By Clint Sanchez · Published · Updated · 2 min read
Quick answer
A small business can build its own digital marketing with eight moves: post on social media where Facebook and Twitter are free, optimize the site for search so buyers find it, guest blog to build industry standing, run targeted email campaigns, manage reputation before critics appear, optimize for local search, publish useful content to establish expertise, and add e-commerce to turn visitors into customers.
Key takeaways
- Facebook and Twitter give a small business two free channels to build a following.
- Without search engine optimization, a business loses the customers who are already searching for what it sells.
- Guest blogging on other sites establishes industry standing and brings relevant traffic that can become leads.
- Email marketing reaches an audience everyone belongs to, with campaigns targeted to the company's needs.
- Reputation management works best in advance: an online presence that addresses issues before critics do.
- Local search optimization is one of the biggest opportunities most small businesses ignore.
- An e-commerce site turns visitors into paying customers and opens new markets.
Number six is the one Baton Rouge owners skip. A pressure washer in Walker or a salon in Denham Springs shows up for "near me" searches only if the Google Business Profile, the website, and the directory listings all agree on the address and phone, and most do not. Fixing that costs nothing and usually moves the needle faster than any ad.
Are you a small business struggling to compete in today’s digital marketplace? BlakSheep Creative has your solution! With affordable marketing services tailored specifically for small businesses, we can help you get the visibility you need to succeed.
We have a solution for you, from website design and SEO to social media marketing and PPC campaigns. So what are you waiting for? Contact us today and let us help you take your business to the next level!
If you’d prefer to give it a go by yourself, here are eight simple ways to create your own marketing magic.
Want this handled for you? We build and market websites for Louisiana businesses, and we will tell you honestly if you do not need us.
1. Social media:
You can’t go wrong with social media, and it’s even easier now. Between Facebook and Twitter alone, you’ve got two free options to market yourself and build a loyal following!
2. SEO:
If you’re not taking advantage of search engine optimization for your site, you’re basically throwing away potential customers. SEO is key to capturing the eyes of people looking for exactly what you have to offer.
3. Guest blogging:
As long as your content is good, this is one of the best ways to establish yourself in your industry and gain relevant traffic that could turn into leads and sales down the road.
4. Email marketing:
Everyone has an email account, which means everyone gets emails. A strategically crafted email marketing campaign will help you get in front of your audience and create new leads that are all targeted toward your company’s needs.
Facebook and Twitter give a small business two free channels to build a following.
5. Reputation management:
Let’s face it, you’re going to have critics. The best way to deal with them is in advance by maintaining an online presence that addresses your issues and shows your customers how much you care about them.
6. Optimize for local search:
This is huge, but very few businesses are taking advantage of it. If you’re not optimizing for local search, then you’re missing out on a significant opportunity to connect with potential clients instead of playing catch-up later on when they’ve already gone elsewhere.
7. Content marketing:
Once you’ve established your brand, your next step should always be to publish informative and relevant content to establish yourself as an expert in the field.
“Amazingly good work for the money. One of the best graphic designers in south Louisiana. Highly recommended.”
8. E-commerce:
There’s nothing more profitable than turning your visitors into customers. If you have a product or service to sell, establishing an e-commerce website is the best way to reach out to new markets – and keep them coming back for more.
There’s no reason why you can’t be the next great small business success story! All you need to do is start rewarding your visitors with great content, and soon they’ll be lining up at your virtual doorstep, ready to spend big bucks!
Baton Rouge’s Leading Digital Marketing Agency
Don’t let the opportunity pass you by – contact BlakSheep Creative today and get started on your way to digital marketing success!
Trying to figure out what marketing actually moves the needle for your business? Book a no-pitch Discovery Call and we’ll talk through your specific situation.
About the author
Founder & Lead Developer · Denham Springs, LA
Clint has built and marketed websites for 26 years, since founding BlakSheep Creative in 2000. He is also a 29-year firefighter and a 23-year member of IAFF Local 557, which is where the bias toward plain answers over sales copy comes from.
- Veteran-owned
- Firefighter-owned
- IAFF Local 557
Common Questions About Starting Online Marketing
Short answers to the questions that come up most on this topic.
What is the cheapest way for a small business to start marketing online?
Why does a small business need SEO?
Does guest blogging still work?
How does content marketing help a small business?
Should a service business have an e-commerce site?
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