Digital marketing for local and small businesses does not have to be complicated. Many businesses see it as a daunting task that requires too much time, money and a whole team of people. Sometimes they are right, but most of the time they are just trying to do too much at once.
Internet marketing covers a wide range of activities, but local and small businesses do not have to do them all. They just need to find specific online marketing strategies that work for them.
1: Your website – keep it simple
Your website online is the face of your business. It is a marketing brochure for your brand, services, what your company stands for and the kind of clients you work with. As such, it should contain all the important things about your business. This makes it easy for someone to find the information they need before they decide to contact you. Keeping a Web site simple can be very good for the user experience, maintenance and management of the Web site, and especially for SEO. Here is an example of a basic overview that covers everything a visitor needs to know about your business:
- Homepage
- Individual service pages (including photos and videos of previous work)
- FAQ page
- Testimonials / success stories / reviews
- About us
- Get in touch
- Blog
For images, use photos of real projects or services you have done in the past. Hire a photographer to take professional photos. For texts, it’s best to hire a copywriter with experience in your industry. Make sure they also have SEO experience.
2: Reviews – Your customers are your greatest representatives
Reviews are important to your company’s reputation. Positive or negative reviews and how you handle them can be a deciding factor for customers. Make sure you respond to all reviews. Ask for reviews on sites such as Google and Facebook so you have a diverse review profile. Check reviews weekly and respond quickly to stay in touch with customers. Also read our blog on how to collect reviews.
3: Social Media – Use your channels and increase your audience
Businesses of all sizes should use social media. Create a business page, update it with all the necessary information and use it regularly. Social media such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter are effective for promoting your business and original content such as blogs and videos. Check the following platforms and make sure your profile is complete:
- Google My Business
- LinkedIn Company Page
- The Telephone Directory
- Opening hours.co.uk
- Klantenvertellen
4: Email marketing – Keep it short but sweet
Email marketing is one of the best ways to promote your services and content to a high-quality audience. Make sure emails are short and sweet and include a clear call-to-action (CTA). Don’t send too many emails, as this can lead to irritation and unsubscribes. Use emails for updates, promotions or new blog posts. This channel can become one of the most converting marketing channels if used correctly.
5: Content marketing – Find your audience and plant seeds
Content marketing can be valuable for:
- Building authority by answering questions
- Increasing your online visibility
- Promoting services through social media
- Link building through collaborations with bloggers and influencers
Content marketing can be time-consuming, but it pays big dividends in the long run. Identify topics your audience has questions about and write blogs about them. Through discussions on forums and social media, refer people to this content on your site. Also read our blog on what makes good content.
Finally
Set specific goals before you begin, such as increasing organic traffic or generating more qualified leads. Choose tactics that fit your goals. Keep everything simple and start taking action as soon as possible for digital marketing success.
