WHY YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS AN ONLINE PRESENCE
Online marketing is extremely important for all businesses because it has a huge influence on the way consumers make purchasing decisions. According to Google, 97 percent of consumers search for local businesses online. Your customers are online and you should be too.
Even if your company does not conduct business online, customers and potential customers are expecting to find you online.
When someone wants more information about a product, service or a company, they’re most likely to do their research online. Having a strong online presence will give you a competitive edge and is a great investment for your business.
Help your customers to find you.
Reach more people cost effectively
Don’t limit yourself by the number of people who will see you ad in the local paper. Most younger people don’t even read local papers anymore and it goes straight to the recycle bin. Online you have powerful marketing tools like Google and social media. The opportunities to reach a much broader and targeted audience is endless. By targeting your audience to only those who are interested in your products or services will also make you save money on advertising.
Build a stronger brand
Consumers can look at companies in a negative light if they cannot find them online. Not having a strong online presence feels old school and lessens the trust and credibility. People want to be able to find reviews, portfolios, latest products or services and most importantly how you engage and interact with customers online.
Another bonus is that the “shareability” of social media allows your customers to easily spread the word about your business to all their friends. Basically, free marketing!
Build relationships with customers on social media
Social media gives your brand a voice and personality. Customers and potential customers can interact with your brand on a more personal level and build customer loyalty. It also gives you the opportunity to truly get to know your customers to be able to target your ads accordingly.
Although not every social media channel will be relevant to each business, it’s definitely worth looking into your options.
An online presence is an extension of your brand that never sleeps.