If you’re a business owner, you understand the struggle involved in keeping your business continually before the eyes of customers and potential customers. There’s so much competition these days that you have to stay right at the top of your game to make your company a success. There are, however, many creative ways of making your business more visible. Try a few of the following, and see if they work for you.
Navigate through the article:
Bump Up Your Advertising
First, make an effort to bump up your advertising. You might be rather stuck in a rut in this area. So try something new. You may pay more attention to your position on search engines, for instance, and build a set of SEO materials designed to put your company at the top of search results lists. Alternatively, you could design a whole new advertising campaign that presents your business to a new audience in a new light. You could even try credit card advertising and use a special virtual credit card to purchase ads on social media platforms. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box.
Update Your Website
Take a close look at your website, too. If it’s bland and you haven’t updated for some time, give it a facelift. Focus on creating an attractive layout and easy navigation. Remember that visitors want to find everything they need in just a few clicks, and design accordingly. If you don’t already offer online ordering or scheduling, consider adding that to your website as well along with the necessary security measures. You may find that your site receives many more hits.
Bring Your Social Media Up to Speed
Social media is another great way to make your business more visible and reach out to new customers. If you don’t already have social media sites, create them, and then link to them on your website. If you do have social media accounts, update them, and then continue to post regularly. You should be announcing promotions, providing fun facts, offering bits of company history, showcasing products and generally making your business fun and interesting. Take time, too, to respond to comments as much as you can or at least to moderate your sites so that offensive remarks don’t drive away visitors.
Connect With Customers
In fact, social media can be a great way to connect with your customers on a regular basis. Customers are more likely to return to a business that makes them feel appreciated. So reach out. You might also send out email messages or a regular newsletter. Postcard mailings can also be effective. When customers contact you, respond as soon as you can, and handle each issue with respect and tact.
Work With Charities
Your business can become more visible in your community if you work with local charities. There are many nonprofits in your area that could use your support. You might give a regular donation to your local food shelf, for instance, or provide in-kind services. If you aren’t sure what a charity needs, simply ask. Encourage your employees to support their favorite charities, too. You can provide matching donations or even time off for volunteering.
You might also partner with charities to promote them through your own advertising. Add in messages about your chosen charities, and ask your customers to support them. You can have information available at your office or store as well or even a collection box. Your charities will be grateful, and they will support and promote your business in return.
Host Events
Finally, put your company front and center in your community by hosting regular events. Depending on the nature of your business, these might be special promotions, open houses or seasonal parties. You might also sponsor lectures or product demonstrations or throw a major customer-appreciation bash once a year.
Plan each event carefully, starting with setting a budget and then spending accordingly so that your events don’t cut into your profits. Some events might be open to the whole community. Others may be by invitation only. Be sure to fully promote the former so that you can have a good turnout. In any case, the community will notice your business and be more likely to visit throughout the year.
Don’t hide your business by hesitating to promote it. Through good advertising and other types of outreach, your company will be more visible and more profitable.
