Business cards and billboards still exist, but customers are far more likely to save your information by using Instagram or Facebook. If your products and services are a hit, people will leave glowing reviews on sites like Amazon, Google, Yelp, or Facebook giving your company free publicity to a wide reaching audience. If your advertising strategy is limited to print, your loyalty base will only extend as far as local and niche markets rendering your company invisible to the rest.
Being visible and having an online presence does not mean spending a fortune to hire a web developer. We’ve outlined three core strategies for maximizing your online marketing strategy below.
Create a Website
Your website is an opportunity to showcase your brand and allow consumers to get to know you and your company. In this Age of Information, consumers are used to being able to research brands simply by pulling out their phones. If your target audience lacks this ability to get information quickly and simply, you could lose the opportunity to gain a repeat customer, business partner, or even a multimillion-dollar investor. The internet has grown since Yahoo!’s GeoCities and Weebly. There are a plethora of platforms that offer free and paid services that allow an average user to create beautiful and professional websites. These hosts, such as Wix, WordPress, and Squarespace, use a modular design so your website will have a clean modern feel that consumers have come to expect.
Develop a Social Media Strategy
Social media sites and apps are arguably the best marketing tool of the 21st century.
Your posts can be viewed or shared hundreds of thousands of times within a few minutes by users around the world. Instead of asking for a business card, people usually ask for an Instagram profile or a Twitter handle. Some people may be resistant to creating a social media profile, however having a following will brand you as a person of influence and help promote an emotional connection with your followers. When you share your successes with your audience, they too will feel a sense of pride and achievement. Replying to followers is another way to create that emotional bond. People like to feel like they are heard and their opinion is valued. Social media provides this opportunity.
Review Your Online Presence
It might seem like a silly idea to Google yourself or your company, but you might be surprised as to what shows up in the results. People may be leaving positive reviews across the board, which of course is always a great feeling. On the other hand, one or two negative reviews or comments could lead to a tarnished reputation. Knowing what’s out there gives you the chance to respond to the situation, and when appropriate, take responsibility and make things right for the customer. Taking accountability will only further deepen your target audience’s loyalty and respect for your brand. Admittedly, managing comments and reviews can be a complicated and mundane task. A reputable branding or PR company would be able to bolster a well deserved positive online reputation.
If you have questions or are seeking guidance on how to best create a web presence, don’t hesitate to send us a message or connect with us on Twitter @CEO_Branding. Ascendant Group would be more than happy to help you navigate the ever changing landscape of digital marketing and branding.