In this era of internet, finding information online has become extremely simple. With a single search query, millions of web pages are presented to you. An aspiring entrepreneur looking for a reference blueprint to grow business online will not be disappointed with the search results.
However, the challenge comes when 1,000s of resources with 100+ tips are at your disposal and you have no clue what to do with all that information. You may have questions like, which tips to follow, where to start, how to apply everything in your business, which skills and tools are required to make this secret recipe work?
To ease this overwhelming state of mind, we have created a simple checklist for new or seasoned entrepreneurs to grow their business online.
Here are 6 MUST-HAVE strategies to grow business online:
- Define your Brand
- Build a User-Friendly Website
- Optimize Website for Search Engines (SEO)
- Create a Content Strategy
- Get on Social Media Networks
- Build an Email List
Download a FREE copy of Online Business Strategies Checklist.
1. Define your Brand
A brand is your company’s unique established mark/identity that differentiates your product or service in the market place. Branding is a process of creating a unique name, symbol, message, values, offers and contributions amongst your competition. Branding sets a tone of your business and reaches out to the audience who resonates with your mission, vision and values.
Brand creates your own community.
Without getting clarity on your message (finding your why, what, who and how) it is hard to establish a remarkable brand. Take some time to create an effective brand strategy by asking questions like:
- What’s my message?
- Who will benefit from my products or services?
- What transformation can people experience when they buy my products or services?
Once you have defined your brand, it is time to put in some work towards creating a logo, tag line, colors-fonts style guide and brand standards.
Related: 10 Effective Ways to Take Your Business Branding from Bad to Rad
2. Build a User-Friendly Website
Having a business website is vital in today’s competitive world. If you sell online then it is obvious for a business to have a website. However, if you have an offline business, you might say, “I don’t sell anything online then why do I need a website”?
A website is your online sales representative that helps you grow business online; showcasing your products or services 24x7x365. Moreover, your business is offline but your customers are looking for solutions/products/services online. They are not always driving around in the neighbourhood trying to find a solution to their problem.
Design a website that is user-friendly, easy to navigate and mobile responsive. Invest in developing an intelligent website that provides an exceptional value to your audience and creates a smooth yet simple buyers journey.
3. Optimize Website for Search Engines (SEO)
Let’s face it, internet is pretty vast. Putting you website on the World Wide Web will not guarantee its visibility to your audience.
When a search query about a product/service/problem/solution is entered on the internet, search engines like Google, Yahoo, Duck Duck Go, Bing, they look for information on the web and present the most relevant results.
So, how can Search Engine Optimization (SEO) help your business? SEO takes your business to your audience. When people search for a solution/product/service that YOU offer, these search engines should easily find and present your business to your audience. Simple.
In order for search engines to list your business website on search engine results pages (SERPS), a website needs to be optimized with relevant keywords and meaningful content. Only then can a business stand a chance to be organically found online.
Invest in creating an on-page and off-page SEO strategy for your website and see your business rank higher than your competition.
4. Create a Content Strategy
Having a meaningful online presence involves creating and distributing value-adding content on the internet. Anything that goes on your website, advertisements or social media can be identified as a content.
Blog or Vlog (video log) are becoming primary mode of content delivery.
People decide to consume and share any content based on its relevancy. Search engines will only present your content if it is relevant to the audience. Relevant content brings prospective clients to your business, it also builds credibility and influence in your industry which eventually leads to a profitable revenue growth.
Develop a content strategy that defines your brand, addresses your audience’s needs, solve problems and improve their lives. Create content that resonates with your readers and gets shared on the internet.
Take some time to create a content calendar and start blogging or vlogging. Check out our blog in action!
5. Get on Social Media Networks
Social media networks brings audience to your business.
Social media has a proven track record of driving relevant traffic to your website. These networks allow you to open communication channels with your customers and promote engagement.
Do you want to spread a word about your business, products or services for FREE? Then leverage the authoritative power of social media networks like Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn etc.
So, which social media platform is ideal for your business? Answer the following questions to choose a right platform for your business:
- Where does my audience hang out?
- What type of business model do I have?
- What is my branding and marketing strategy?
Tip: If you are a local business then consider authoritative local business listing platforms like Yelp, Google My Business, Yahoo!, Apple Maps etc.
6. Build an Email List
Building a trust worthy brand is a strategic process. It takes time and commitment to build relationships. A brand or community is built based on these relationships.
Would you marry someone right after your first date? Majority of people will say ‘Heck, No. I would like to know the person more before committing to them.’ Similarly, we have to consistently show up before our customers and help them on their journey.
Email list building will enable you to strike that first level of trust with your customers. This process will allow you to engage with your customers by sharing valuable tips, resources and also promote your products or services.
Create value-adding content for your audience and offer it as a free download or sign up. Combine the free offer with an optin-form and start collecting email addresses for future communication.
Below are some of the email marketing softwares you might find handy:
And more
There, now you have it.
Question is, are you going to apply these 6 MUST-HAVE digital strategies in your business? You can consume this information at your heart’s content, but it will not move the needle unless you put the real efforts.
If you are already a business owner then you know - it takes blood and sweat to make a noticeable mark and share your message with the audience. You can always revisit these strategies and refine your message to scale up the business growth.
Start applying these strategies in your business and see your business grow. When the strategies are done right, they will produce the desirable results.
Related: Check out our FREE Step-by-Step Guide : 10 Actionable Steps to Setup Online Business.
Need help or more information on any of these 6 strategies? At Upxcel we discuss business ideas/models and craft customized solutions based on these 6 important online business growth principles.
Helping you make online world EASY for your brand.
Share with us which online business strategy are you considering to grow business online?
Simplifying Business; Amplifying lives – UPXCEL
By – Praneet Kaur
The above is extremely true.
There is another one – write content that your readers will love and share.
Very important!
Thanks for your input, Peter. I am 100% on-board with it. A content that gets shared – speaks its relevancy to the reader.
I will certainly add it in my post.
– Praneet