What does it mean to be where your customers want you to be? It means that your business shows up online anywhere and everywhere that your potential, current and loyal customers would search for a business like yours. We all think of Google, because that is the most prominent search engine with over 5 billion searches every single day. However, there are still people who prefer to search on Bing (over 800 million searches everyday), Yahoo (9 billion per month), and many others. If your business isn’t listed on several places online, then you’re missing out on all of those searches and potential customers. 

The same is true when a business doesn’t provide effective methods for their customers to contact them. It’s not always convenient for someone to call a business, and they might prefer to contact you in a way that is easier for them. So, what does it mean to be where your customers want you to be?

Your Business Information is Easily Accessible Online

You know your customers and their demographics, which will make it more simple for you to figure out exactly where they want to access your business information online. Most people turn to Google when they have an urgent plumbing or pest control need. But many people are also looking for help on Facebook, Yelp, Bing, and many other online platforms. If your business information isn’t current on these sites, you will miss out on any searchers who are in need of your services. 

Your business information should be easily accessible online, meaning you have profiles on several different social media and search engine platforms (especially the main ones mentioned above), and your business information is kept up-to-date. It won’t do you or your customers any good to have your business listed on Google with an incorrect phone number. Watch for things like this and be sure you don’t miss out on new business.

You Provide a Way for Customers to Message You

The biggest piece of the exceptional customer service puzzle is creating a personalized experience for each and every customer. Your customers are busy, just like you. They might be at work when one of their children calls and says the house is freezing because the heater broke. Maybe they’re in a doctor’s appointment when they get a message from the tenants of the house they rent out that there’s a plumbing disaster. Whatever the reason, people aren’t always able to call and set up an appointment with your business. 

If you provide an option for your customers to send you a quick text or communicate with you through messaging, they will definitely appreciate the convenience factor of working with your business. People nowadays have become accustomed to quick conversations that are done through messaging, and businesses are no exception to this. The more your business moves toward convenience and service to its customers, the more consumers will choose you over the competition. 

Your Website offers a Chat Feature

Everyone loves instant responses and help when they have a question or concern. If your website offers a chat feature where a customer’s common questions can be answered quickly and effectively, they’ll have no choice but to love you. Of course, not all questions can be answered by a bot so some things will have to be sent off to a real person who can give the customer a call back. However, if someone has a question about the price of a quote, if your business offers a specific service, etc, the answers can be programmed in to make your life and your customers’ lives much easier. 

Business owners are busy, and sometimes things like setting up online profiles and webchat features just aren’t going to happen in the foreseeable future. The good news is, the team here at FreshLime is always ready and willing to help with any and all of these processes. You’re busy, and so are your customers. Keep this in mind when setting up convenience features to make your business more accessible to those valuable future and current customers of yours. 

For more insights on marketing strategy that actually works for small business, connect with Jay Bean, Founder of FreshLime and Small Business Marketing Expert on LinkedIn and Twitter. If any of these tips have helped you or if you have anything to add, please comment below. We’d love to hear from you!