How effective is an online presence for SMEs?

Did you know that the lack of an online presence is one of the top three reasons many Exeter business enterprises fail? Perhaps intimidated by the idea of operating online, many established local businesses still rely on traditional marketing methods, including flyers, newspaper adverts, radio links and TV spots. In many cases, these simply aren’t having the desired affect.

Online presence, on the other hand, has an array of far-reaching benefits. Unlike marketing that is limited to a local audience, web content has the potential to be seen much further afield. This increases a small-to-medium enterprise’s chances of operating internationally, and increasing its exposure, profile, and profits. This kind of presence is also a fantastic way to engage potential customers and to encourage brand loyalty.

Establishing a strong online presence

Establishing a strong online presence is about much more than creating a website; you need to be dedicated to publicising your enterprise and prepared to reach out and engage with your target audience. Many individuals (potential customers) now spend a great deal of time online so your web presence is going to be vital to your success. Very few businesses will thrive unless they’re able to create, and maintain, an online relationship with consumers. Since this will mean exhausting a variety of avenues, we’ve included a guide below...

An effective website

Create your online presence with a website that is both memorable and easy to navigate. This is your opportunity to introduce your business and to show your target audience what you offer. Ensure your site has a strong, consistent voice that can be easily associated with your brand, and use logos, imagery and colours to reinforce your enterprise’s purpose. As you further your online presence remember to use text and imagery that relates to your website; you’re trying to create an instantly recognisable presence, after all.

Social media

The key to a strong online presence is the ability to conquer more than one platform at any one time; an aptitude for social media will ensure your company is able to maximise its reach and capitalise on passing traffic that would otherwise have bypassed your website altogether. Likes, shares, and comments are everything to businesses these days, so spend time developing a social media persona and establishing a network of loyal customers. As long as they’re relevant to your enterprise, viral content, memes, images, and videos are a great way to engage followers and increase your visitor numbers.

Blog content

The quality of your web content and associated literature is vital; it should speak to your customers in a clear, concise tone, and be instantly identifiable as part of your branding. Creating regular blog posts is a great way to drive traffic to your website, encourage engagement and inspire customers, as well as telling new followers a little more about yourself and the industry you’re part of. Such content is also vita for SEO purposes, bringing people to your site via search engine queries and keywords. If the idea of creating this kind of content has left you cold, or even intimidated, it could be time to seek out the expertise of a web content company. These enterprises can ensure that you always have the right words online, without the worry of having to write them yourself.

Online ordering and payment system

It has been estimated that less than half of all SMEs are able to process online payments, meaning they could be alienating a large percentage of their target demographic. We, as consumers, tend to live in the here and now, and will often go elsewhere if we can’t browse and shop in the same place. Have you ever considered installing an online ordering and payment system? If not, you must ask yourself why not, and why should it be to your detriment to do so? Your online presence extends beyond your website, blog, and social media network; it should also include your accessibility, and your user friendliness. You may even want to consider creating an app, which would complement your online presence perfectly.

Help and support

Finally, consider how approachable you’ve made your business. Have you included contact details on your social media and website? Does your website feature a chat feature or contact form so that customers can reach you in an instant? Such features are invaluable for creating loyal customer/retailer relationships.
An established online presence is vital for SMEs in this era of the Internet. At a time when more consumers than ever before are choosing to find their information online, local businesses must trust their ability to engage web users if they’re to succeed. The idea of putting yourself online so comprehensively may be a daunting one, but trust us when we say it’s absolutely necessary; if you’re prepared to put in the time and effort, your online presence should reward you handsomely.