Attracting clients online is more important for businesses than ever before. Data suggests that online sales soared in 2020, with the pandemic driving growth. If you run a business, and you’re looking to attract attention, or you are struggling to generate leads and make sales, this guide is packed with top tips.
Create a website
It may sound obvious, but there are businesses out there that don’t have a website. It’s understandable to assume that you don’t need a website if you don’t sell products online, but every company can benefit from having a dedicated site. Search engines process millions of searches per week, and if you don’t have a website, you could be missing out on new customers. People like to read about businesses before they get in touch and they want to be able to see information about services and prices. A website can act as a virtual shop window and provide details about what the business offers and why it’s better than rival firms. Having a website enables you to build a bridge with prospective customers and it also enhances credibility. If you don’t currently have a website, this is the first step to take. Your site should be responsive, visually appealing and mobile-friendly. It’s also wise to optimise content to boost search engine rankings, to include images and video clips on landing pages and to provide contact details and interactive customer support options, such as live chat.
Improve SEO results
SEO is one of the most effective digital marketing methods for businesses looking to make a splash online and increase lead generation. The aim of SEO is to climb the rankings so that your content reaches the top of page 1. If a customer searches for a product or service that you offer, you want them to be able to find your business in an instant. If you don’t invest in SEO, or your previous campaigns have been ineffective, you could be missing out on an opportunity to connect with hundreds, even thousands of customers. SEO is not as easy as producing keyword-rich content or including backlinks in your blog posts. It is a complex technique, which requires expert knowledge and understanding. If you don’t have an in-house marketing team, or you have limited experience and you’re in charge of marketing for your small business, it’s advisable to consider outsourcing. Working with experts that specialise in affordable SEO will enable you to benefit from a targeted, data-driven campaign that aims to improve search ranking and drive traffic. Local SEO is particularly beneficial for companies looking to entice new customers in a specific area. Statistics show that over 85% of local mobile searches result in a call or visit within 24 hours.
Get social
Social media started life as a platform for friends and family members to connect and keep in touch. Today, it offers businesses golden opportunities to reach out to vast audiences, promote products and services and showcase the personality of the brand. Social media channels are an excellent way to market products and services, but perhaps the most significant benefit for companies is the chance to bond with clients, to engage with customers and to give the brand a human side. Consumers want to buy from brands they trust, and they are more likely to recommend businesses and to place orders with companies they follow on social media. Figures suggest that over 70% of buyers are more likely to recommend brands to others following a positive social media experience.
To benefit from social media, it’s important to build a following, but it’s also crucial to focus on the social side, as well as using techniques to increase sales. Take time to respond to posts and read comments and encourage people to share your content. Use images, video clips and stories to make your content more captivating and original and choose platforms that are most popular with your target customers. Instagram, for example, is much more popular than Twitter and Facebook among younger demographics. Carry out market research to identify the most effective channels and use analytics to gauge reactions and determine which types of posts generate the most interest.
Improving ratings and review scores
More and more of us are reading reviews before we buy products or choose a business to provide a service. As a business owner, your review score can make the difference between securing a sale and losing out to a competitor with a better rating. If you have an average rating, or you’re currently a 4-star company, rather than a 5-star business, now is the time to start increasing your score. Take feedback on board and read comments. It can be difficult to read negative reviews, but this is a useful, valuable learning experience. Take note of concerns and complaints and address them. If you manage an online clothing company, for example, and people have criticised the ordering process or the delivery charges, look into simplifying and speeding up the process of adding items to the basket and making a payment and consider reducing the delivery fee or offering unlimited deliveries for an annual fee. It’s also a great idea to sift through reviews and comments looking for suggestions. Your aim should always be to give customers what they want, so taking ideas from existing clients should work in your favour. Perhaps your customers would love to be able to contact you outside of normal working hours, or they would buy more if a free delivery option was available, for example.
Online sales are soaring, and businesses that are attracting attention online are set to capitalize on this trend gathering pace in the coming months. If you’re looking to turn heads and increase traffic, it’s important to be aware of the importance of using effective digital marketing techniques, engaging with customers, using feedback to make improvements and offering buyers an enjoyable experience. If you don’t have expertise in social media and SEO, consider working with a marketing agency to help you make a splash and improve conversion rates.