Make it Easy for Someone to Find Your Business with a Solid Online Presence

More and more people are turning to the internet to find products or services that they need. With so many options out there, if your business isn't easy to find online, you risk being lost in the shuffle. 

Having an online presence is a big deal, sure Facebook helps you get out there, but don't undervalue the importance of having your own space. Why? Well, branding. Your Facebook page is going to pretty much be the same as everyone else’s page. Having a great looking website shows off your business in its best light. First impressions do matter, so make sure you're putting your best foot forward.

Instagram is a platform that is really designed to show off you and your business. They do this through their heavy use of photos. Take advantage of this and use a branded Instagram page to connect with your customers.

TIP: Use Canva to get a cool look that matches your brand on Instagram

Your number one goal of your website and social media page should be getting bookings. So they should be able to make a booking on your social media platforms as well as your website. The quicker you can get a customer to the booking stage, the more likely they are to actually make that appointment, so make it as simple as possible. Check out Bunya's online booking solution, it's just one of the many features we have put together to help make your job easier.

Here are some tips for ensuring your business doesn't get overlooked online:

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Website

• Have a professional design that reflects your company's values.
• Make sure it is clear, concise, and easy to navigate.
• Always have a call-to-action button on every page.

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Social Media

• Use hashtags that will be picked up by people who share similar interests as you
• Follow people in related fields online, but don't spam them with too many posts at once.
• If your business is tied to a physical location, (not online) you should focus on your local community. Sure it's great to have a larger following, but an engaged, local follower is more valuable then 100 followers who are overseas.

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Business Visibility

The checklist for your online business should be the following:

1. Claim your business on Google: "Google My Business" is the largest single factor in determining your business’s local search ranking, so make sure you set it up. https://www.google.com/intl/en_AU/business/
2. Facebook / Instagram: You can have both, or choose the one you prefer based on your target audience.
3. Website: A simple well-designed website still shows that you have a professional business, and can help solidify your brand. You can optimise your website to help drive bookings. 
4. Review Sites: Incentives your customers to leave Google reviews. Customer reviews are powerful. Try and see if any other review platforms might exist for your industry.

Tip: Use Google Alerts to keep an eye out for any mentions of your business.