By Arnab Dey
The world has changed considerably since the advent of the internet and few would deny the tremendous influence the web has had on modern society.
However, while it’s true the internet has undoubtedly changed how we socialize and interact, it could easily be argued its most transformative effects have been on the world of business and commerce.
From simple showcase websites to e-commerce platforms, social media, and cloud networking, the web has completely revolutionized how (and, in many cases, where) we work.
The Need For A Strong Online Presence To Win (And Retain) Clients
Recent research suggests around 71% of all retail journeys start with an online search – so it’s vitally important that your firm takes full advantage of the benefits of the web.
Where once it was enough for a company to simply be online with a website, in today’s highly competitive business landscape, your firm will be losing out on considerable trade if you don’t take a proactive approach to your web marketing.
Below are just a few ideas to help increase your online presence and start winning new trade:
1. Optimize your existing website:
As mentioned above, your website is likely the first port of call for clients (both existing and potential), so you should ensure it looks as professional as possible and features examples of your best work.
Don’t forget to think about your site from a visitor’s perspective and prioritize your most important or lucrative content to the top of the hierarchical tree. If you’re in any doubt, hire the services of a professional to perform a full website audit.
2. Take a more personal approach:
By its very nature, the web can feel like a much less personal place than the one-to-one advantages that can be gained from in-person meetings.
To combat this, encourage your staff to include their main social handles and personal email addresses on communications – plus look at including staff pictures on your website. Search for a local professional photography company (for example, ‘Corporate Photography in Chicago’) to find the right match for you.
3. Get proactive and engage socially:
Your website is only half the story. These days, clients expect firms to be active across all the main social pages too. At a minimum, your company should be active on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube – but don’t discount the smaller social platforms which might be perfect depending on your type of business. For example, Pinterest with its largely female user base might be perfect if you specialize in female-oriented goods.
4. Invest in Search Engine Optimization (SEO):
As part of your website audit, you should also check how your site performs in the main search engines (or, in other words, Google as it commands the greatest share of the search market).
No matter how great your website is, if it’s not being indexed high up Google’s Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs), you’ll have little chance of being found and will, in turn, be missing out on new business.
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