Whether you’re purchasing a product or service, it’s often second nature to turn to the internet. According to Time magazine, more than 70 percent of consumers bought something online in 2023. That number is only growing — one trillion dollars is expected to be spent on e-commerce in 2025.
While audiences are shopping online, they’re also conducting research. According to Google, 53 percent of shoppers browse information about a company before they purchase from the organization.
Making a good impression on the web is crucial in today’s world. A great way to set your business up for success is by growing your digital footprint. Your digital footprint, put simply, is your online business. It is the information you create and share online, from your website to your social media accounts.
A few ways to develop your digital footprint and increase the chances of meeting your current and prospective customers online include:
Investing in your website.
Your website is the core of your digital footprint; it is one of the first places audiences will go to learn more about your organization.
If the only information on your website is your location, hours, and contact information, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Your website is the place to highlight your awesome team, explain your products/services, educate consumers about topics that apply to your business, create excitement around new items, and share the good news going on within your walls. Your website should interest new customers. A website that doesn’t provide much information—or isn’t up to date—gives the impression that your business is disorganized and uninterested.
A recent study by Forbes Advisor found that 91 percent of consumers make purchases on their smartphones. More than half of the traffic to your website will likely come from mobile devices. Prepare for this by optimizing your website for those customers. Use short paragraphs, large text size, understandable navigation options, and make sure your pages load on a phone in a reasonable amount of time.
Using social media to your advantage.
No rulebook says your company must spend big bucks to develop your online presence. Social media is free.
Take some time to think about what platforms your audiences use and focus on those accounts. Post several times a week to cater to the ever-changing algorithms.
Not sure what to share? Reuse and post some of the valuable content you created for your website.
Applying SEO tactics.
SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is the best way to expand your reach to new customers. It helps organizations like Google find your business when people search for the products and services you offer. You want to be at the top of Google’s list; 90 percent of people don’t look past the first page of Google results.
Building keywords into your high-quality content and claiming your business on Google My Business are great ways to start developing your digital footprint.
RSPR is an expert in SEO strategies, social media, message development, website design, and content creation. Contact us today to learn more.