"If your ship doesn't come in, swim out to it."

 - Jonathan Winters, American comedian, actor, television host and artist

Hey there! I hear you're feeling frustrated with the state of your small business. You're not alone – with so much competition out there, it can be tough to stay afloat, especially if you're not taking advantage of all the tools available to you. One of those tools is your online presence. I know, I know – you're a small business owner, not a social media expert. But hear me out – with 97% of consumers searching for products or services online before making a purchase decision, it's clear that having a strong online presence is no longer optional. It’s essential.

Your digital footprint could be the difference between a customer choosing your business or a competitor's.

A strong online presence is necessary in today's market and a key factor in standing out from the competition. Think about it – if a potential customer searches for your product or service online and your competitor appears in the search results, even if you offer better quality or better value, that customer is more likely to go with your competitor simply because they found them online. Don't let your business miss sales opportunities due to not showing up where your customers already are.

The base level is… you SHOULD have a website.

If you don’t have a website, you’re essentially running a store with a 'closed' sign on the door during business hours. And who in their right mind would want to do that? Your website is like a digital storefront that is open 24/7, allowing potential customers to find and learn about your business at any time. The reality of the situation is that having a website is just the tip of the iceberg.

If your website is not SEO & Mobile-friendly, it is invisible to Google and your customers!

So, you've got your website up and running – congratulations! But having a website alone is not enough. You need to ensure it's optimized for search engines so potential customers can actually find you. This means using the right keywords, optimizing your site speed, and making sure your website is mobile-friendly. With 52% of internet traffic now coming from mobile devices, you can't afford to ignore mobile optimization.

Want to be seen as outdated and unprofessional? Don’t post on social media.

With over 3.6 billion people using social media worldwide and the conversational nature of us humans, we want to feel seen and important. Having a strong, regular social media presence lets you interact with your customers as a community, know more about who they are, and ask them for feedback regarding your product. Did you know that the biggest brands often ask their online audience for details before they launch a new product or service? You need to take action and avoid losing an opportunity to help grow your business by connecting with people who can and want to buy from you…

…And if they do buy - what next?

Google is often the first place people turn to when researching businesses, and reviews play a significant role in their decision-making process. 85% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. Without reviews, your business may appear less reputable and trustworthy, leading potential customers to choose a competitor with more reviews and a higher rating. Not asking for Google reviews of your business is missing the opportunity to build credibility and trust with people considering your product.

In conclusion - STOP losing money and follow this “Online Quadfecta” to establish your online presence:

1. Get a website: Have an online storefront where people can inquire about your product 24/7

2. Optimize it: A well-optimized and responsive website is search-engine friendly and helps customers get to know your business.

3. Post on social media: Create meaningful interactions that will build a community around your brand.

4. Gather Reviews: Establish credibility and legitimacy by allowing your customers to share their experiences.

With the world becoming increasingly digital, no business can afford not to focus on its digital footprint. By investing in a strong online presence, you can reach new customers, build your customer’s trust, and ultimately increase your revenue.

Looking for alternative methods of differentiating yourself in the crowded market? Check out our blog for more tips and insights on how to sail to success.