The Value of Being Found: Simple Steps to Make Your Business Stand Out Online
Aug 15, 2024
Tips
In today’s digital landscape, being found by potential customers is more than just about having a website. While SEO remains essential, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. As a business owner, your goal should be to make it as easy as possible for people to discover and connect with your brand. Luckily, there are some straightforward things you can do to boost your business’s online presence, making sure that when people search for services like yours, you’re right there in front of them.
1. Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile
One of the quickest ways to get found online is to make sure your business is listed on Google Business. This free tool helps you appear in local searches, gives you a spot on Google Maps, and allows customers to learn about your hours, contact information, and location. Optimizing your listing by keeping details up to date, adding photos, and responding to reviews can make a huge difference in how your business is perceived. In fact, businesses with complete Google Business profiles are more likely to be trusted by customers.
Pro tip: Update your listing regularly, especially if you have changes in hours, new services, or promotions.
2. Ask for Reviews—Honestly
Customer reviews are gold in the digital world. They build trust and credibility for your business, especially on platforms like Google, Yelp, and Facebook. Don’t be afraid to ask satisfied clients for a review—just make sure you do it naturally. An authentic review from a happy customer speaks volumes more than anything you could say about yourself. Also, be sure to respond to reviews, both positive and negative, in a professional and kind way. This shows that you’re engaged with your customers and care about their feedback.
Pro tip: Include a link to your review page in follow-up emails or on your website to make the process easy.
3. Get Involved in Relevant Online Communities
Your customers are likely having conversations online—and you should be part of them. Whether it's LinkedIn, Reddit, or even local platforms like Nextdoor, joining relevant communities helps you increase visibility and establish your business as a trusted expert. Share helpful insights, answer questions, and show up consistently. This builds awareness for your brand and positions you as someone who provides value beyond your products or services.
Pro tip: Don’t just sell—engage! Build relationships with community members by offering genuine help.
4. Make Sure You’re Listed on Local Directories
Apart from Google, other local directories like Yelp, Angie’s List, and industry-specific platforms can help potential customers find you. These directories often rank high in search results and can give your business a strong local presence. Consistent listings across these platforms, with accurate business details, reinforce your credibility and increase your chances of being found.
Pro tip: Use a tool like Moz Local or BrightLocal to ensure your information is accurate across all directories.
5. Leverage Social Media Presence
While having a presence on Facebook or Instagram may seem obvious, using social media effectively is key to being found. Regularly posting engaging content, showcasing your products or services, and interacting with your audience will keep you top of mind. Don’t forget to make sure your profile information is complete and optimized with keywords that potential customers might use when searching for businesses like yours.
Pro tip: Use location tags in your posts or ads to target people searching for services in your area.
6. Contribute Valuable Content
One of the best ways to get noticed is by contributing value. Whether through blog posts, guest articles, or even participating in podcasts or webinars, sharing your expertise can attract attention. The more you’re able to provide useful information, the more your potential customers will see you as an authority in your field. Plus, the backlinks you generate from these contributions help boost your SEO over time.
Pro tip: Start small by commenting on industry-related blog posts or offering to guest post on related websites.
Conclusion
Being found online isn’t just about investing in a fancy website or complex SEO strategies. It’s about showing up where your customers are looking and making it easy for them to connect with you. From claiming your Google Business profile to engaging in online communities, small but intentional steps can lead to big results. Focus on consistency, authenticity, and providing value, and your business will become much easier to find.
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