If you’re just getting set up as a business or you are wondering how to ramp things up in 2018, the internet is one of your most valuable tools. It is your virtual megaphone, announcing to the world that you have something amazing to offer.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of other people with megaphones! Many of these are selling the same goods or services as you are.

Here are five ways to cut through the noise and reach your target audience. These tips will help you win clients online and turn your business into a success story.

1  Set your goals, form your strategy

Before anything else, ask yourself what it is you want to achieve. It may be more hits to your website or it could be more sales conversions. Set yourself a goal (or two or three) in accordance with this and you’ll have something tangible to work towards.

Your next step is to come up with a strategy. How are you going to achieve your goals? What actions will you take and how will you make sure they have worked?

Here’s a quick example of some goals and strategies:

Companies that fail tend to flounder when it comes to creating a comprehensive strategy. They try things for a couple of weeks, then give up and move on to something different.

To allow room for trial and error, use an ever-evolving A/B testing method. This means trying two things simultaneously for a week or two, then continuing with the strategy that is working best.

2. Review your website

Your website is so much more than an online brochure. It is a lead-funnel that you can always improve on.

Great websites are an exercise in psychology. They excite buyers by explaining how their problems will be solved. Each page builds the credibility of a brand, product or service and direct mouse cursors to that ever-important “Buy Now”, “Book an Appointment” or “Contact Us” button.

An effective website has the following:

• Inspiring copy demonstrating how your business solves your customer’s problems
• Beautiful, compelling imagery
• Content and page titles optimised with strategic SEO keywords
• Testimonials / social proof from happy customers
• Free offers e.g. newsletters / e-books / first time buyer discounts
• A call to action on EVERY PAGE

If possible, add a (well produced) video sharing information about your business. This helps to form a connection between your brand and your buyer.

Take a look at this website from weight loss expert Nik Toth. Her homepage spells out loud and clear that she can help people achieve their goals. She has included videos, compelling content and testimonials in the form of before and after pics. Her calls to action are strong and her images speak for themselves.

3. Be a thought leader

Smart business people win clients online by letting everybody know they are the expert. Blogging is a huge part of this. If you’re not convinced, consider that major brands around the world including Coca-Cola, AirBnB and fashion brand Anthropologie all have active blogs.

Your blogs should be strategically written with SEO keywords and client needs in mind. Think about what the top five questions are that your customers would have for you and turn these into posts. Aim for a 600 word minimum and break your post up with headings and images.

The second part of your blogging strategy is perhaps the most important: distribution. Post your blogs to your website, share them on social media and add them to your regular newsletter. Take it a step further by reaching out to relevant online publications. Editors are always looking for content and may be interested in publishing your work as a guest post. Your article will be more effective than an ad and will cost a lot less.

Too busy to write for yourself? Commission a professional blogger who will create your content for you. Work with them on a content strategy and get them to deliver your blogs quarterly so that you’re not fussing around with them on a weekly basis.

4. Harness the power of social

This is where you can really have some fun! Your social media content should be all about magnetic images, compelling videos, interesting articles and exciting customer specials.

Don’t make the mistake of trying to ‘win’ on every social media platform. Consider your type of business and what will work best for you. For example, a B2B organisation may find they get better reach on LinkedIn. A highly visual business like a florist or fashion brand might achieve the best results from Pinterest or Instagram.

Building your client base through social is not about the hard sell. It is more about building brand awareness and creating a community.

[The NSW Police have fun with their social account, while spreading a serious message]

Again, the most important thing about your social media is to be consistent. Plan ahead so you have content ready to post regularly.

5. Get Listed

Google My Business, Yelp, Bing, TripAdvisor and True Local all give you the opportunity to promote your business with a free listing. This is another tactic to boost your discoverability on SEO platforms.

It is simple to set up your account with these platforms and to add information about opening hours, location and contact details.

Once you are up and running, send some of your clients a link and ask them to post a five star review about you and your business. This builds your online credibility and improves your reputation.

To win clients online, you need time and a multifaceted strategy. Start with these tips and you will be on the right track to build your audience and grow your sales. To find out more visit us at http://Winmoreclients.com.au