Running an online business is quickly becoming the “new normal” in today’s world where just about everyone is doing something, either communicating on social media or through email, watching videos, or shopping. Many large brick-and-mortar businesses also have an online store as well. But many small businesses, especially entrepreneurial start-ups, are mainly online-only businesses. For someone who has an online business, they would very much like for it to grow and succeed, but that can be a bit of a daunting task, especially for someone who is just starting out and may not know how the ins and outs of growing a successful business. So just how does someone go about starting and growing one? Here are a few tips.
Your business, in order to grow and succeed, must fill a need of some sort. What are people in need of? Find a market where people have a need for something but don’t find many responses, and fill that need. Being in this market will increase your chances of succeeding.
Provide your online audience with high-quality content that will encourage them to visit your site. Among other things, the content’s information should be relevant and engaging, reflect the brand’s tone and style, include the mission statement, and encourage interaction with consumers. This can be done by means of asking questions (with answers in online comments), surveys, and contests.
Your website’s design works best if it’s a simple design. If it doesn’t grab the visitor’s attention within 5 seconds, most of them will leave. Use plain fonts, a clear simple navigation that’s the same on all pages, an opt-in form, an easy buying routine, and only use graphics, video, or audio if it will enhance your message. Don’t forget to include a clear and noticeable call to action. A site that loads quickly can also be of help in growing your credibility and visibility, both of which are necessary to growing a successful online business.
Visitors know that it’s possible to have a personalised experience, and will likely expect it from you. Use technology that can provide them with it, such as personalised email newsletters, reminders about their shopping cart, suggestions based on past purchases, etc. Small businesses can make use of small CRMs to help with this.
Many people use mobile devices like smartphones and tablets to do online searches and shopping, so make sure your online business is set up to handle mobile devices.
Use search engines to your advantage. SEO is a must for your site, but also use search engines for advertising as well with pay-per-click ads.
Grow and establish your reputation as an expert. Provide free, expert information and advice to other online sites, and be sure to include a link back to your website. Create articles, videos, or other content that people will find interesting and useful and share it on social media sites or online directories. For content on your site, include a way for visitors to share your content with friends. You can also become active on industry forums and social sites. Blogging is also a great way to share content.
Although it may seem that most people are on social media, email is still “king” for reaching people. So don’t overlook using it for marketing purposes. Your opt-in form allows customers to give their permission for emails, so use it to send newsletters, special promotions, and the like. It also lets you build a relationship with them. Emails are also 100% measurable, are highly targeted, and are cheaper than, say, running ads in print or on TV.
You want your customers to come back and buy from you again, and one way is to upsell and back-end sell to them. For example, you can recommend products that would go great with their original purchase, offer them special deals such as coupons on their next purchase, or offer related products on a “Thank You” page following their purchase. Another tactic gaining popularity to consider is showing similar products that other people have purchased.
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We are called Aggressive Growth Marketing for a reason. Our team offers services, including securing guest blogging services, that are designed to stimulate clear, measurable results within days.