A strong online presence is key for any business looking to grow in this digital age.
But do you know what exactly is an online presence? In this post, we’re going to explore the basic meaning of an online presence and how you can apply it to your business and personal brand.
Note that is not only a business that needs an online presence, everyone needs one.
Online Presence Definition
The term online presence refers to a business’s or persons online identity, which can include websites, blogs, social media accounts, reviews on sites like Yelp, Google My business and the rest, content that are posted online — basically anything related to a company or a person that people can find online.
Is all about how people find and engage with you or your business online. It includes all your digital assets and information that shows in search results.
This means that every single detail of your digital life can affect your online presence.
For businesses, online reviews are very important for your online presence success.
Getting good reviews on websites like Yelp, TripAdvisor, GMB, and the rest is very crucial.
Why is Online Presence important
In today’s business world, a company’s online presence is as important as its physical storefront.
Having an online presence enables customers to interact with a company in convenient ways.
Having a website, for example, allow customers to transact business with you without time restrictions.
It allows your customers to give feedback. They can share reviews of your products and services on websites like Yelp, GMB, and social media.
This helps potential customers to make decisions on your business. It also helps you to know if your customers are satisfied with your business or not. All this feedback helps you to serve them well.
So in all, it gives people access to your brand 24/7 and allows them to share their thoughts at any time.
How to evaluate your online presence
Online presence evaluation will help you understand your wins how and how to improve.
Here are some steps you can take to evaluate your online presence
Identify your current Online asset
To do a proper evaluation, you need first identify the available online asset. Identify the ones you are already using and if there’s the need to add more to archive your goals. Consider the following asset for the evaluation.
- Website
- Social Media
- Google My Business
- Online Directories like Yelp, Trip Advisor, etc.
- Paid Advertisement
Assess Your Current Results
Assess where you stand currently to find out if you are on the right path. Identify where you stand, know if there’s any gap between where you stand and where you want to be.
The following will help you to do proper assessment
- Do people find my business online easily?
- Do people know about my products or services without prompt?
- Do I get leads or sales with my online assets
Create a plan for achieving your online goals
If there are gaps between where you stand, and where you would like to be, then you need to have a good plan to get your desired results. If you are winning already too plan on how to still stay on top.
Good vs. bad online presences
Online presences can be broadly divided into good presences (credible and thoughtful) or bad ones (unprofessional, off-the-rails).
Of course, there are also shades of gray between. It all depends on how your online presence aligns with your goals and objectives as an individual or business owner.
For example, if you run a clothing store, but maintains an Instagram account filled with pictures of hotels and restaurants, that is a bad online presence because it will attract new customers.
But if you are a travel blogger or photographer, then that Instagram online presence will be good for your brand. The point is there might not be strict rules on building an online presence. Make sure that, whatever you do aligns with what you want to achieve with your online presence.
Online Presence and ROI
An online presence should be measurable. It should not be measured by how many hits your website receives or the number of followers you have. An online presence should be measured by its Return On Investment (ROI).
The ROI can be measured by knowing if the result you get is worth the amount of resources you put in your online activities.
The metrics of online presence are often referred to as web metrics. These are actions that users take on your online assets.
How To Establish an Online Presence.
To establish an online presence choose any of the following depending on your goals.
- Build a website
- Register with Google My Business(GMB)
- Join social media
- Join Business Directories
- Do paid advertising
Internet usage continues to increase at a rapid rate and will continue doing so for years to come so don’t be left out. Build your online presence starting today.
Case Study: How I use an online presence to grow a car rental business.
So I had a client who was into car rentals. He wanted a super effective way to reach more customers. Looking at his budget and goals we agreed on two digital assets. That’s a simple website and Google My Business Page.
I built a super simple yet marketing-focused website. Registered, verified, and optimized his GMB. The result is what you see below, the GMB with a simple website brought in enough clients.
At a point, he has to refer some to other places. An online presence can change your business for good if done effectively.
Pro Tips
- Choose what works for you.
- If possible hire an expert to help.
- Start with one or two channels and grow steadily.
- There is no need to register on all social media websites and leave them empty or unattended.
Conclusion
Summing it all up, having an online presence is a must for every business or individual who wants to succeed in business. The fact is the internet will continue to grow. Start today and grow into the future. Thanks for reading.