Free Ways to Increase Your Business’s Online Presence
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused many businesses to temporarily close their storefronts, but this downside actually opens up a window of opportunity for small business owners. Because of social distancing and self-isolation being practiced throughout the world, there has been an increase in the number of people online. More eyes on the internet means more potential connections you can make and leads you can generate.
Brick-and-mortar stores may have had to close, but this doesn’t mean you have to go out of business! Here are some free marketing strategies you can use to increase your online reputation and help your business thrive.
1. Create a website
Having a website improves your business credibility and gives you full control over how you showcase your brand. Furthermore, a website allows you to make sales online, allows people 24/7 access to your business, and gives you the option of having a personalized business email address.
Some people view building a website as intimidating or expensive, but it doesn’t have to be! Using a free website builder like Leia is the easiest way to create a website. Just answer a few questions and Leia will build you a website in seconds.
Check out our other post on the benefits of building a website with Leia.
2. Work on your website’s SEO
SEO is the process of making your website more likely to be chosen as a result by a search engine, and maintaining it can be completely free. With a couple of tweaks, like making sure your website contains the correct keywords for your industry, you can help your website appear on the first page.
Click here for more tips on how to improve your SEO with Leia.
3. Embrace social media
Use the freedom of social media to your advantage! When you post engaging content and interact with your customers, you are fueling your marketing efforts and establishing your brand. Social media doesn’t come with all the formalities of an email or website, so it allows you to establish connections with your audience on a more personal and casual level.
4. Start a blog
There are many benefits to starting a blog for your business. Having a blog. not only helps increase your SEO, but also creates another channel for you to connect with your audience. Each blog post is created with the potential to go viral and drive traffic to your business. Additionally, having a blog allows prospective customers to learn more about your brand and gain further insight into what goes on behind the scenes of your business. Like social media, blogging is a more casual aspect of your business. Don’t be afraid to be yourself!
Click here to learn seven more benefits of starting a blog on Leia.
5. Join an online community
There is a community for everything on the internet. Join a forum, subreddit, Facebook group or LinkedIn group that has to do with your industry. Be sure to remain active and contribute to the community. Popping in every once in a while just to comment once about your own business isn’t very beneficial to you and can be viewed as out-of-touch and spammy by regular members. Use these platforms to passively market your business. Don’t make it the center of every post and comment you make, rather have a link to it in your signature or be sure to mention it only when the context is appropriate.