Nine Tips for Businesses to Grow Online Presence

The SEO game is not an easy one to play. Although anyone can use an algorithm to generate keywords, creating links isn't enough to increase business revenue. There are more essential ways to find and keep prospective clients - unique content, helpful organization, in-depth product information, and most importantly: valuing them as an individual.

Customers are far more likely to use a business they feel connected to than one they have no personal stake in. Making yourself open and accessible to your potential client base is a great way of positively marketing your public image.

By following these steps, you can reach out to a large local client base without losing the individuality of the customer in the shuffle.

  1. Create a group for local businesses on Facebook.

  2. Facilitate business-to-business connections. This is a channel that local businesses can use to connect, discuss local events, share strategies, ask for advice, and meet potential partners.

  3. Don't focus on SEO. Don't even mention SEO in the group. The group is not about SEO - it's about local businesses communicating.

  4. Take notes on the local businesses. What struggles seem to span the whole community? What do individual businesses struggle with? How willing are business owners to share and help one another? Usually it takes a few weeks, but these groups generate positive feedback and thorough connections.

  5. Create a list of active businesses that you can promote your SEO services to.

  6. As the group admin, connect with business owners and tell them about your SEO agency. Mention you can help them rank higher in search engines and generate more traffic. If you can, personalize each message with details that you've learned from the individual's forum posts. This shows that you value their business and aren't just self-promoting.

  7. Market any other business-related ventures as a group affiliate.

  8. Be consistent and kind in your conversations. Continue to update your list of local businesses and details about them.

  9. Consider providing "freebies" like quick instructional guides with links back to your website. Encourage people in the group to share the freebies with friends and family. This will generate leads for you.