11 Great Website Tips for New Business Owners
Published July 27, 2024
As an entrepreneur or small business owner, you’ve likely experienced the exhilarating rush of securing your first sale through social media. The likes, shares, and comments validated your hard work. But have you considered the hidden costs of relying solely on these platforms to drive your business? While social media can be a powerful tool for marketing and customer engagement, it can also become a risky game that leaves your business vulnerable. Let’s explore why it’s crucial to diversify your online presence and cultivate your digital property.
First and foremost, the ever-changing algorithms of social media platforms can be a cruel reality check for entrepreneurs. One day, your posts may reach thousands of potential customers, while the next day, they vanish into the abyss, unseen by the audience you meticulously crafted. These shifts are often unpredictable, made without warning, and challenging to navigate. By depending solely on social media for sales, you may find yourself on a rollercoaster ride of visibility that leaves you anxious about the future. Imagine pouring time and energy into creating content only to watch your efforts evaporate due to an algorithm change. It’s a frustrating scenario that many entrepreneurs face daily.
Moreover, platform outages can halt your sales efforts entirely. Whether it’s a temporary technical glitch or a significant outage, you risk losing sales opportunities when relying on a singular platform. Your promotional campaigns, flash sales, or product launches could fall flat if your audience cannot access your content. Small businesses thrive on momentum, and losing that momentum due to external factors can cost you sales and customer trust.
Then there is the issue of ownership. When you build your business primarily on social media, you are handing over significant control to these platforms. While they may provide a wealth of resources, you don’t own your customer data or the relationships you cultivate on these sites. If a platform decides to change its policies, restrict your reach, or ban you, you’re left scrambling. Avoiding dependence on social media means maintaining control over your business and how you connect with your customers.
So, what can you do to mitigate these risks while still harnessing the power of social media? The answer lies in building your digital property. Here are some critical steps to establish a robust online presence beyond social media:
1. Create Your Website: Your website is your digital storefront. It’s a place where you control the narrative and presentation of your brand. Investing in a user-friendly, aesthetically pleasing website can create a lasting impression on potential customers. Not only does it allow you to showcase products or services, but it also provides an opportunity to establish credibility and trustworthiness.
2. Leverage Email Marketing: Building an email list puts you in the driver’s seat regarding communication. While social media platforms can help you reach customers, emails land directly in their inboxes. Utilize email marketing to share promotions, launch new products, and foster deeper connections. Offer value through exclusive discounts and informative content that keeps subscribers engaged.
3. Invest in Content Marketing: Create valuable content that positions you as an expert. Starting a blog drives organic traffic to your website and allows you to cultivate relationships with your audience through storytelling and valuable insights. Blog posts can educate, entertain, and inspire, allowing you to establish yourself as a thought leader while driving potential customers closer to purchasing.
4. Consider Paid Advertising: While organic reach on social media may be sporadic, investing in paid advertising can offer more predictable results. Platforms like Google Ads allow you to target specific demographics based on user intent rather than relying on social media models. Combine paid advertising with your digital property for a dynamic approach that increases visibility.
5. Engage in Community Building: Invest time in creating a community around your brand. Engage with customers through forums, webinars, or private Facebook groups. Encourage discussions, collect feedback, and foster loyalty. Customers who feel connected to your brand will likely become repeat buyers.
In summary, while social media is a valuable marketing tool, it should not be your sole strategy for business success. The hidden costs of relying exclusively on these platforms can undermine your efforts and limit your growth. By taking control of your digital property—a well-maintained website, a strong email list, engaging content, targeted advertising, and a dedicated community—you can enhance your sales potential without fearing external factors overruling your hard work. The next time you plan your marketing strategy, consider these steps and build a resilient digital presence that can weather the unpredictable storms of social media. Your business will thank you.
As an entrepreneur or small business owner, you’ve likely experienced the exhilarating rush of securing your first sale through social media. The likes, shares, and comments validated your hard work. But have you considered the hidden costs of relying solely on these platforms to drive your business? While social media can be a powerful tool for marketing and customer engagement, it can also become a risky game that leaves your business vulnerable. Let’s explore why it’s crucial to diversify your online presence and cultivate your digital property.
First and foremost, the ever-changing algorithms of social media platforms can be a cruel reality check for entrepreneurs. One day, your posts may reach thousands of potential customers, while the next day, they vanish into the abyss, unseen by the audience you meticulously crafted. These shifts are often unpredictable, made without warning, and challenging to navigate. By depending solely on social media for sales, you may find yourself on a rollercoaster ride of visibility that leaves you anxious about the future. Imagine pouring time and energy into creating content only to watch your efforts evaporate due to an algorithm change. It’s a frustrating scenario that many entrepreneurs face daily.
Moreover, platform outages can halt your sales efforts entirely. Whether it’s a temporary technical glitch or a significant outage, you risk losing sales opportunities when relying on a singular platform. Your promotional campaigns, flash sales, or product launches could fall flat if your audience cannot access your content. Small businesses thrive on momentum, and losing that momentum due to external factors can cost you sales and customer trust.
Then there is the issue of ownership. When you build your business primarily on social media, you are handing over significant control to these platforms. While they may provide a wealth of resources, you don’t own your customer data or the relationships you cultivate on these sites. If a platform decides to change its policies, restrict your reach, or ban you, you’re left scrambling. Avoiding dependence on social media means maintaining control over your business and how you connect with your customers.
So, what can you do to mitigate these risks while still harnessing the power of social media? The answer lies in building your digital property. Here are some critical steps to establish a robust online presence beyond social media:
1. Create Your Website: Your website is your digital storefront. It’s a place where you control the narrative and presentation of your brand. Investing in a user-friendly, aesthetically pleasing website can create a lasting impression on potential customers. Not only does it allow you to showcase products or services, but it also provides an opportunity to establish credibility and trustworthiness.
2. Leverage Email Marketing: Building an email list puts you in the driver’s seat regarding communication. While social media platforms can help you reach customers, emails land directly in their inboxes. Utilize email marketing to share promotions, launch new products, and foster deeper connections. Offer value through exclusive discounts and informative content that keeps subscribers engaged.
3. Invest in Content Marketing: Create valuable content that positions you as an expert. Starting a blog drives organic traffic to your website and allows you to cultivate relationships with your audience through storytelling and valuable insights. Blog posts can educate, entertain, and inspire, allowing you to establish yourself as a thought leader while driving potential customers closer to purchasing.
4. Consider Paid Advertising: While organic reach on social media may be sporadic, investing in paid advertising can offer more predictable results. Platforms like Google Ads allow you to target specific demographics based on user intent rather than relying on social media models. Combine paid advertising with your digital property for a dynamic approach that increases visibility.
5. Engage in Community Building: Invest time in creating a community around your brand. Engage with customers through forums, webinars, or private Facebook groups. Encourage discussions, collect feedback, and foster loyalty. Customers who feel connected to your brand will likely become repeat buyers.
In summary, while social media is a valuable marketing tool, it should not be your sole strategy for business success. The hidden costs of relying exclusively on these platforms can undermine your efforts and limit your growth. By taking control of your digital property—a well-maintained website, a strong email list, engaging content, targeted advertising, and a dedicated community—you can enhance your sales potential without fearing external factors overruling your hard work. The next time you plan your marketing strategy, consider these steps and build a resilient digital presence that can weather the unpredictable storms of social media. Your business will thank you.