With so many new business forming every year, simply getting noticed in the crowd can be difficult. After all, no matter good your product or service is, if nobody knows about it you aren’t going to be able to compete. Here are a few practical ways any small business owner can improve their company’s visibility.
Boosting Your Online Profile in the Digital Age
According to recent reports, online retail sales are predicted to reach 52.25bn this year, a 16.2% increase over last year’s figures. Search is one of the primary ways a customer is going to find out about your business so search engine optimization and display advertising should be at the forefront of your marketing strategy. Keywords are becoming less of a factor now, and research indicates that Google is instead prioritizing sites that are well-designed for mobile use and feature positive social media signals, so this is something you should take into account.
The importance of social media in online marketing is now huge. Twitter retweets and Facebook likes can make a big difference in your brand’s visibility, and so can your online reputation, which can be managed by online reputation management companies. Customers are typically looking for things like updates on your products or services and discount codes for any upcoming sales, or using your social media pages to address customer service issues. Most of all, though, people want to see interesting and fun content. If you see an article that you think would appeal to your target demographic, let your customers know.
Improving Awareness the Old Fashioned Way
Just because the internet has become a major part of our lives doesn’t mean that there isn’t a place for traditional marketing techniques anymore. Trade shows are still a great way to get your name out there; they also give you a crucial opportunity to see what the competition is up to and to network with similar companies. Stock up on businesses cards and you might be surprised what effects a chance meeting could produce.
Where you choose to locate your business can play a big part in the kind of customers you attract. While prime real estate locations like Knightsbridge and Belgravia might seem out of the price-range for a small business, investing in a serviced office can be surprisingly affordable. If you ever invite customers or clients to meet you in office, you’ll know the difference that a positive first impression can make – it might seem a small thing, but your polished outward appearance is the first thing a client will see, and it’s important to maximize the potential of this opportunity.
Don’t hesitate to take advantage of some of the unique resources available to you. In the face of bigger competition, you’ll need all the help you can get.