Five options for getting your business online

Options for getting online

This video introduces four strong options for building a business presence online:

• Websites are a common way to put a business online. On your site, you can feature your business products and services, post videos and images, share the story of your company, sell things using e-commerce tools, and make it easy for customers to contact you and post reviews. Learn more about getting started with a website and getting started with e-commerce.
• A Business Profile on Google can help you get new local customers.  Every day, people are searching for your business on Google. Stand out and connect with customers with a free Business Profile on Google Search and Maps. Show who you are with photos, special offers, and posts. Help customers get more done with the information they need, like hours, contact info, and safety measures. Connect with them through messaging, phone calls, or replying to reviews. And offer more ways to help with online bookings, quotes, and orders. Learn more about getting started with your profile.
• Social media platforms allow two-way interactions that can help your business get discovered by new customers and build trust with existing customers. These platforms complement your other online homes by letting you post timely updates and interact with customers. You can encourage people to share your posts with others and read their comments to learn about their needs. It’s easy to set up social media accounts, but be prepared to invest some time in creating fresh, compelling content and responding to customer comments. Learn more about getting started with social media.
• Mobile apps help you connect with customers nearby using GPS, enable customers to place orders, and let you share special offers and loyalty perks. Launching a mobile app is more complex than the other options, so weigh this option carefully against your available time and budget.

Bonus: Harness the power of video with YouTube

Video might not spring to mind as the easiest way to get your business online, but it’s now easier than ever to use video to promote your business.

Every business has a story to tell, and YouTube gives you a free brand channel where you can inform, inspire, and entertain customers. Since people turn to YouTube when they want to learn about or discover something new, it’s a great way to reach new customers or motivate existing ones to make a purchase.

To build your YouTube channel, first add your logo, business name, and a landing page banner. Next, create one or more videos that introduce your business and explain who you are, what you do, and what makes your business special. You can also invite collaborators from your company to upload videos and manage content, making it a team effort. Videos don’t need to be time-consuming or expensive to produce, either. Many businesses create successful YouTube channels with smartphone videos.

Picking your online presence

To decide how to launch your business online, start by considering what you want customers to do:

• Shop online: When you want customers to purchase products, try a website that gives you an online store, called e-commerce. Add a mobile app, if that makes sense for your brand.
• Visit your store in person: To encourage customers to stop by, try a Business Profile on Google Search and Maps so they find you and know when you’re open.
• Build a relationship: If you want customers to have discussions and give feedback, try adding social media or YouTube to your online mix.

Also, think about how you prefer to engage online as a customer yourself — by visiting a company’s website? Finding their info via search or their local online listing? Or discovering their content on social media or YouTube? Consider what works best for your type of business, and your type of customer.

Creating an online presence for your business can help you find new customers and engage with your existing customers to make more purchases.