Stay Relevant: The Top 3 Digital Must-Dos for Local Start-Ups and Small Businesses
Let’s be real—running a small business feels like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the instructions. You’re guessing, hoping, maybe praying, and somehow there are still extra pieces lying around. You’re the boss, the employee of the month (every month), and the one frantically Googling, ‘How do I get more customers?!’
And now, everyone’s telling you that you need a killer online presence too. Great. Just what you needed—another thing to add to the to-do list. But don’t worry; this isn’t about becoming a TikTok star or posting daily ‘Rise and Grind’ reels (unless you’re into that).
We’re talking practical, no-BS steps to make your business thrive online without losing your mind.
1. Claim and Optimize Your Google My Business Profile
First question: When was the last time you Googled your own business? Be honest. If the only thing that pops up is your old address and an unflattering photo of your storefront, or even worse nothing pops up. It’s time to fix that.
Google My Business (now called Google Business Profile) is your best friend for local visibility. It’s how customers find you, read your reviews, and decide whether they trust you enough to give you their hard-earned money.
Quick Tips:
- Add accurate contact info, business hours, and photos.
- Post updates! Promotions, events, or even a cheerful “Happy Friday!” keeps your profile fresh.
- Ask happy customers to leave reviews. Yes, even your mom counts.
2. Build a Website That Doesn’t Look Like It Was Made in 2010
Your website is like your digital storefront—it needs to be clean, welcoming, and mobile-friendly because spoiler alert most of your visitors are on their phones.
Here’s the thing: If someone clicks on your site and it takes 10 seconds to load, they’re gone. It’s like watching someone walk into your store, turn around, and leave because the door creaked too loudly.
What to Do:
- Keep it simple: clear navigation, easy-to-read fonts, and professional photos.
- Write like a human: Don’t fill your homepage with jargon. Talk about what you do and how it helps.
- Add a call to action: “Call us,” “Shop now,” or “Book your appointment.” People love being told what to do (nicely).
3. Be Social (Without Losing Your Sanity)
Do you have to post on every platform out there? Absolutely not. Besides, there are tools that can automate your posts (more on that in the next post). But should you show up where your customers are? Absolutely, 100%.
Think of social media as the modern-day town square. It’s where people gather, chat, and discover new things. The key is consistency. You don’t need to post every day, but you do need to post enough to remind people you exist 😊.
The Fun Part:
- Share behind-the-scenes moments (even if it’s just your dog “helping” you work).
- Use humor: A relatable meme can do wonders for engagement.
- Talk about local events related to your industry: Show your connection to the community.
Pro Tip: Pick one or two platforms to focus on (like Tiktok or Instagram), and schedule posts ahead of time to keep things manageable.
Wrapping It Up: Keep It Simple and Show Up
Staying relevant online isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things. Claim your Google profile, build a solid website, and keep your social game on point.
And hey, if it still feels overwhelming, reach out to someone who knows what they’re doing (like us!). We promise not to make you dance on TikTok—unless, of course, you’re into that 😉.
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