7 Steps to Enhance your Online Presence without Spending a Cent

We all want to get found and seen online. Without an advertising budget, it can be difficult to break through, but it is possible. If you’re marketing on a shoe string budget, as a lot of small businesses are, here’s how you can make the most out of your online presence without spending any money.

​Step 1 You have a website, right? Please tell me you do! If not, you will need a website. You can create your own or engage an expert to do it for you. If you don’t have much money, then you may wish to engage your creative side and create your own website. Take a look at online website builders such as Weebly.com or WordPress.com.

Step 2 Before your website is complete, you will need to ensure there are plenty of key words throughout each page on your site and within the metadata that will help you to be found within a search. Ask yourself: ‘What are people searching for when they’re looking for a business such as mine?’
​Google Keyword Planner is a free tool you can use to help you. ​

​Step 3 Speaking about Google, there are some other great tools Google offers to help you with Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). Create yourself a Google Analytics Account and add the tracking code into your website’s SEO. This will not only help you to be found on Google, but it will also help you to find out about who is visiting your website, how long they’re staying, what pages they’re looking at and where they come from, all useful information.
 
Step 4 You may also wish to use Google Webmaster Tools where you will be provided with a verification code to add into your SEO. Once again, it’s a great tool to help track of your website performance.

​Step 5 If all of the above sound like jargon to you, don’t worry, there are other options to enhance your online presence without spending money. Social Media is a great resource to use to boost your online marketing. Start with a familiar site such as Facebook and then add others such as Google+ for Business and 

perhaps a Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn or Pinterest depending on what your business is, who your target market is, and what you’re familiar with. Make sure you make the most out of your social media and post to them frequently. Want more tips take a look one of our other blogs, 6 Essential Social Media Tools of the Trade. 

Step 6 If you have a website, make sure you add links to all of your social media accounts onto your website and also link your social media to your website. The more links you have the better for SEO.
 
Step 7 Now to create additional content for your website and your social media platforms. Writing a regular blog is the best way to add extra content regularly to your website. For best results make sure you share it across your social media sites. 
 
If you would like any more information or help to create a website or make use of these free tools please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We offer in house training or Skype or FaceTime consultations. For more information email admin@outoftheboxconsulting.com.au.

Author

Nicola is the owner and director of Out of the Box Consulting and has a keen interest in helping small businesses with their marketing and promotion. She is also the mother of two boys and loves to spend time with her family.  ​