When small businesses get started their main focus is usually getting as many customers through the door as possible. They might rely heavily on traditional advertising, like newspaper ads, radio ads or flyers through the door.
But the advertising landscape for small businesses has changed substantially.
If you’re a local business in Waterford then you want to consider the huge potential the online world can offer your company. From reaching new clients for your services locally and nationally to selling your products on an international level, digital marketing (and an impressive website to back it up with) can propel your company into a new era.
What are the benefits of online marketing in Waterford?
Simply put: you can reach a lot more customers online then you can in the local community. People who live outside of Waterford City will be able to access your website and products 24/7 and they won’t have to leave the comfort of their own home either.
By using digital marketing you can reach a much larger audience, in a cost-effective way.
All your customers are online already!
Are you avoiding trying out digital marketing because you think you’re not ready for the online world?
Maybe you don’t want to compete online because you’re worried about fulfilling orders?
The problem is: most of your potential customers are already online and 79% of Irish people use the internet on a daily basis.
In today’s world, there isn’t any time to sit around waiting – because the online world is already open and booming.
Pretty much everybody is online – so there’s a good chance the customers you’re looking for are already looking for somebody like you. But, if they can’t find you on Google, they’ll probably go with somebody else.
When somebody shows interest in a product or a service the first thing they’re going to do is Google it and do some online research. If they’re Googling your company and nothing comes up, they’re going to be a bit suspicious of you.
People expect to find you online because it’s now a standard. People assume that every business will have a website and a social media page to match.
Your potential customers will be searching for any evidence that you exist online. They’ll search for reviews so they can learn what other people think of you and whether you’ll be good to buy from.
If you can’t be found online then your audience is going to think you’re not a legitimate business. There’s a good chance that you won’t be taken seriously either and they’ll head straight for your competitors.
Your competitors are online already too.
Your competitors are all online.
They’re blogging, using social media, uploading videos and engaging with their audience.
They’re paying for online marketing – they’re investing in Google AdWords and social media adverts.
Take a look at how your competitors communicate online.
How can you compete? You already know your company provides a better service, your products are better.
For small businesses to compete online, they need to invest in digital marketing.
If your potential clients begin to search online for your industry or niche and they only find your competitors website and not yours, then your business isn’t even in competition.
Your audience can’t choose you over your competitors if they don’t know about you.
This is why it’s so important for local businesses to get online and show their audience why they’re the right choice. Get your voice heard online today!
It’s not just about ads.
Digital marketing helps you engage with your audience more. You’ll get to know them and find out what they want and need from your business.
Use online ads to promote your website, then engage with potential customers through social media and your blog.
Not only will engaging with your audience help build a trusting relationship between the two of you, but you’ll also be able to understand more about their needs, including:
- What they’re looking for
- What problems they need solving (and how you can solve them)
- What keeps them up at night
- What solutions you can offer
- Why they choose you over other options
A solid digital marketing strategy creates a solid lead funnel for your business – enticing people in with conversion-focused adverts, leading them to a professional website that showcases your hard work and great offers.
There are few forms of advertising that are as cost-effective (and easily measured) as digital marketing. With a good digital marketing strategy on your side, your small, locally-run business will be able to see where your money’s going and measures the results it creates.
By using digital marketing to promote your small business in Waterford you’ll have a better chance at success throughout Ireland and beyond.
Want to know more about how you can get your local business ready for the online world?
Get in touch with us today and we can help you create the perfect website and digital marketing strategy for your business.
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