Depending on how long you’ve been in business, you may remember the days when online marketing wasn’t that big of a deal. Sure, it was nice to have an online presence, but it wasn’t a prerequisite for success.

Fast-forward to 2019 and the most successful companies are the ones effectively using online strategies to service existing customers and drum up new business.

Here’s an interesting statistic shared by Pew Research Center:

When Pew Research Center began systematically tracking Americans’ internet usage in early 2000, about half of all adults were already online. Today, roughly nine-in-ten American adults use the internet.

In other words, if you want to reach your target audience there’s no better way of doing so than the internet.

But, this leads to an important question: where should your business show up online?

It’s one thing to say you’ll use the internet, but another thing entirely to implement a marketing strategy that generates serious results.

Here are three places your business should show up online:

1. Company Website

This is where it all starts. Your company website should include a variety of information, such as:

  • Mission statement
  • Products and services
  • About page
  • Contact information
  • Corporate blog

And that’s just the start. If it’s important to your company, consider including it on your website. This is often the first place a person will search when seeking more information about your company and its offerings.

2. Social Media

Did you know that approximately 70 percent of Americans use social media in some way?

With a number like that, there’s no wondering why your business should have a strong social media presence.

The top social media platforms include:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest

Maybe you use one of these, maybe you choose a couple, or maybe you take advantage of all five (among others).

In today’s world, there’s nothing you can’t do on social media. Small businesses, in particular, can use social media to:

  • Provide customer service
  • Share tips and advice with customers and prospects
  • Prospect for new business
  • Promote new products, services, and awards
  • Share coupons

Once you’re up and running with social media, you’ll find a variety of ways to let your creativity loose.

3. Review Sites

Depending on your industry, online reviews can make or break your business. A large number of positive reviews will go a long way in establishing a solid reputation and attracting new customers.

Conversely, negative reviews will scare people away, thus making it more difficult to grow your business.

There are a variety of online review sites, with these three among the most powerful:

  • Google
  • Facebook
  • Yelp

Get into the habit of reviewing and responding to every review, both good and bad.

Final Thoughts

A strong online presence is more important today than ever before. If you devote the necessary resources to the areas above, you’re putting your business in position for success.

For more insights on marketing strategy that actually works for small business, subscribe to the FreshLime Newsletter here. Connect with Jay Bean, Founder of FreshLime and Small Business Marketing Expert on LinkedIn and Twitter. And last of all, 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!

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