Your website is the most crucial marketing tool in your arsenal. Or at least it should be. If you’re not using your business’s website to reach more customers with these 10 website marketing strategies, you’re behind the times. Website marketing might seem overwhelming, especially if you’re not the most tech-savvy person, but it’s easier than you might think — you don’t need to hire an expert to boost your online presence.
Here are 10 easy, proven website marketing strategies that will help local customers find your business.
1. Utilize SEO
First thing first: search engine optimization. SEO is critical if you want to show up in local Google searches. It’s also not complicated. All you need to optimize your website is a little research, strategy, and time.
Should you hire an SEO expert to boost your website’s presence? You definitely can, but it’s not absolutely necessary. With the right research, you can optimize your site on your own.
Here are 3 pillars you need to build your SEO strategy:
- Keywords – SEO is all about keywords. Google Keyword Planner is a solid free resource to find relevant keywords in your area. Work them into your website content, blogs, and social posts as frequently as possible.
- Images – Search engines love images. Make sure you include images on your site, with your keywords in the name and ALT text.
- URL – Your URL should be your business name, or as close as possible. A .com address is almost always best for SEO (unless your business is a school or non-profit organization).
2. Have a Google My Business Page
Google My Business is the easiest way for people to get quick information about your business, including your address, hours, and services. It also leads them straight to your website. This may be the most important of the 10 website marketing strategies.
Nonetheless, if you haven’t already claimed your business on Google My Business, make that your next step.
3. Post on Social Media
Yes, your business should have social media pages. They’re free, easy to set up and manage and provide more online content for people to find your business.
Here are a few ways you can use social media to boost your visibility online:
- Geotagging – Whenever you make a post, tag the location of your business. It will help with local SEO and give your posts a wider reach.
- Interacting with customers – Interact with your customers online! Encourage them to share your posts — you won’t only build relationships with existing customers, but also gain new followers.
- Contests — Social media contests and giveaways are a fun way to reach more people. Host a contest and ask your followers to tag as many people as possible. The winner gets a fun prize, and your business gets more attention.
4. Try Email Marketing
Email is a cheap and easy way to interact with your customers. Use email marketing to send out promotions and updates, greet new customers, and encourage people to visit your site again.
Email marketing software like MailChimp makes it easy to send out email blasts. You can start with a free version, then update to a paid plan as your marketing ramps up.
One super helpful tool you’ll want to try is email retargeting: sending emails to people who visited your site, but never made a purchase. That way, instead of casting a wide net, you’re reaching out to people you know are interested.
5. Use Google Analytics
Website marketing can sometimes feel like a shot in the dark. Is it working? Are people visiting your site? That’s where Google Analytics comes in. You can see how many people are visiting your site, which pages they visit, how your site compares to other local businesses, and more. It isn’t free, but it’s worth it to fine-tune your marketing strategy.
6. Start a Blog (and keep up with it)
Remember, content is key. If your website has a blog, you can continuously post keyword-rich content to drive your SEO.
Not sure what to write about? Consider these ideas:
- Industry updates relevant to your brand
- Local news and opinions
- Guest posts and interviews with experts
- Personal stories about your business
- Advice relevant to your industry
Promote every blog post on your social media pages, and always link back to your website. Interlinking (including links to your other website pages in your blog content) is also a good way to boost SEO.
7. Respond to Reviews
Google My Business allows customers to publicly review your business. When you respond to those reviews, you’re (a) interacting with customers to create a more positive experience, and (b) creating more online content to drive SEO.
Make sure you respond to both positive and negative reviews. Include links to your website pages where people can find more information.
8. Partner with Other Brands
Consider partnering with other local businesses to promote both your brands at once.
Of course, you don’t want to partner with your competitors — try to find businesses that complement the services you offer. For example, a deejay might team up with a local bar for their next event, or a salon might offer samples from the neighborhood coffee company.
Whether it’s a one-time event or an ongoing partnership, be sure to post about it on both business’s blogs and social media pages.
9. Use QR Codes
These days, you can’t get anywhere without digital marketing. But that doesn’t mean old-fashioned paper ads are totally out.
Flyers, stickers, signs, and posters are still useful in promoting your business. If you want to use those ads to bring more traffic to your website, use a QR code. They’re free to design and will take people straight to your site.
The flyer might pique their interest, but the QR code will give them all the information they need.
10. Team Up with an Influencer
Like it or not, social media is one of the most effective marketing tools out there. And the best way to reach more people on social media is with the help of an influencer.
Social media influencers promote branded content for a commission. They’ll weave your product or services into their everyday content without being too pushy about it — it’s a great way to reach more people and give your brand a familiar face.
Get Online, Get Creative!
Here’s the thing: just one digital marketing strategy isn’t enough to help your business grow. Even if you’re using all 10 strategies covered in this post, you still might struggle with your reach. The key is to stay persistent and get creative. None of this happens overnight!
Website marketing takes time, but it isn’t impossible — and it definitely doesn’t have to be expensive. Look into new strategies and have fun with it. The more your online presence grows, the more local customers you’ll reach.
As always, if you have any questions, or would like some expert help, feel to give us a call anytime.
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