Top 4 Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses in 2024
Effectively marketing your small business requires a combination of creativity and strategy. In today's fast-changing landscape, both digital and offline marketing tactics are essential for reaching new customers and fostering growth. This article examines four proven marketing ideas, providing valuable insights and practical tips that have helped small business owners, solopreneurs, and entrepreneurs achieve great success. Whether you want to improve your online visibility or make a local impact, these four strategies will give you the tools you need to succeed in 2024.
Google Business Profile:
Google My Business (GMB) is a complimentary online service created to assist in promoting local businesses on the internet. This tool allows business owners to control their online presence across Google and distinguish their business from others.
1.2 So why do you need to use Google My Business?
When you hear about a business or brand and you want to check its credibility, what is the first thing that most people do? They google them.
1.3 Benefits of Google My Business:
Enhanced Visibility: Appears in Maps and Google Local Pack Listings.
Free and Easy to Use.
Allows Customer Reviews and Responses.
Provides Valuable Insights.
Improves SEO.
Offers a Professional First Impression.
Integrates with Google Profile, Maps, Ads, and other tools.
Facilitates Customer Engagement.
Offers Customer Insight for Business Improvement.
Acts as an Additional Communication Channel.
You have the option to showcase crucial details regarding your business such as operating hours, contact information, and website links. Additionally, Google has introduced a new feature enabling you to share articles or upcoming events. As Google continues to dominate the search engine market with over 90% market share, there has never been a better time to create your Google Business account using this free tool.
2. Building a Website
Your website is the face of your business. Whether you're a small local enterprise or a major bank, potential customers often turn to Google to learn more about your business.
As the internet expands, social media gains influence, and mobile devices become increasingly popular, having a website has become essential for growing your business.
Studies indicate that 84% of today's customers perceive businesses with a website as more trustworthy. A professional-looking website with engaging content and visually appealing elements, such as images, videos, and infographics, can greatly improve your brand positioning. By hiring online web developers (like Ocean Earth Marketing), you can receive assistance with all aspects of your site, creating an excellent platform for sharing your story, business goals, and aspirations.
According to Forbes, the following website builders are the best for 2024:
The Best Website Builders of 2024
3. Search Engine Optimization
Search engine optimization (SEO) improves a website's content, structure, and online presence to enhance visibility and ranking in search engine results. This makes it a powerful digital marketing strategy for promoting your business and products, even for small businesses.
SEO is crucial for online visibility because people search for businesses using specific keywords, such as 'Hotels in Cape Town' or 'affordable marketing agency.' To appear in these searches, your business must rank for these keywords.
The key elements to start with include keyword research, content development, on-page SEO, off-page SEO, technical SEO, and local SEO.
The essential tools for small businesses to begin their SEO include Google Analytics, Google Search Console, Google Keyword Planner, and Google Business Profile.
Although SEO may seem intimidating, Ocean Earth Marketing is available to assist at every stage.
4. Blogging and Content Writing
Although SEO may seem intimidating, Ocean Earth Marketing is available to assist at every stage.
Creating professional content is an excellent way to educate potential customers about your services and industry while enhancing your SEO. Search engines prioritise websites with abundant, informative content that addresses common questions. This also engages visitors by covering topics of interest to them.
According to HubSpot, around 60% of people read blogs weekly. Both small businesses and large corporations can create informative content at little to no cost, making blogging an effective marketing strategy for businesses of all sizes.
Blogging can drive website traffic, boost SEO, grow email lists, provide social media content, build customer trust, and educate and engage readers.
It's important to distinguish between a blog and a newsletter. Blogs should provide informative, engaging, and educational content, demonstrating to Google and users that you are an authority in your field. Unlike company updates in newsletters, blogs are evergreen and remain relevant over time, while company news can quickly become outdated.
If you lack time for content creation, Ocean Earth offers affordable writing services.
