Starting and creating your own business is one thing. Promoting your brand and serving your customers concisely and quickly, all while reaching new customers, is a whole new ballgame.
A common misconception for most small businesses is that the simple creation of a Facebook business page is all they need to be set. Unfortunately, the saying, “Set it and forget it,” does not pertain to online marketing.
So, what online marketing steps should you take as a small business?
Sweet Rose Studios has created a 4-step process to get you started!
Step 1 – Your Website
The first component you must consider is creating or updating your already existing website. Having a Facebook business page will not do much good without somewhere to send your potential customers. Making sure that your website is current, aesthetically appealing, and compatible with both desktop and mobile are among the most important boxes to check.
However, we know that not everyone is technically inclined, that’s why we are here to help with your website creation needs. Your website should be more than just a homepage. Your website is your home. The place where your brand and company will come to life, online. We’ll even help you set up your “home” in less than 72 hours! More on that later…
Step 2 – Your Information
Making sure that your Google My Business page is up to date is extremely important. Think about all of the times you’ve Google’d a business. How many times have you relied on the information found only to later find out that the hours of operation provided were incorrect? You might have instantly lost trust in this company or brand for not providing you with accurate information. That is why taking the extra step to update your business hours, phone number, and address on Google My Business is essential!
Step 3 – Your Newsletter
Many of you may be thinking it, but the answer is no, email marketing is not dead!
Just think, how many emails have you received from brands in the past 24 hours? Although you may not take the time to read through each and every one, email marketing is still a great way to interact with your customers and receive helpful feedback.
It’s simpler than you think you to compile a list of emails from your clients. Adding a newsletter sign-up to your website or cultivating emails during customer interactions are two of the simplest ways to collect contact information. Now you have a list of invested customers who are eager to learn more about your business, products/services, and promotions.
Step 4 – Your Social Media Presence
And now the moment you’ve all been waiting for, social media!
It’s no longer good enough to simply sign up for a Facebook account. With algorithms and a growing distrust in brands, social media has become the place to actively serve your customers and provide them with trusted information that they are interested in.
Determining who your audience is and where they spend their time is the first step when deciding what platforms to sign up for. Facebook is a good place to start, as long as your target audience is actively using the platform. New social media platforms are attracting growing numbers of younger users, while your older clientele might just be familiarizing themselves with Facebook. Keeping your audience in mind, you can then craft messages that align with your brand and your audience interests.
Once your social media channels are all set up and up-to-date, they can be linked to your website and vice versa for optimum exposure.
Overwhelmed? Don’t be; Sweet Rose Studios is here to help!
Let us help you grow your business. Not only can we help design your website in less than 72 hours with The Weekender service, but we can also help with your Social Media Marketing and Email Marketing efforts. Plus, your evaluation comes at no charge.
