In most cases, what do people find when they do a search online for your small business?

While you may not always be able to answer that question, you are likely to get some feedback from customers (and those you hope to make customers) during regular interactions you may have with them.

In listening to what they have to say, listen carefully.

It is important that you understand not only what customers want from you and your small business, but what their overall shopping and buying habits are in general.

That said do you sometimes get the impression that customer searches for your business come up empty?

Let Customers Know Where You’re Located

It is not just the physical location of where your small business is located at, but also where you website is online, where customers can track you down on social media, where you will be making appearances at trade shows and networking conferences, where you are active in the community, and much more.

So, roll up your sleeves and keep these pointers in mind in getting more attention sent your brand’s way:

• Your online presence – First and foremost, you want consumers to have a relatively easy time finding you when they surf the Internet. Google searches mean business for you, so don’t make them difficult. By making sure you rank as high as possible on Google and other search engines for your particular line of business, you increase the odds that consumers will learn about you and your brand. By making sure all your ducks are in a row as far as your website, contributions to social media etc. you should be in good shape when it comes to consumers finding you during an Internet search;
• Your blog – Why is it that too many businesses neglect one of their best advertising and marketing friends? Yes, your website’s blog is a great tool for spreading brand news. That said do you fully take advantage of it? Unfortunately, too many business owners fail to execute a good game plan when it comes to their blogs. As a result, they miss out on brand attention, attention that down the road can turn into increased revenue. If you’ve been negligent when it comes to your blog, be sure to take a new direction moving ahead. Your blog should be both authoritative and informative, be updated on a regular basis, and be strongly promoted on social sites, in press releases, at networking events etc. Never miss an opportunity to use your company’s blog as one of your best promotional vehicles;
• Your choice of events – Another way whereby consumers can find you is when you attend networking events, trade shows, community functions etc. Sure, you can’t be everywhere all the time, but you should have a well-organized game plan as to what events most require your attendance during the year. They can run the gamut from big trade shows to small community fairs. The key is to determine how you can best prosper from attending certain events. When you are in attendance, make sure you bring along some promotional items that have your brand’s name, contact information, and of course image on them. This is a great means to get some free advertising for your brand, along with giving consumers what most are more than happy to accept, free merchandise;
• Your social activities – Finally, a strong social media presence is all but a necessity in today’s business environment. Whether you are present on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, it is all about being an active social player. Allow your employees to also contribute to your brand’s social activities, especially since they are the ones typically having the first and most contact with customers. Finally, be sure to listen to what consumers are saying about your brand on social sites. In many cases, that will be the best education you ever receive regarding your business.

When it comes to customers finding out more about your business, be as active as possible,

By doing so, you increase the odds of people finding out about who you are, what you do, and how you can make their lives better when all is said and done.