Running a local business has its challenges. When you first launch, it might take a while before you can start generating business via word of mouth alone.
The truth is, you need to have a strong internet presence to be successful these days because that is how people find local businesses.
Here are some ways to boost your local internet presence to ensure you get more business.
5 Ways to Boost Your Local Business Presence Using InternetÂ
1. Launch a Website
First of all, you will need a website. It doesn’t have to be anything too flashy, but the important thing is that it is mobile-optimized (ideally a responsive website).
Local customers often use their phones to find products and services on the go. They want to know where the nearest business is that can provide them with what they are looking for, and local searches are therefore very important.
You won’t get found unless you have a mobile-optimized website, so make this a priority.
2. Get Your Google My Business Listing
Next, get listed in Google My Business. This is one of the first things to do with your local SEO strategy, and an online marketing agency like SLAM Strategy will always recommend doing this.
Your listing will ensure you can be found on Google Search and on Maps. And if you optimize your website and your listing, you have the possibility of showing up in the 3-Pack, which is the three local results highlighted at the top of the search results.
This can help you to generate more traffic to your site from local searches, so it is an essential step.
3. Encourage Reviews
Reviews are an important part of the buying process these days. Many potential customers will want to read reviews of your products or services before they buy from you.
They also have many benefits for businesses. If you get more reviews, another benefit is that you can improve your search ranking and your chances of appearing in the 3-Pack.
So encourage your customers to leave reviews (without bribing them for positive reviews!) and you will benefit from this.
4. Create and Share Content
Creating content is one of the most important things you can do for your local business. So launch a local content strategy by publishing blog posts based on local issues and topics that appeal to local customers, and talk about things that are happening in the local area to try and become a resource.
You should also have a strong presence on social media sites. Find out which sites your target customers use then share your content on the platforms.
Build up a large following, share other content that they might find useful, and the more you do this, the more you will get discovered by new potential customers.
5. Win More Local Customers Online
A strong online presence is essential if you want to get more local business. These are just a few of the most important ways to increase your local presence so that more prospective targets will find you online.
Start work on your local marketing strategy today, and keep at it. Soon you will find that more people discover your business online, and then you’ll start to grow faster.
