Imagine this with me.
You open up a brick-and-mortar storefront and you’re so excited! You’ve decorated the inside of the store and it looks like all the Pins you pinned on Pinterest. You got a sick sound system installed and you’re jamming all your favorite obscure, indie disco jams (maybe that’s just me.)
This store is “EVERYYTHAANGG”!
But there’s a problem.
Your store is in a hidden alley and you didn’t put up any signs. How many people do you think are going to show up? Probably no one.
This was not just a random story - it’s a point I’m trying to make. A store in a hidden alley with no signs is the same as having a business with zero online visibility.
We are in a digital era, and if you're not visible online, you’re no where. In fact, online visibility has become such an important element of business success, especially considering that a staggering 89% of customers begin their buying process with an online search. If your brand doesn't pop up in these searches, you're missing out.
It’s time for you to stop missing out on potential customers. The first step starts here by reading this blog.
In it, I’m going to show you what is online visibility, and how you can boost yours!
Ready?
What Is Online Visibility?
Let’s start at the beginning with a good ole definition (classic blog writing.)
Online visibility refers to how prominently and frequently your business appears in online searches, social media, and other digital platforms. It's more than just having a website. It's about ensuring your brand is seen, interacted with, and remembered by potential and current customers.
Here are some key factors that you need to keep track of when assessing your online visibility:
- Search Engine Results: How high your business ranks on search engine results pages (SERPs).
- Social Media Presence: Your activity, followers, and engagement on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and more.
- Online Reviews: Presence on review sites like Yelp or Google My Business and the feedback you receive.
Why Is It Important For Your Business?
Before I answer your question, how about you answer mine first?
Why is water important for you to drink?
Hopefully you said it’s because we can’t survive without it.
Well the same is true about online visibility.
Just like we can’t survive without water our businesses won’t survive without online visibility.
Want to hear a crazy stat? There are 8.5 billion searches made on Google per day. If you’re not at the top of those search results, the lack of your online visibility is killing your business.
I don’t mean to sound intense, but it’s true.
Growing your business, doubling your revenue, expanding your company all starts from boosting your online visibility.
As if that’s not enough to stress the importance of online visibility for your business - here are a few more reasons:
- Building Trust: Customers often equate a strong online presence with credibility. If a business is easily found online with consistent positive reviews and an active social media presence, it can foster trust more quickly with potential customers.
- Competitive Advantage: Many businesses still underutilize online tools and strategies (I’m looking at you business owners who don’t think they need a website.) Those who invest in online visibility not only outshine competitors but can reach potential customers more effectively.
- Cost-Effective Marketing: Traditional advertising can be expensive and its ROI hard to measure. Digital marketing, built on the foundation of strong online visibility, can be more budget-friendly and offers trackable metrics.
- Open 24/7: Unlike physical storefronts, the digital world never sleeps. With strong online visibility, businesses can attract potential customers around the clock.
- Enhances Local Visibility: For brick-and-mortar businesses, online visibility boosts local presence as well. Thanks to location-based searches, a restaurant or store can become a top recommendation when consumers search for services "near me."
7 Ways To Improve Your Online Visibility
I trust that I’ve successfully seared into your mind how important online visibility is for your business. Let’s get practical with this stuff now.
Below I have 7 of my favorite and effective ways to improve online visibility:
- SEO Optimization: Ensure your website is optimized for search engines. This includes keyword integration, meta descriptions, and quality content.
- Engage on Social Media: Regularly post relevant content, engage with followers, and run targeted ads to increase your reach.
- Leverage Online Reviews: Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on platforms like Yelp or Google My Business.
- Content Marketing: Regularly update your blog or resources with valuable content that answers potential questions your audience might have. This not only boosts SEO but also establishes authority.
- Email Marketing: Keep your audience engaged with regular newsletters, updates, and offers. This keeps your brand top-of-mind.
- Engage in PR Activities: Online press releases, media features, or collaborations can improve visibility and credibility.
- Engage in Online Communities: Join forums or online groups relevant to your industry. Answer questions, provide insights, and establish yourself as an expert.
Conclusion
In today's digital landscape, online visibility is not just an option—it's a necessity. By understanding its importance and actively working to boost it, you’re going to be able to tap into a vast pool of potential customers, drive sales, and outshine competitors.
Remember, being seen is the first step to being chosen by your customers. Work on your online visibility and become your customer’s first choice!
Does reading this blog make you want to level up your business? Let's huddle up and work together to get your business into victory formation!
