A new year is a perfect time to overhaul your digital business efforts – because even if your company isn’t based online, it still has to have a presence. I can’t tell you how many business owners come to me saying they wished they would have paid more attention to their online presence earlier, but they didn’t think it was important because their business or industry didn’t have to do with the digital world.
Well, whether you run a coffee shop or a 3D printing and manufacturing business, you need to have a digital business plan and be online in a big way! Otherwise, how will new customers find you in 2020?
Of course, almost no one has an unlimited budget, so if you are looking to improve (or start) your online business plan, here are 4 areas to invest in to grow your business in the new year!
Branding (Voice + Visual Identity)
Branding is powerful, because it is able to communicate who you are with only a glance. When you see a well-known brand, you know what they offer, what they’re known for, and you have a certain level of trust in them.
However, branding isn’t just about a logo and colors, it’s about your messaging, or voice, too. Think of the branding for Bud Light (the Bud Knight) and how many people like their commercials because they are funny. Some brands take to messaging that highlights their authenticity, generosity, or quirkiness.
Deciding on your visual brand (and staying consistent) builds trust but choosing an online voice can be just as important. Do some customer research if it helps, to learn what your clients like about you, and then incorporate your findings into your voice to accurately and honestly represent your business.
Clean & Professional Web Design
Your web design is essentially your online storefront, and as I mentioned in the beginning, your storefront is important even if you are a brick and mortar store or business.
Without a professional and quality website, your customers will not trust you. In fact, 75% of consumers admit to making judgments on a company’s credibility based on the company’s website design. So, if your web design is lackluster, or if your loading speed is slow, your images don’t appear quickly, your content is weak, or your site isn’t mobile-friendly – you are quite out of luck.
Don’t let your new year and business get dampened by a shoddy website, instead, look at getting a new website (or a website redesign) to match the new year. It may be an investment, but you wouldn’t let your physical store be in shambles, so why let your digital store fall apart?
Social Media Presence
Social media is an area that few business owners want to get into, but in reality, it can be a huge draw to your customers. Think of it as advertising, but for free. Your clients are already on social media platforms – why not talk to them?
Post about specials, discount codes, or fun and informational content to get your customers interested in your social media channels. And if you have gotten a slow start in the social media game, offer your customers in-store a discount or special if they follow you on social media right then and there.
These specials can be something simple like a small coffee for checking in on their mobile device or a small discount for a service or product. Running giveaways or promotions only on your social media channel is a great way to create buzz too.
PPC (Pay-per-click)
Above I mentioned that social media marketing is essentially advertising online for free – well, this is the other side to that coin. PPC is advertising online in a more traditional sense. No, not pop-ups (no one likes those), but PPC is a way to have your business be shown at the top of search results.
This is a great way to advertise a certain service or special you have running. But remember, unlike traditional SEO which gets you to the top of the search results gradually and organically, PPC gets you there immediately, but as soon as you stop paying, you are gone.
Often, businesses run PPC ads at the beginning of their SEO campaigns so they can have an influx of customers quickly as they gradually climb the rankings organically as well.
Want to Learn More About Digital Services?
Contact me to learn more about digital services or for business consulting and sales coaching. I want 2020 to be a big year for you and your business – let’s link up and make your new year business plan a reality!
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