Post Pandemic Small Business Survival: Grow your Business Online and Attract More Customers

2021 Small Business Survival: How to Grow your Business Online

 

Since Covid-19 and the pandemic, small businesses have been rocked with revenue loss. Every business owner wants to grow revenue, get more customers, and draw attention to their product or service, but the internet is more crowded than ever.  There are people who want you to think you need a large budget to succeed in attracting new business.  I’m here to tell you they are wrong.  They have their own reasons for wanting you to believe that.  There are several ways to make a big impact with little shifts.  Here are a few of the basics that helped us the most – along with tips and tricks.

 

By the end of this article, you will understand what platforms you should be on and how to set them up.  By following these steps, you will gain more customers and increase revenue.

 

Step 1: Register on Google For Business

Go to https://www.google.com/business/ and click on SETUP now.  You will need:

  1. Business Name
  2. Address
  3. Phone Number
  4. Website
  5. Photos (optional)

Important: Make sure to use a correct business address.  Google will mail you a verification code that you will need to activate in order to set this account up!

Why Google For Business is important:  It’s like Yellow Pages, except one that people actually look at, often.  When’s the last time you used Google Search or used your GPS?  Google is used as a verb. That’s why.

Maintaining a good Google profile allows you to:

  • Showcase what makes you special
  • Bring in new business
  • Bring in repeat customers with
  • Showcase helpful information like hours of operation
  • Engage online and build customer loyalty
  • Discover how people find your business
  • Collect and respond to reviews

 

Step 2: Join Yelp.

For most companies, this simply isn’t optional.  If you are not on Yelp, you are likely getting rated.  A couple bad reviews and your business is branded toxic.  It’s best to get ahead of this one.  Plus, Yelp is a great way to build brand recognition, community engagement, and gain free advertising.  Respond kindly to reviews.  Encourage all doing business with you to leave top marks.  This builds loyalty.  And loyalty nurtured spreads quickly in our viral world.

To join Yelp, visit https://www.yelp.com/signup.  For convenience, you may sign up with your company’s Google Account.  This is recommended because it allows you to have synchronicity, and you will be able to monitor both easily.

 

Step 3: Create a Facebook Page

I know businesses that have created multiple Facebook pages by accident.  This step is a bit trickier.

Log in to your PERSONAL Facebook account at https://www.facebook.com/login/

Find the drop-down menu (usually all the way to the right)

Click on CREATE PAGE

Follow prompts and create your account.

Put a nice photo of your business logo as your profile pic.  (300 x 300 is ideal)

Use an attractive and visually appealing image for the cover photo.

Branded pages look better.

Important:  Do NOT accidentally create a Facebook Group when you see it prompted.  It can serve to confuse your audience.  You should create a Facebook Group ONLY if you intend to build a community and have a large amount of time to dedicate to it.

 

Step 4. Setup Branded Company Page on LinkedIn

  1. Go to https://www.linkedin.com/
  2. Log into your PERSONAL account
  3. Click on setup company page or click https://www.linkedin.com/company/setup/new/
  4. Follow prompts
  5. Use your business logo for your LinkedIn profile picture!
  6. Use a captivating banner image.

LinkedIn is where the entire business world has gone to network.  It is a spectacular wealth of information, networking, and brand building.  Done correctly, LinkedIn marketing can be a tremendous asset to your business.  More and more people are using LinkedIn to scrutinize the people they want to do business with.  Make sure to put your best foot forward, and remember never to word vomit.  When you first connect with someone, make sure to ask them about them.  Don’t make it all about you.  Build a relationship first, then approach at an appropriate opportunity.

 

Done correctly, these 4 platforms drive traffic to your business, brand, blog, or service.  According to statista.com, the number of Americans estimated to be on social media is 2.34 BILLION.  That’s where the customers are.  Build your ideal candidate profile and find your audience.  While setting up an internet presence is important, the real fortune is in the follow-up.  Manage your virtual presence well.

 

Hope this helps!  Do you have a question?  Best practice?  Feel free to say hello at [email protected]