Four Key Steps to Build Your Online Presence
First things first…
Create your Facebook business page.
Create your Instagram business page.
Create your LinkedIn business page.
Create your Google business profile.
As a business owner, you wear many hats. You are spinning many plates as you (hopefully) do work that you love. Let’s discuss four key steps you can use today to build your online presence. Keep in mind, you don’t have to tackle each of these today. These are steps you can take at a pace that makes sense in your business. As a result, we will address them in the order of what may be the most advantageous for you.
Social Media Marketing Social media marketing involves building an online presence on applicable social media platforms. There are many social media platforms, and not all of them are relevant to every single type of business. Start with the platforms that make the most sense, and then build as needed.
Create your Facebook business page. Fill it out completely and link to your website. Utilize all of your branding materials to include profile pictures, background pictures, etc.
Create your Instagram business page. Make sure you choose a business page in order to view the analytics associated with your account. This allows you to track engagement on posts, comments, and more. You’ll learn so much about your customers (for free) just by tracking your analytics.
Create your LinkedIn business page. Connect it to your personal LinkedIn as well.
Create your Google business profile. This provides step-by-step instructions for a Google business profile. Many customers utilize Google reviews for businesses. Setting up your profile correctly provides customers with information about your business.
The next step is to determine how to utilize and post to Facebook and Instagram on a regular basis. We have a great blog here about mistakes to avoid on social media. This post talks about mistakes, but also gives great tips for getting started on social media.
Write a Blog As a business owner, you are likely passionate about what you do. In fact, you have a wealth of information that you feel like others need to have. As a result, a blog is a great way to share that information.
We are approaching this from the position that you already have a website. As a result, quickly add a page for a blog. Start writing. Explain what you do, who you are, why other people need your business, and share a special tip for potential customers. A blog is creative outlet for you to share what people need to know about your business. It’s also your opportunity to share your expertise and experience, not just with customers, but with colleagues. Maybe in your field you have found something that would be helpful to others. Share that knowledge.
And then…use your blog posts to post on social media. Demonstrate your knowledge and desire to help others.
E-mail Marketing Your website needs to gather information from potential customers. Offer a free “how to” course, a free recipe, a free checklist or some other value-added benefit to potential customers when they visit your website. Collect their e-mail and ask them to opt-in to your e-mail newsletter. Utilizing a newsletter via e-mail marketing is a great way to reach potential customers. If you haven’t yet established your website, blog or social media, take some time to work on that first. After you have done that, work to build your e-mail marketing list in order to start your newsletter campaign.
Most people would love to see a newsletter about once a month depending on the content. Don’t overdo it, but also don’t be afraid to connect. Connection is key in creating new customers.
Social Media Paid Advertising As you scroll through social media, you will see “sponsored posts.” That’s what social media paid advertising is, and it works. Think about how many times you have clicked on an advertisement and then made a purchase. Social media advertising is an excellent and cost efficient way to reach new customers who haven’t heard of your business yet. Social media advertising is not difficult, but can be overwhelming when you’re first getting started. You can spend as much money or as little money as you prefer. Paid advertising can be a great tool in your tool belt to grow your business.
Let us help! At Flywheel Marketing, we can assist with all of the above. We come alongside you to strengthen what you’re doing well and to fill in where you need assistance. We offer a free comprehensive consultation where we look at your current presence online and provide real, beneficial suggestions to get you started – for free! Click the button today to get started and see how we can help you strengthen your online presence and build your business.