6 Ways to Make Your Business Stand Out Online

If you're a small or medium-sized business, then you probably already understand the importance of finding a competitive edge over your competition.

Even though most business owners realise having a digital presence is essential for growing their business, they also know that it requires time, money, and resources to ensure they have done everything they can to stand out in a sea of competitors. This can be a real challenge.

The good news is that there are a number of ways you can help your business compete and reach your target audience. 

In this blog, I've put together a list of six practical methods you can apply to improve your digital presence and help your business market more effectively.

1. Be socially active

There is little doubt that having an online presence has become an essential component of business marketing during the last two decades. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, many business owners have prioritised digital advertising with good reason. 

Being socially active is critical for expanding your business, creating credibility, and maintaining your reputation.

While this might seem obvious, most businesses don't produce enough content for their websites and social media channels. The competition out there is tough, so you can't afford to stay quiet online.

Check out the most recent statistics from social sprout. They surveyed over 1,000 US consumers and 250 business executives to understand how they use social media and the importance of social media marketing. They found:

• 55% of buyers discover new businesses through social media
• 43% of customers increased their usage of social media to find new products in the previous year 
• 78% of consumers are willing to buy from a brand after having a positive social media experience with them

Currently, there are 4.2 billion active social media users – nearly quadrupling the number that existed a few years ago. These users spend an average of 2 hours and 25 minutes on social media every day. That's an excellent opportunity for businesses to:

• Increase brand awareness
• Grow consumer interactions
• Make direct transactions and conversions using social media channels.

If you don't have time to create your content, and most busy business owners don't, investing in a social media package can help market your products or services and allow you to make more sales.

2. Invest in your website and content

Your website serves as a "shopping window" for the rest of the world to see what you do and why your product is essential. Therefore, it is critical to ensure that your website successfully and professionally displays your services and products in the best way possible.

Even if your website is visually appealing, a lack of relevant content might drive users away. While usability and design are crucial initially, developing compelling content that is informative, entertaining, and unique may set your name apart. 

Make sure all your landing pages are up to date. If you have a blog, it should be updated regularly. 

If you don't have a blog, it might be good to start one. Blogging is an excellent way to educate customers about your products and services and motivate them to want to learn more.

3. Explain what value you provide

Do you understand your value? What are your products and services really worth to your customers?

Unfortunately, surprisingly few business owners can provide answers to important these questions.

Many customers know what they are looking for and what they value when they come to buy online, but they may be unsure how your product delivers value if you haven't explained how. 

A smart business owner will use their online presence to showcase the value of their service and help consumers make educated purchasing decisions.

4. Find out who your ideal customer is

Your marketing efforts will be more effective if you are intentional about finding your target consumers. 

Your ideal consumer is someone who discovers the solution to their problem or alleviates their pain point through your services or products. 

In addition to being loyal to your company, the ideal customer will purchase or use your products/services regularly. They are also more likely to recommend your service to their friends and colleagues. 

To find your ideal customer, begin with whatever data you've gathered about your top customers. This information might include:

• pain points
• age/gender
• race/ethnicity/marital status
• income/occupation/location
• whether they favour certain media outlets
• psychographics and attitudes, including hobbies, beliefs, and interests.

Identifying your ideal consumers can help you screen out consumers who are challenging to sell to and won't invest in your business. Concentrating on your ideal customers can also help you expand quicker and with less effort.

5. Establish authority and differentiate yourself

If you want your business to not only succeed but flourish in today's market, you must establish online authority in your industry and show what makes your product or service superior or unique. 

Before choosing a product or service, customers will search the internet for information and advice. That's why it's essential to generate and distribute high-quality content to end up higher up on Google search results. This is one of the best ways to attract visitors to your website. Blogging is a great way to do this. 

The primary purpose of every marketing endeavour is to stand out, get noticed, and draw potential clients' attention to you.

Unless we can show customers what makes us different, there is little reason for them to buy from us. Every market has some level of competition. Smarter businesses limit the impact of competition to attract customers.

6. Be specific about who you are

Just as your personal identity makes you uniquely you, your brand identity is an effective tool that helps distinguish your business from the competition. 

The brand identity includes more than just your company's logo or product. Essentially, your brand identity conveys your business's personality and promises to customers. 

The overall impression you make on customers, and your distinguishable qualities will help set you apart from competitors. Creating a strong brand identity can take your business to the next level.

To stand out to your customers, you'll need to implement as many of these methods as possible. I hope this guide has given you ideas on how to cut through the digital noise and make your business's digital presence both impactful and memorable.

Ready to stand out online and see real results?

Let's talk!

I’m here to help you implement these methods in your business to drive engagement and sales.