Whenever I go somewhere new—whether a neighborhood, town, or city—I always look for the local shops. I don’t want to go into a chain restaurant or retail store if I can help it. These Mom and Pop shops are unique to their location and can give me a sense of what makes the town special.
The appeal of a local store, for me, is to find something unexpected and special. And the next time I use that serving dish or wear those earrings, I’ll be reminded of the time I spent in that place. Out-of-the-ordinary pieces can also act as conversation starters and lead to word-of-mouth recommendations for shops others might pass by.
Years ago, small businesses were really only known to those who lived in the area and maybe passersby who stopped in once on their way somewhere else. Now, in the Internet age, a small business website isn’t just serving those in the immediate area, but it could help to widen the audience, in combination with a marketing strategy. Here are simple tips on how to take advantage of how valuable your website can be.
Website
Showcase Your Personality
Just like you do in person day in and day out, show off your business’ unique personality. This can be done with fresh images and creative copy that reflects your unique style.
Easy to Read
Often in attempt to show their unique personality, sites will use flowy scripts or low-contrast color combinations, which can be difficult for visitors to read the content you worked so hard to perfect. Make sure that your hard work doesn’t go to waste: use easy-to-read fonts and high contrast colors to make for an easy viewing experience.
Easy to Navigate
Tell visitors who you are and what you do right on the homepage. Have contact info easily accessible. If you don’t include online shopping, include whether you offer over-the-phone orders and shipping.
Optimize for Relevant Keywords
When writing copy, think of words consumers might use on a search engine to find your site. Use these keywords in a natural way on your site to optimize it for search. Don’t forget to include relevant keywords in micro-copy, such as image alt tags and meta-descriptions.
Strategy
The Chamber is Your Friend
Having inbound links leading to your site will also increase website traffic. Get in touch with your local chamber of commerce to join and get a link to your site on their online directory. Make it as easy as possible for visitors or newcomers to find your business.
Ranking high on Google search results pages is always a goal worth pursuing, and having a Google Local account can go a long way. If someone is searching locally for broad terms, you’ll want your business to show in the results. A Google virtual tour can also showcase your business’ personality right from the search page.
Social Media
Everyone knows how important social is, but don’t just be on social media because everyone else is doing it. If you have these accounts, make sure to keep current information and post on a regular basis. While posting behind-the-scenes images or inspirational quotes can get likes and followers, it’s just as important to share links back to your website or blog.
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Need help tying your small business website together with a killer marketing strategy? We’ve got you covered! Call us for a free consultation today.