Did you know that around 78% of Australians research online before making a purchase?
We’re in a digital world, and having a strong online presence is essential for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Especially in Australia where around 98% of businesses are SMEs.
Standing out online can make or break your business.
Whether you’re a local café, a tradie, or a retailer, a solid online presence helps you build trust and connect with customers.
Let’s unpack key tips to help you create an engaging and effective online presence.
From creating a user-friendly website to leveraging social media, these strategies will boost your visibility and attract more customers.
1. Create a User-Friendly, Mobile-Optimised Website
Your website is your digital storefront, showcasing your products or services.
It needs to make a great first impression.
Over 25 million Aussies use smartphones to browse the internet, so your site must also be mobile-friendly.
But how can you get it right?
First, keep it simple. Use clear navigation, readable fonts, and a clean design. Try platforms like Wix or Squarespace for affordable, easy-to-build sites.
Next, make sure your site loads quickly and looks great on phones and tablets. There are sites that offer free mobile-friendly tests which can help you check this.
Then, include your contact details, business hours, and a clear call-to-action (e.g., ‘Book now!’)
Lastly, add timely and reliable content to boost your website.
2. Use Social Media to Engage Your Audience
Social media is a powerful tool to build your online presence.
With over 78% of Aussies active on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter), you can’t afford to skip this.
The key is to choose platforms that suit your business and audience.
Try these strategies:
- Pick the Right Platforms: If you’re a visual business like a florist, Instagram is your go-to. For professional services, LinkedIn works better.
- Post Regularly: Share updates, behind-the-scenes content, or customer testimonials at least two to three times a week to stay top-of-mind.
- Engage with Followers: Respond to comments and messages promptly. A quick ‘Thanks for the feedback!’ can go a long way.
- Use Local Hashtags: Tags like #ShopLocalAustralia or #MelbourneSmallBusiness can help nearby customers find you.
- Share User-Generated Content: Ask customers if they can post about your business and reshare their content (with permission). For example, a café could repost a customer’s photo of their latte art.
3. Optimise for Local SEO
Perhaps you’re wondering what local Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is.
Basically, local SEO helps your business appear in search results when nearby customers look for your products or services on Google.
Here’s a checklist on how you can boost it:
- Claim your Google Business Profile and fill it with accurate details.
- Use local keywords on your posts or website, such as ‘best coffee in Sydney’.
- Encourage customer reviews on Google to build trust.
- List your business on local directories like TrueLocal.
Just a quick reminder: SEO takes time, but it’s worth it. A strong ranking can give your customers the impression that your business is reputable and established.
4. Invest in Both Content and Email Marketing
Content marketing involves creating valuable content, like blog posts, vlogs, or videos, to attract and educate potential customers.
For instance, you can write blog posts addressing common customer questions, or make short videos about your work or your customers’ stories.
Say, a café could publish ‘Top 5 Coffee Trends in 2025’.
Meanwhile, email marketing sends targeted messages to customers so your brand is always on top of their minds.
You can collect emails through website sign-ups or in-store promotions, use tools like Mailchimp to send professional newsletters, or offer exclusive discounts to encourage purchases.
5. Analyse and Adapt
Tracking your online performance helps you understand what works and what doesn’t.
Through this, you can improve and grow your business.
Here’s how you can do this:
- Use Google Analytics to monitor website traffic and user behaviour.
- Track social media engagement with affordable tools online.
- Test different strategies, like new ad formats, and compare results.
And at the end of the day, what matters most is that you adjust your approach based on your data to maximise impact.
Start Building Your Online Presence Now
Building a strong online presence isn’t just about getting more clicks.
It’s about creating trust and staying competitive.
It can be a key to your success.
You can start small.
Focus on these tips and watch your online presence grow.
Hungry for more? Check our other blogs or reach out to us at Tank Insurance for assistance.
Always remember that wherever you are in Australia, a little effort goes a long way in connecting with customers and building a business that thrives in today’s digital landscape.
