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Launching a business in today’s economy is going to need an online presence. Consumers now expect to be able to conduct their buying journey almost completely online now.
So if you’re not focusing on this area, you’re putting yourself at a disadvantage and your business may fail because of it.
A Professional Website
Once you’ve bought your domain name, you can then plan your website. Companies such as Integrated IT Solutions can help you build a basic site or custom-build a more complex one to meet your needs.
Even if you aren’t selling products online. A simple, professional-looking site with a contact page and links to your social media is a must.
If you’re planning on selling products online, then you’re going to need an e-commerce system built into your site or utilize a third-party marketplace such as Amazon or Etsy.
Google Business Page
Previously known as Google My Business, updating your listing on Google is very important. It is excellent for local SEO and can drive people to look for similar products and services in your area.
Your profile can also drive traffic to your online shop and website. Complete the profile in full, and add your contact details, opening hours, social links, and any images you may have. Google also allows independent reviews to be left. A history of positive reviews is great for attracting customers.
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Social Media
Social media can seem a little overwhelming. It seems like there are so many platforms. Producing content and keeping them all up to date can be a full-time job. Many companies choose to outsource their social media or eventually end up creating an in-house role.
In the US alone, over 70% of the adult population is on at least one social media platform. That’s too big a number to ignore. Rather than attempt to be on multiple platforms, the best way to approach it is to do some market research on your ideal customer and find out where they are spending their time.
It’s tempting just to focus on the social media platforms you’re familiar with, but if that’s not where your audience is, then it’s going to be a waste of resources.
Some of the main social media platforms include:
- YouTube
- Snapchat
- TikTok
Even if you’re just starting out on a single channel, it’s a good idea to reserve your company name on each platform. This means that if you do decide to branch out, your name’s available. At the very least, you’ll be able to prevent someone from pretending to be you.
Key Points
Getting the basics right with your online presence is important for new businesses. Building this foundation can then lead to more sophisticated marketing programs, paid advertising, and SEO.
With consumers having such high expectations of brands today, your business cannot afford to skimp on the digital side of things When planning the launch of your new business, make sure that you’re devoting enough planning and resources to it.
