The state of the world and of business has changed drastically in the past few months. Suddenly, small businesses all over the country are experiencing a marked drop in productivity, profits, and more. Some small businesses are even having to shut their doors. Bringing your business online is absolutely vital even in normal circumstances, but especially so during the coronavirus pandemic. Implementing online ordering, delivery, and other services from the comfort of your customers’ homes is more important than ever. Here are some valuable tips on how to set up an online presence for your small business. 

Step One: Set Up a Website

new website coming soon

Having a website is essential for most businesses these days. Your customers need to be able to engage with your business from home, outside of business hours, and on the go. Typically small business owners believe they could never afford a professionally built website, but they are truly mistaken. A professionally built website can be visually appealing and very cost-effective too! 

Your website should include an “about us” page with a description of your company and its mission, a list and description of your products or services, a “contact us” page, and a way to book services or order products online. Depending on your business, you may need to add more specific pages, but this should give you a good foundation. 

Step Two: Have a Social Media Presence

Social Media presence

A social media presence is just as important as a website. It gives customers (and potential customers) another way to engage with your brand and find out what you’re all about as a company. It’s a great way to showcase your products, your values, and your impact on the community. Not only that, but “share” functions on social media, along with features like hashtags, can draw new people in and increase your customer base. People tend to take to social media to share their experiences, good and bad, with businesses. If you have a page that they can tag, their friends may visit your page and decide to patronize your business off of the recommendations of their friends.

Step Three: Send Out Emails

email marketing campaigns

Using platforms such as BeePro or MailChimp to stay in touch with your customers can keep them engaged and help them feel closer to your business. Use email marketing to let your customers know about special deals and promotions, wish them well, and let them know that your company is there for them, even in uncertain times such as the one we’re in right now. Emails can also generate leads to your website and encourage customers to connect with you on social media. Try to have a regular schedule for sending out emails, and consider offering an incentive for signing up for emails. For example, try offering a 15% off code for a customer’s first purchase after they sign up for emails. 

Additional Notes

When you set up a website, you’ll want to make sure that you have a domain name that fits your business and isn’t too long. If your business name is exceptionally long, you may want to consider shortening the domain name, perhaps to the first letter of each word in the company name. For example, instead of ThisIsMyCompanyName.com, you could try timcn.com. This will save customers frustration on mobile, where they might hit the wrong keys. Speaking of mobile, make sure your website is properly optimized for mobile phones. You don’t want it to appear clunky or outdated on your customers’ devices.

Need Help Bringing Your Business Online?

Contact Blue Ridge Media Company in Cleveland, Ohio! We’re experienced in helping small businesses manage their online presences. Our expert team can help make your website and social media pages the best they can be, increasing customer engagement and web traffic. Feel free to contact us through our website or by phone at (888)-535-2762.