expand your customer base and increase your revenue by catering to people who prefer to engage or buy online (and those who aren’t in your locale).
How to get your business online: 5 ways to start and succeed long-term
The benefits above can be yours if you take one or more of the following steps to get online. We’ll start with the most important—your website.
1. Create a business website
Set your business website up?
- Buy your domain name. This is your website’s internet address (e.g., www.yourbusinessname.com). Make sure it’s easy to remember, spell, and represents your brand. Register it with a domain registrar.
- Pick a web hosting provider. CPanel hosting versus Website Pro. What is best for your needs.
- Pick a website builder. Choose one that’s user-friendly and offers customizable drag-and-drop templates. Self-host allows you to use its site builder or plugins like Elementor.
- Start building. Choose a visually-appealing website design template—preferably one for your business type so it’s easy to customize. Add website content that describes what you offer and the main benefits for your customers. This content could include service or product descriptions, an about page, contact details, and other relevant info. Apply your brand colors and fonts across the site, add your logo, swap out images, and otherwise customize as you go.
- Optimize for search engines. Do basic search engine optimization (SEO), which includes writing meta tags for each page, adding alt text for images, and using relevant SEO keywords to improve your website’s visibility on search engine results pages.
2. Get active on social media
Research shows 40% of consumers find “perfect products” via brands’ organic posts and 49% via targeted ads, like Facebook Ads. Even if yours is a service business, organic and/or paid social media marketing can be worthwhile.
Start by picking the top one to three social networks where your ideal customers spend their time. For instance, Instagram and TikTok are often great for connecting with younger demographics, while LinkedIn and Facebook are effective for professionals or older audiences.
Set up your accounts and craft bios that clearly communicate who you are, who you help, and how. Incorporate industry keywords and don’t be afraid to showcase your personality. Also add a call-to-action (CTA), such as an invitation to visit your website or brick-and-mortar location.
3. Get your business online with Google
Google Business (formerly Google My Business) helps your business appear in local search results and on Google Maps, making it easier for potential customers to discover you. Its analytics feature also provides insight into consumer behavior, which can help you optimize your online marketing strategy.
4. Create profiles on relevant directories
In addition to Google Business, explore setting up profiles on:
- Big-name directories: Sites like Yelp and Better Business Bureau often rank high on search engine results pages (SERPs). These business directory listings can boost your online visibility and drive more potential customers to your website or physical location. Let us Link your Listings Directly
- Location-specific directories: Your city’s chamber of commerce website, for example, is limited to businesses in your area. If you only or primarily serve local customers, prioritize creating listings on these sites.
- Industry-specific directories: If you own a restaurant, sites specific to your industry might include OpenTable or MenuPages. Of, if you have a home services business, consider sites like Angi and HomeAdvisor.
5. Join your ideal customers in online communities
Becoming a fixture in online communities where potential customers congregate allows you to learn about their interests, challenges, goals, and characteristics. This helps establish and nurture relationships, leading to new business and referrals.
To find relevant online communities, search Google and other platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Quora, Reddit) for groups related to your industry or niche.
Tools like SparkToro can speed up your search. For instance, a local home services company would want to engage in communities focused on home improvement, including DIY home projects. By sharing expertise on project execution, estimated costs, and more, the company would become a preferred choice when ready to hire or when DIY projects go wrong.
Taking your business online can get more potential customers, converting them into satisfied customers and brand advocates. While it will take time and other resources to establish your business online, don’t delay.
