No matter the size of your business, an online presence is essential to its success. Most people shop online, researching and searching for products and services they’re looking to purchase. For this reason, it’s important to have a presence online to ensure that when your potential customers are looking to make a purchase they find you. However, simply having a website is not enough to establish your presence online. That’s where inbound marketing comes in.

The Value of Inbound Marketing

Inbound marketing is an important strategy for small businesses because it’s the key to making sure people can find your website. Through inbound marketing strategies, you can get Google to rank your site highly for keywords related to your business. It will help you broaden your reach and allow you to reach customers in their research stage, before they make an actual purchase. In addition to the ability to get to your target audience first, you’ll also establish yourself as a leader in your field, establishing trust in your brand.

Local Search

One feature that Google has introduced in recent years that is very valuable to small businesses is local search. When you search for a product or service on Google, there is a section at the top that produces results exclusively made up of local businesses. Leveraging this local search box is a great way for small businesses to gain visibility on Google. This feature is especially important because small businesses are typically in search of local business. Inbound marketing can help ensure your business comes up in this local search feature, allowing you to gain more local business. Encouraging your customers to leave positive Google reviews on your business will improve its local ranking, as well other Inbound methodologies. 

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Search engine optimization, or SEO, is an important strategy to make sure your business gets found on Google. Through blogging, content creation, and structuring your content properly, you can help improve your rank for certain keywords. When you use SEO on your site, people are more likely to find it when they search for keywords related to your business. When you work with SEO experts, they will understand the factors that go into Google’s ranking algorithm in order to organize your site properly and create the right content. When small businesses invest in SEO, they will generate more leads and be sure that they can be found on Google.

Paid Search

Another great option for small businesses that is part of the Inbound strategy is paid search. Paid search ads guarantee that your site will show up at the top of Google. How does it work? First, you will bid on certain keywords that you believe are most valuable to your business. When someone searches for these keywords, your site will show up. Any time someone clicks on your site, you will pay the fee that you bid. Paid search is a great way to push your most profitable services or products, seasonal items, or items of which you have a surplus. You can turn paid search ads on and off at any time, leaving the amount you spend completely within your control. One of the best things about paid search is that you can get results with any size budget, making it a great option for small businesses. The people who click on these ads are the ones who are typically looking to make a purchase soon, meaning paid search will bring quality visitors to your site who are looking to make a purchase.

Social Media

Another tool of inbound marketing that is particularly valuable to small businesses is social media. Social media is a great way to extend your reach and connect with your local community. Social media provides the opportunity to show your local community your business’s personality and connect with them. On Facebook, you can also post about any events for your business, which your followers will be able to see on the local events tab. In addition to organic posting, you can also post ads on social media. These ads can be highly targeted based on a wide variety of demographics to make sure you’re reaching your target audience. You can target your ads based on location, gender, age, job type, and even relationship status. For example, businesses related to weddings can target people in their area who are recently engaged. Social media is a great way to reach your target audience and promote brand awareness.

ImageWorks, LLC | CT Inbound Marketing Agency

Developing an inbound marketing strategy can be a daunting task. Many business owners walk into our office without knowing where to begin. Do not be discouraged. With technology and the digital marketing age moving as quickly as it does, we understand that you may have limited knowledge. We will always take the time to explain to you the process behind our projects. If something confuses you, you will never be judged for asking.

Combining blogging, SEO, social media, paid advertising, paid search, and other inbound marketing services, our experts will work with you to develop the ideal strategy for your business. We can help you generate leads and take your online presence to the next level!