We’ve had a lot of inquiries lately from small business owners wondering whether they should invest in digital marketing. Is it worth the money? Does it generate leads? Will I get more business in the long run? What about the short term?
Yes. Yes. Yes. And yes.
In 2020, it’s nearly impossible to run a successful small business without taking advantage of online resources like Google Maps, Google searches, review platforms, and digital business directories. The times have changed. But in case you’re not convinced, we’ve put together a list of 6 reasons you need Internet marketing services. Read on.
1. Generate Leads with a Searchable Website
Your website is more than just an online business card. It’s a one-way ticket to leads. And if there’s one reason to invest in digital marketing services, it’s to generate leads.
With a beautiful website that’s full of relevant written content and pictures, Google will want to promote your business on their search engine. Think of Google like a huge index of all the websites on the Internet. When Google users search for keywords such as ‘HVAC services in Boston’ or ‘automotive insurance in Albuquerque’, Google will pull up the most relevant websites for those searches.
And since everyone is using Google to find the products and services they need, it’s crucial that your website shows up in Google searches. Without a website that’s SEO ready and built to rank on Google, you’ll be missing out on a ton of business to competitors that have websites.
2. Quickly Target Local Consumers
At LinkNow, we take a holistic approach that targets local consumers on multiple platforms at once. Some of those include:
- • Google Maps
- • Google search results
- • Google, Facebook, and Yelp reviews
- • Online business directories like Google My Business, Yellow Pages, Yelp, Bing,
- • Social media platforms like Facebook
Each provides access to a different type of customer. Some, like those on Google Maps, are interested in buying straight away—that’s why they’re using their mobile devices to search for your business on-the-go. Reviews are another example: consumers often check reviews right before buying. Great reviews mean the difference between getting a lead or losing a lead to your competition.
3. Establish and Manage Your Online Reputation
The first rule: your online reputation and your ‘real world’ reputation are identical. Remember that there is no difference, no distinction.
If there’s one good reason to invest in digital marketing, it’s to get help managing your reputation. As a digital marketer, LinkNow can help you respond to reviews, generate reviews, get the amazing reviews you need, and engage with your clients (and potential clients) in a positive way.
4. Make Use of Business Directories to Get Your Name Out There
The last time you saw a copy of the Yellow Pages, it was being used as a doorstop. Nowadays, business directories are all online. And they want to list your business.
In fact, they want to list your business so much that they’ve built programs that scan the Internet for business information—your name, address, and phone number (NAP)—and then list it without your permission. On the surface, this sounds great. You get to be listed in directories all over the web, without having to lift a finger.
The problem is that the information that they find online is often mixed up, outdated, and incorrect. Not only will you lose leads to out of service phone numbers and wrong addresses, Google only helps businesses to get leads when it thinks they are trustworthy. And incorrect business information is a great way to lose that trust.
We have written a lot of blogs about why your NAP needs to be consistent all over the Internet. But it takes a specialist to get the job done right. Our NAP cleanups and citation building services help clients maintain correct information everywhere they appear online.
5. Engage with Your Clients in New Ways
Social media platforms like Facebook are great places to connect with your clients. Show people who you are with great pictures of your work and your team in action. Write posts that people can comment on and that lead to discussions ,. And if you feel inclined, post articles and other relevant links that will get users excited about your ideas.
By establishing a rapport with your current and future clients, you are laying the seeds for repeat clients, referrals, and new leads. You want local people to think of your name first when they’re in the market for the services that you offer.
6. Your Competitors Are Already Online
Without a doubt the most important reason to invest in online marketing, is that your competitors are already online. They already have amazing websites, Google My Business profiles, lead-generating content, great reviews, and established online reputations. The only way to get an edge on the competition is to play the game.
Sure, online marketing can seem overwhelming. It’s hard to know where to start. But that’s why we’ve made it really easy for businesses to get set up online.
At LinkNow, we offer comprehensive digital marketing packages that have been proven time and again to generate leads. We’ve done all the research and all the testing so that you don’t have to. Our team of professional digital marketers—website designers, content writers, Pay-Per-Click advertisers, and Google Maps experts—work with field-tested strategies designed to help you crush the competition. We make digital marketing easy for small business owners across the United States and Canada.
Start benefitting from LinkNow Media’s Internet marketing services by sending us an email at website@linknowmedia.com, or calling our friendly and helpful agents at 1-888-667-7186.