10 Online Tips for Small Business
This month, Dublin City Enterprise News has teamed up with an online service marketing agency to bring you ten online tips that every small business owner should know!
When it comes to developing your online business strategy, there are a few basics to consider. These ten tips, suggested by Radical in Dublin 2, will enable you to stay competitive and manage your business in the digital field.
1. Relevant Domain.
First things first when it comes to the World Wide Web, get the domain name right. This can be vital to a venture’s success. When you define your target audience and who your business is focused on selling or trading with, you need to ensure your address on the web is correct for this audience. Are you appealing to an international audience or the local Irish market? Be sure you register the right domain for the right audience. Always register an Irish domain (.ie) especially if you are working locally in the Republic of Ireland. One tip is to keep your long term goals in mind and pick up a few domain names that cover where your long term vision is headed. It becomes vital in the long run and can pose future problems if you are in a more competitive environment. They are affordable, so pick up a few.
2. Hosting.
This is just a minor tip, but be sure to add it to your check list. If you are targeting the Irish market, and your website is Irish, ensure you host on a server in Ireland.
3. Your website.
Now we get to the bigger considerations. Most businesses have a website at this stage. However, it is not enough to have a website and hope for the best. Your website is a significant reflection of your business so view it as another office or store location. If you strive to ensure your customers have a good experience in your store or when they walk into your office then make certain you have a similar reflection online. Your site is just as important an entry point and thus, no less relevant.
4. Web analytics.
One element that is so often forgotten is your web statistics. Whether or not your website has been perfected, you should not hold off in gaining an understanding of what people do once they get there. It is also the basis for determining how well your online efforts are working for you. One of the key features of online activity is the ability to track and measure your visitors’ activities. You will gain relevant information such as what messages have been successful at bringing people to your online door, the areas of your site in which visitor are most interested and how long they spend there. If your goal is to increase Dublin visitors, you could add more Dublin biased content to appeal to this audience and then monitor the trends over time. You can test and learn which is so important in this space. Web Analytics packages such as Google Analytics will provide you with this data (and better yet, it’s free).
5. Establish linking strategies.
One way to build online foot fall or traffic is by building up relevant links. Linking is just a pathway, side-street or shopping mall to get you foot fall. Essentially, the more websites that link to yours will help drive additional visitors to your website. Look at sites that compliment your offering, talk about your products in reviews, and link to other companies similar to yours. Do a bit of research and put together the longest list you can. You will surprise yourself sometimes with the number of sites you might like to approach for linking.
6. Directories.
Many times the best leads are from recommended industry listings, especially in the B2B sector. Irish specific directories such as GoldenPages, YourLocal, Vazumo and industry bodies will help you, not only with your search engine ranking, but just getting your site on people’s radar.
7. Professional affiliations.
This may seem like a minor point, but it is easy to execute. Badge any affiliations on your website, it will give visitors confidence that your company is legitimate and trustworthy.
8. Social media, for you.
Social media is a buzz word, but it is not a new buzz word anymore. Consumers are very active in this space and your target audience is most likely using some form of social media in some way. This could range from a Facebook page or a LinkedIn profile. It is good to understand where your customers are in this space. Start small and develop your own personal profile if you are not currently active. You network outside of the web, so start networking on the web.
9. Social media, for your business.
Businesses are also very active in social media, but each business should determine the strategy for their firm first before entering. Decide how to utilise social media to the benefit of the company objectives (is it to enhance customer service, generate awareness or reach new customers?) and do not just enter this space to be seen as active. It is not as daunting as it seems. Use your learnings from your personal profile and develop a page or profile for your business. You can also start by listening and reviewing, and then when you feel comfortable, set up a new group or conversation. Contributing to social networks will widen your circle of influence and build your business network.
10. Don’t always turn down paid-for digital marketing.
If the above areas are not getting you the traction you need, a pay-per-click campaign is also recommended. Google is a great way to get started. Not only do they provide detailed instructions, you aren’t limited by budget and you can target to Dublin only if that is a requirement. Facebook also offer pay-per-click advertising, where you can target your ads to the most relevant groups and profiles and also keywords such as ‘Dublin’ which may be listed in their profile.
Source: Radical
Radical is a full-service online marketing agency dedicated to helping people achieve their online business objectives. Services include: search engine optimisation, paid search advertising, display advertising, web design and development, sponsorship, email marketing, online public relations, social media marketing and usability. Founded in 1999, the company has grown with experience and with fifteen employees dedicated to their impressive list of clients, their expertise makes them an industry leader in Ireland. www.radical.ie