Running a business is hard. There are so many things on a day-to-day basis that need attention and need to be accomplished. Unfortunately, developing & maintaining your digital presence is NEVER usually one of the items at the top of the list. That would assume it even actually makes it to the list at all. That would also assume that business owners know the importance (and value of) their digital presence, OR what is included in maintaining it at all?
ONLINE PRESENCE – in its simplest terms. . . “Where customers can find you & how they engage with you online”. In a more detailed approach, your online presence can include but is not limited to.
- business’s website
- social media pages/profiles
- Location pages/profiles (Google MyBusiness, Navigation maps etc.)
- Local directories (Yelp & Industry specific pages, local community directories etc.)
The customer journey (especially online) is the first experience to your brand. In addition, the user experience encompasses how people look online when searching for your products/services. What do you want their first impressions of your brand to be?
- How convenient is it for your prospective customers to find you on the world wide web?
- Is it easy to find your contact information?
- Is your business information found online accurate and reflect your current branding?
Think about yourself. When you are in need of a product or service and you have that handy smart phone or tablet within reach, what is the process YOU use to find the right person for the job? Most of us do at least a small amount of researching when making a decision. It may include Using Google to search for the best results in your area. It could also include browsing Reviews through Google Business listing. Maybe even reading through multiple location pages (Yelp) or checking out your website & social media pages to get a better feel of who you may be trusting to do business with. The internet makes it extremely easy for you to find information aiding in your decision-making process.
For a simple exercise take your human being hat off and put your business owner hat on, you may start to connect all the dots – Especially as it pertains to what your potential customers are seeing online about you. The problem, however, that most businesses face is how they can keep that presence always current & relevant to what the consumer may be looking for and why they should choose you over your competitors. This has become even more important today more than ever with the temporary (or permanent) closures of our physical storefront locations, or constant changes to hours, protocol etc.
Seems a bit unfair that the fate of your next business transaction, or lifetime customer could be left in the fickle hands of technology. What people find when they search for your business or company on the internet is getting harder and harder to maintain these days with ALL the technology – algorithms differing per platform online, how does anyone keep up? Unless you have a team of dedicated employees with a focus to monitor all online analytics at all times, you may find yourself rather frustrated.
The good news is there’s a solution to this all-too-common problem. As digital strategists, Grey Street wants to see you do what is best for you & your business. Having a specific Digital presence strategy included with your corporate communications plan, will save you and your team a lot of time. Whether it’s through content online that you own (like your own website and social media pages) or content that you DO NOT own or control, such as online reviews, AND most of all – other users social media profiles (public and/or private). Grey Street can help you review your current digital footprint and provide a recommended strategy to claim (if you haven’t already), create and maintain a positive online presence for potential customers to engage with. With our comprehensive digital analysis, customized strategy & dedicated plan of action we will guide you in understanding the best digital products to engage with customers.