Hey there! If you're running a local business and feel a bit lost when it comes to digital marketing, I've got your back. I'm Lorianna Sprague, the founder and CEO of UPFRONT MKTG, and I understand the challenges you face in today's digital age. That's why I want to share with you the incredible benefits of establishing an online presence for your business. In this blog post, we'll dive into why having an online presence is crucial and break it down in a relatable and understandable way, so you can harness the power of digital marketing and propel your local business to new heights.

An online presence is crucial for local businesses for several reasons:

1. Increased visibility: An online presence helps local businesses become more visible to potential customers. When people search for products or services in their area, businesses with an established online presence are more likely to show up in search engine results.
2. Accessibility: An online presence allows businesses to be available to customers 24/7. Customers can visit the business's website or social media profiles at any time to learn more about their products or services.
3. Credibility: Having a professional-looking website, Google Business page and social media profiles can help local businesses establish credibility and build trust with potential customers.
4. Marketing opportunities: An online presence provides local businesses with a variety of marketing opportunities, such as email marketing, social media marketing, and pay-per-click advertising.
5. Customer engagement: An online presence allows local businesses to engage with their customers through social media, email, and other digital channels. This engagement can help build stronger relationships with customers and increase loyalty.

Overall, an online presence is essential for local businesses looking to stay competitive and reach more potential customers. Here's a breakdown of each point in more detail, with story-based examples:

Increased visibility

Having an online presence means that your business can be easily found by people searching for products or services in your local area. It's like having a big sign or a storefront on the internet. When someone in your town searches for "best pizza near me" on Google, your pizzeria will have a better chance of showing up in the search results if you have a website or a listing on online directories.

Example: Imagine you own a bakery in a small town. One day, a new resident moves in and wants to find a bakery nearby. They pull out their phone, search for "bakery in Lancaster" and see your bakery listed on Google Maps. They decide to visit your bakery based on the information and positive reviews they found online.

Accessibility

Having an online presence means that your business is available to customers 24/7, even when your physical store is closed. It's like having a virtual store that people can visit anytime from the comfort of their own homes. They can browse through your products or services, learn about your business, and even make purchases online.

Example: Let's say you run a boutique clothing store. A customer visits your physical store during the day but doesn't find what they're looking for. Later that evening, they remember your store and decide to check your website. They discover that you have an online store and end up buying the item they wanted, even though your physical store was closed at that time.

Credibility

Having a professional-looking website and social media profiles helps build trust and confidence in your business. It shows that you take your business seriously and that you have a legitimate presence in the community. Customers are more likely to choose a business that appears reliable and trustworthy.

Example: Suppose you run a local photography studio. A couple looking for a wedding photographer is considering your services. They come across your website, which showcases your portfolio, customer testimonials, and contact information. Your professional-looking website convinces them that you are experienced and trustworthy, leading them to book your services for their special day.

Marketing opportunities

An online presence opens up various marketing opportunities to promote your business. You can reach a larger audience through email marketing, social media marketing, or online advertising campaigns. These channels allow you to target specific groups of people who are likely to be interested in your products or services.

Example: Imagine you own a fitness studio offering yoga classes. You decide to run a Facebook ad campaign targeting local residents interested in fitness and wellness. The ad showcases your studio, the benefits of yoga, and a special offer for new customers. As a result, several people in your town see the ad, click on it, and eventually sign up for a trial class at your studio.

Customer engagement

An online presence enables you to interact and engage with your customers. You can respond to their questions, comments, and reviews on social media platforms or through email. This engagement helps you build relationships, show appreciation to your customers, and create loyal supporters of your business.

Example: Let's say you own a family-owned restaurant. A customer visits your restaurant and has a great experience. They post a picture of their delicious meal on Instagram, tagging your restaurant. You respond to their post, thanking them for visiting and expressing how glad you are that they enjoyed their meal. This personal interaction makes the customer feel valued and more likely to recommend your restaurant to their friends and family.

Now Get Cracking

There you have it—digital marketing doesn't have to be overwhelming or confusing. By establishing an online presence, you can put your business on the map, increase accessibility for your customers, and build trust and credibility in your community.

Remember, having an online presence doesn't have to be complicated. It's about making sure people can find and learn about your business easily, providing a way for them to engage with you, and building trust and credibility in your community.

The world of digital marketing opens up countless opportunities for you to reach new customers and engage with your audience in meaningful ways. So, let's take the plunge together, embrace the digital revolution, and watch your local business thrive like never before. Trust me, it's an adventure worth embarking on! If you're still feeling overwhelmed with all of this, let's book a free strategy call and see if a partnership makes sense.