8 Online Tools Every Business Needs

We spend so much time chasing after the shiniest new toy that it’s easy to get sidetracked from the basics. Today we’re tacking it back, slowing it down and giving you a play-by-play of the 8 tools your business needs online and how we can help you get there. 

Every business is different, but when it comes to online marketing there are 8 tools every business needs:

1. A Great Website

It needs to be easy to update, optimized for search engines (more below), and must be “mobile responsive” to look great on phones, tablets and PCs. Let your site to do the heavy lifting for you: At BizzyWeb we design our sites to seamlessly integrate with social media by auto-posting content to your networks with a single click. Make sure your site is designed to capture your visitors’ attention, speak to their needs and how you can help them, and focus on relevant calls to action so they know what to do next. Your site is your lead generation funnel, and it’s the one place on the web you truly own. Choose a short, easy to remember domain name, and go with a “.com” address if possible. You can get cheap hosting on your own and suffer down-time and frustration, or we can host your site for just $25 per month.

2. Search Engine Optimization

Your website needs to tell search engines what you do using key search phrases (or “keywords”) if you want customers to find you. What would your customers type in Google if they were trying to find you online? Make sure you include those phrases in your metadata, page content and links. Optimized content requires at least 300 words per page, includes links to other pages on your site and to other high-ranking sites. Focus on relevant content and update your site with new posts at least once a week to keep search engines interested.

3. Social Media

Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and more all relate directly to specific audiences. Remember to keep your conversations “business casual” and speak to your prospects’ needs. Social content is a lot like networking in real life – it needs to be a conversation with your audience and can’t be too sales-oriented. If you’ve already set up your social accounts but haven’t looked at them in awhile, be sure to update your pages as most networks tend to redesign their business pages dramatically every 6 months. Facebook made a dramatic change a few weeks ago.

4. Email Marketing

It’s possible to send messages right to the inboxes of your best prospects. Auto-response campaigns can contact customers and prospects by sending a series of messages without any additional effort on your part, and you can send messages to your favorite clients with targeted lists. Keep your subject lines short and actionable to draw readers in, and be sure not to spam with irrelevant or overly sales oriented messages. BizzyWeb is Constant Contact Master-Certified, and we can make your emails work for you!

5. Paid Advertising

In today’s world, sometimes you need to invest to make sure your messages are seen. Advertising allows you to target exact keywords, messages, and even specific audiences to make sure your messages are seen at exactly the right time, in the best context, and within your budget. Be sure you’re driving prospects to a dedicated landing page that relates to what you’re offering – don’t make them hunt for what they want.

6. Google Places/Yelp/Local Directories/etc.

Online directories and review sites are a great way to level the playing field with your competitors. When someone searches for what you do and they’re physically located close to you, you’ll show up higher on the list than others who aren’t nearby. This is especially important for prospects searching on mobile devices.

7. Calls to Action

No matter how many hits your beautiful new site gets, Facebook Likes you have, or followers you have on Twitter, it won’t help if you don’t show your customer how to buy from you or find out more. Move them to the next step by asking them to sign up for an email newsletter for special offers, tips and advice. Remember to Engage, Inform, Capture and Convert in your online marketing.

8. A Guide

Finally, sometimes it seems like there are just too many choices and options, and it can be tough to figure out how to make the Web work for you. Hire a guide to set you on the right path, show you what works and fast track your success. BizzyWeb’s design programs and our Buzz Builders marketing services are your quickest way to success: Talk to us and get an entire team for less than the cost of hiring a single person.

* * *

You’ve Got the Tools, Now It’s Time To Build

You know what you need, but how do you get there? That’s where we come in. Whether you need a brand identity, have an outdated website or are just looking for some marketing strategy, we can help. Don’t wait – get started today!