Repair Shop Advice

May 29, 2013

Promote Your Business Online! 

We hear it every day, “I need to save money, but I need new customers.”   Well, what have you done lately to attract new customers?  If the answer is “NOTHING,” we have a few things that can have an immediate impact on new customers finding you.

If you have a website, focus the majority of your marketing efforts online.  Get in front of your customer, and have them remember your services.  When it is time for them to purchase a product or service, they need to check with you first.   Here are some effective ways to promote your business online:

1. Search Engines – Your customers are using search engines a lot more than any other directory to look up products or services. You need to make sure your business website has a strong presence on the most popular search engines. The most popular search engines are: Google, Bing, and Yahoo.  Google, however, has 80% of the search market and you need to focus your search engine efforts there.  Make sure you have completely created your Google Places page.
2. Social Media – Create a social media account on these four sites:  Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.  Use them to share tips, ideas, and information about your business. This will help form a personal relationship with your business.
3. Citations – Citations are local directories where you can list your business.  Citations include Yelp, Citysearch, Yahoo Local, and more.  They are important, because they create quality organic back links to your website.  Being able to have your business name, address, and phone number all over the internet consistently will help add credibility, and help your search rankings.
4. Blogs – In 2013, content is king!  When it comes to search engine optimization, the content you write on your blog is extremely important for your business. Use your blog to share tips, ideas, information about your business, and help your customers.  This will bring in internet traffic from search engines and the traffic will be directed to your website.  Having a blog helps establish your credibility and builds trust with the reader.
5. Newsletters – People check their emails every day.  A great way to get in front of your customers is to send out monthly or bi-weekly newsletters. The newsletter will help them keep your business in mind when they need your help.  You can run promotions, tips, and ideas.
6. Mobile- If your website is not mobile friendly; you are hurting your online marketing strategy. Everyone today has a cell phone and the majority of people have a smart phone. Your website needs to be easy and simple to use for your customers. They should be able to get everything done with one touch!
7.  Call – to –Actions- This is important because your internet visitors need to know what to do when they come to your website, social media page, blog, or citation. Having a call-to-action will result in an action by the web visitor or provide some kind of value. When a visitor arrives, they may be undecided about the purchase.   But, if you ask them to do something or provide valuable information, it may convince them to contact you!

 

The tips above will help increase traffic to your website, and increase the number of customers in your door.  Make sure you have created goals and a plan for your internet marketing strategy before you move forward.

If you have any questions about online marketing, please contact us at help@repairshopwebsites.com or 1-866-665-1605 Option 2.