How Businesses Can Establish a Strong Online Presence
In today’s digital age, businesses must have a robust online presence to succeed. When consumers want to learn more about a company, the first place they often turn to is the Internet. Therefore, it’s crucial for businesses to set up both a website and social media accounts to maximize their online visibility.
However, merely having an online presence isn’t enough. Studies show that actively engaging with customers can lead to a 40% faster growth rate than those businesses that do not have an online presence at all. Therefore, it’s essential to build and maintain an active online presence. Here are some steps businesses can take to get it right:
## Choosing the Right Domain Name
The first step towards building an online presence is selecting a domain name. Once a business registers a domain name, the next step is to create a winning website. There are various ways to use a domain name to build a business’s online presence.
One option is to redirect the domain to an existing website or platform like WordPress or Blogger blog. Alternatively, redirecting a new domain name to a social media site can act as a temporary landing page. Although having both a website and social media presence is ideal, new businesses may not be able to achieve both in the early stages.
## Starting on Social Media
Social media is an excellent way for new businesses to establish an online presence at no cost. Social media sites already have a built-in audience, making them the perfect outlet for testing the online waters. However, unlike a business website, social media platforms do not offer the same level of control.
By registering a business’s web address and directing it to a social media account, a professional web address can be achieved that customers will easily remember. However, to use social media as a marketing tool, businesses should eventually develop and deploy their website, which will provide optimum control.
## Designing Your Website
Once a website is designed, it should serve as a central hub for customers to go for information. All marketing efforts should direct customers to the website to engage, learn, and, hopefully, buy. Over time, the website and social media presence will complement each other, offering similar information in different ways.
To make a website effective, it should be designed properly. Here are some tips to get started:
– Choose a design that’s easy to navigate and visually appealing.
– Ensure the website is compatible with mobile devices.
– Optimize images, use a content delivery network (CDN), and ensure fast page load times.
– Use high-quality images and videos to showcase products or services.
– Include a clear call-to-action (CTA) on every page to encourage customers to take action.
## Conclusion
In conclusion, businesses must have a strong online presence to succeed in today’s digital age. To achieve this, businesses should choose a domain name and set up a website. Social media can be a great way to establish an online presence at no cost. Once a website is up and running, it should be the central hub for customers to go for information. By following these steps, businesses can build an online presence that engages customers and drives growth.
This beginner’s guide was brought to you in partnership with Verisign, the global leader in domain names and internet security. All opinions and experiences expressed are our own.
