In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is no longer optional – it’s essential for any business, big or small. According to a BrightLocal survey, 98% percent of consumers use the internet to find businesses. Your website is your virtual storefront, your 24/7 salesperson, and your connection to the world. But building and maintaining a website can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re just starting out. Where do you even begin? From choosing your domain name, crafting engaging social media posts, the process can seem like climbing a mountain.
Let’s take a look at all that goes into creating a website and a brand for your small business. We will talk about the essential things you will need to start off with: a domain name, design, content; then move on to some bigger things like common pitfalls and how to have a successful online presence.
Let’s talk basics
What does it take to start up your website? There are popular website platforms that you can start using right away to get started such as WordPress, Shopify, and Wix. These are no to low code editors that you can use to get a few pages online with a template in no time.
Start with a domain
Search for your domain and register it. There are tons of places you can buy a domain and register it. Make sure it is a reputable company and you can price shop a domain name as well. Once registered, keep in mind where this domain name was bought so you can keep it on renewal. If you’re using Wix or Shopify, you can use their domain name registration platform to keep it all in the same software.
It is important that you choose a short and memorable domain name. Keep in mind that this domain should be consistent across all of your platforms – social media, email, website and more. Brand consistency is one of the most important parts of a small business, it builds trusty and loyalty across your base, as well as immediate recognition of your business.
Web Design and Content Strategy
Start with a template and build from there. There are so many to choose from. Make sure your layout is clean and your users can easily find the information they need (think hours, location, products, contact). There is no harm in having this information in more than one place. Typically users look to the footer for location, contact information and more. You can also have a separate page with more detailed information.
Find a website platform that fits your needs and will allow you to grow your website. Here are a few popular options:
- WordPress
- 35% of websites use WooCommerce to sell online
- Popular brand, tons of plugins for design and SEO strategy
- Free
- Shopify
- 10+% of ecommerce sites use Shopify
- Low cost for starting up which includes domain and hosting
- Easy to use and beautiful templates
- Wix
- Easy to use and quick to start up
- Large template library
- SEO Support
Social Media Strategy
Think about your target customers. Are they scrolling on social media at least part of their day? If you say yes, (which is very likely!) you need to improve your social media presence to make sure your business lands in front of potential customers. This means setting up a business page for Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.
Think about your target market and consider what platform to invest your time in. Are you targeting young professionals? Consider investing in posting on LinkedIn. Are you targeting a younger market? TikTok is your best best there.
Spend some time learning how to post on these platforms to expand your brand and get your company in front of as many people as possible to gain customers. Use targeted ads to pinpoint your market by specific demographics such as age and location.
Use a social media calendar to plan and create posts and then schedule them in advance. Use social media to monitor mentions to your page and respond to customer inquiries quickly.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Poor design and slow performance
Have you ever pulled up a stores website only to watch a blank page and a loading spinner go on and on an on? The average time that a user will wait to load a page is between 3 and 5 seconds. Don’t lose out on potential customers because of a slow performing website. Images and plugins can affect the load times of your website if you are using a web platform. Compress your images to as small as possible, and avoid using too many plugins features.
Inconsistent Social Media Posting
When a customer visits a social media platform and it’s barren like the desert, they can lose interest quickly. If you are posting inconsistently, and your content is lacking, what are your customers getting out of visiting your social media page? A barren social media page can lose trust in your brand, reduce credibility, and lose engagement.
Highlight an event that is happening at your business or put a spotlight on some employees in some engaging posts to give your company some personality. Remember that building a brand include building customer trust and loyalty.
Tips for a Successful Online Presence
- Choose a user friendly website builder to start off with. Pick a builder that has a high adoption rate so you know that you will have the tools necessary to help your business take off.
- Focus on creating high quality and valuable content. Create a brand that is engaging and shows that your company values its customers.
- Prioritize performance and mobile responsiveness to keep customers engaged when they visit your website. You can use website analytics to track visits and engagement and identify areas of improvement.
- Be consistent with your social media marketing. Create posts that engage authentically with your audience.
- Run targeted ads to reach a wider audience
- Experiment and try new ways to engage your consumer base!
So, there you have it – a glimpse into the world of building a website and establishing a social media presence. It’s a journey with its own set of challenges, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Remember to start with the basics, focus on creating high-quality content, and engage authentically with your audience. The digital landscape is constantly evolving, so continuous learning and adaptation are key. Now, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work! Start by choosing a platform, brainstorming content ideas, and scheduling your first social media post. You’ve got this!
Feeling overwhelmed by the world of websites and social media? I’m here to help! Let’s work together to create a stunning online presence for your business. Contact me for a free chat!