Is your business the bee’s knees, but people aren’t talking about how fantastic you are? Here are five ways that you can improve your local image as a small business.
- Build a responsive, modern website
You’ve gone to the networking meetings, you’ve had more lunch-and-learns than you care to count, and those are great. While these are excellent in-person tactics that will improve your local image, it’s nearly impossible to match the total reach of a responsive website.
Nearly all of your potential customers and clients are going to look at your website before they call you or step through your doors, so having a website which is readable on mobile (responsive), speaks to the clients’ needs, and aesthetically pleasing will go a long way.
- Tell amazing stories
As a small business owner, you’re responsible for crafting the story that you tell to your new customers. Telling something memorable and relatable will endear your business to the local area and help people like you, improving your local image.
Telling the stories will grow your brand if you’re able to combine it with rock-solid marketing techniques.
- Use a chatbot
Chatbots, like your website, are available 24/7. They can provide instant responses to simple questions, set up appointments, and more. Chatbots that are well set up offer an excellent customer experience as well as leaving you and your staff available to work on other matters.
“When we installed our chatbot, we received an immediate uptick in client calls and consultations. It was one of the best business decisions we’ve made,” says Ted Rosenberg, founding partner of Rosenberg and Gluck LLP, a top 100 rated nationally acclaimed personal injury lawyer.
- Publicly respond to your existing clients
You’ve heard the phrase “long time listener, first-time caller” before. As you gain attention and improve your public image, you will gain followers who are not ready for your services yet. However, they will still pay attention to what you have to say. Those people want to see how you handle yourself because they want to know how you associate with others.
So, if you receive reviews of your services (Google reviews are immensely helpful for getting you into the Google 3-pack), thank them. Answer questions, and be present.
- Use Social Media
Whether you’re a B2B or B2C small business, properly using social media can improve your image. By posting proven content that engages (and publicly engaging with your existing clients), you can take your image to the next level.
When choosing your social media platform, let the customers determine where you go. Go to where your target clients are and engage with groups and other entities to make your presence known.
The best way to improve your image is to let more people know about you and encourage them to interact with you. By communicating more with your potential clients and being more accessible and helpful, you can achieve great success in the digital marketing landscape.
