26 online marketing tactics to grow your business

The idea for this blog post came from an infographic created by Red website design and Marketing Zen.com

Write a blog

Blogging is a really effective method of driving potential customers to your website. According to experts, Yoast, (2016) the minimum length for a blog post should be 300 words although you must ensure that your blog incorporates search engine optimisation (SEO). If you ensure consistent blog writing on your website and supplementing this through sharing your content on LinkedIn it will help to improve your reputation as thought-leaders.

Make a Podcast

This might not be to everyone’s taste but giving your customers an insight into your personality certainly breaks down the first barrier. In the same way that consumers like to see a face to a name, this works in exactly the same way. It helps people to build a picture in terms of what committing to a potential business relationship might be like which could secure a new deal.

Use tangible action verbs

It may not seem like an influencing factor yet it highlights that your company is getting things done efficiently and consistently. Whether it be an email to a client or a post on social media, it is important that you showcase your brand in a successful light. The way in which you use language underlines your aptitude for the subject matter.

Build a presence on social media

Since the birth of social media combined with the array of platforms available this is crucial to brand awareness. Get involved with like-minded individuals to help whilst influence where possible. There may not be thousands of followers overnight but if you stick with it you are guaranteed to get results!

Create a webinar

If you feel like you are highly knowledgeable on a certain topic where others may benefit then this is a great idea. For example, GDPR, did you know that opt-in for email marketing campaigns across the European Union (EU) will differ between each country? Of course, there are a plethora of topics to choose from which could really help you and your business reach out.

Make a video

A short and informative video that captures imagination can be a welcome tonic to any site regardless of the industry. It increases that level of familiarity between the customer and your business. If you’re at an event, why not try Facebook live? It’s a great way for instant reaction and communication to see if you’re getting it right.

Offer a valuable free download in order to capture email addresses

Consumers have a thirst for content and are naturally curious so providing them with a freebie will only implore the relationship. When customers sign-up it increases your subscribers which will help to provide more accurate data. In addition, your next email marketing campaign should see higher click-through rates which is great for your website.

Post case studies on your site

A recommendation in the appearance of providing an informative story can be a real game-changer for your business. It evidences that you can form excellent customer relationships and take people on a real journey. It is helpful to get positive feedback but when you can showcase your problem solving on your website it adds to the perceived quality of your work.

Create infographics

People may not like to admit it but they have an innate level of laziness when it comes to statistics – so help them! If you have access to cutting-edge information don’t hesitate to share it on social media, trust me, you’ll still reap the rewards. It needs to provide a benefit and if it does then it will in turn increase your social media following on a consistent basis.

Use keyword search

Market research on any level can be good but self-research can really make the difference. A fully optimised website along with your content can see your analytics change and quickly. It may seem quite simple but this little tip can be of real benefit.

Reach out to influencers

If you don’t ask then you don’t get? Still not sure? As a growing business getting your brand on a larger, more influential site will see your company become more trusted by potential customers in no time. A blogger that has a considerable following in a similar industry will also help to give your numbers a push!

Google your competition

A basic SWOT analysis [Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities & Threats] will give you a head start when it comes to any future changes you might want to make to your business. Look at it in football terms, you always see managers watch their future oppositions, it’s human nature and vital for success. Maximise every opportunity!

Google yourself

Personally if you are even tempted to try a different takeaway then you’ve probably looked at their reviews. Your customers are the same so it is vitally important to have a quick check online to see how things are going. You need a balanced view of how past customers see your work to see where you can improve or develop.

Respond to negative reviews

Try to understand why customers have held a less than positive opinion of your work – there’s no point moaning about it! Just try to realise what can be done to alleviate the situation with a keen intent to provide a helpful outcome.

Respond to positive reviews

Congrats! Your service has been well received! Please just take the time to acknowledge the comments that your customer has been kind enough to leave. Word-of-mouth-marketing can be a real source of future business so don’t underestimate the power of your interaction here!

Get citations in your local listings

Maximise your brand awareness in terms of where customers can notice your company. People like to use local firms because it means it can be easier to set up meetings in short notice. It provides an insight for customers in to where you are on your journey.

Make sure you have consistent data on all local listings

The last thing you want to give a potential customer is a bad first impression. You’ll never get a second chance. By ensuring your information is 100% accurate across all listings it demonstrates your conscientiousness and your ability to get the simple things done right.

Join as many associations as possible

In other words get active! Join relevant industry associations e.g. Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM). It displays that you know about what you’re doing and importantly you care. Having a level of insight that may be one step ahead of your competitor could make all the difference.

Use Google Analytics

It’s good to have a voice on the Internet but if nobody can hear it then where will you grow your business? Always keep an eye on how things are progressing because this is a crucial tool for the ongoing development of your business.

Put your contact info on every page of your site

Never make it business relationships more difficult than they need to be by forcing customers to go searching for information. Keep it simple stupid (KISS) is a great way to remind yourself to make it straight-forward. A small but visible reminder of your opening hours across all pages of your website is really helpful.

Make sure your site is mobile friendly

If a customer is on their way to see you then the chances are they’re going to have a little nosy on your website. Ensure your website is mobile-friendly and it shows your company cares about their online reputation.

Write press releases

Keep your customers up-to-date on what’s going on. It doesn’t have to be huge, breath-taking news in order to justify a press release. It could simply be about some of your latest signings to your growing marketing team. If you can get increased recognition via other sites then go for it!

Hold an online chat

With an online chat you get honest feedback immediately which can help you fix future potholes before they become a real problem. Alternatively it can show your commitment to your customers and highlight that you are a forward-thinking company. It’s a win-win!

Partner with other businesses

It’s not all dog eat dog! If you can see an opportunity to build relationships in the industry then it will help both businesses. It can mean new customers and help to create a more trusted, well-rounded overview.

Add customer testimonials to your site

This really is marketing at its’ finest, recommendations through well-considered testimonials are an excellent use of your website content. When potential customers feel they can trust you through this it can help to build a consistent portfolio. The more you have the more people are likely to consider your services.

Hold a contest

A competition is a really effective technique to enhance your marketing to create a sense of fun with your brand. Everyone always enjoys taking part and a few winners help to increase the level of fairness. Everyone loves a free gift!