The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is creating unique challenges for businesses throughout the UK and we want you to know that we are here to support you in any way we can.
Here, we have collated some ideas and easy-to-use marketing tools to help keep business ticking over and make sure it’s in the best possible position for when the world returns to some form of normality.
A Google business listing enables your company information to be displayed on the Google search network in a variety of ways. It’s a great way to easily connect with your customers, allowing them to call, message and leave reviews.
Here is an example of a Google business listing for CheckFire:
Creating a Google business listing is free and a brilliant way to connect with your customers. It allows customers to access information such as: operating hours, phone number, website (if you have one) and directions to your place of work. Customers can leave reviews, which is extremely valuable to your business as positive reviews have a great impression on potential customers. This is a 24/7 service and very mobile-friendly, meaning your customers can access information about your business whenever they want and wherever they are.
Setting one up is simple and can benefit your small business massively. Check out this step-by-step guide outlining how to set yours up.
Google Analytics is a fantastic, free tool that allows you to track all the data from your website and provides you with valuable insight that will help you shape a successful strategy and decisions for your business.
Find out how to set up and install Google Analytics on your website.
How active are you on your social platforms? Social media is a very powerful tool and, used well, can be extremely beneficial to your business. LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook can provide you with a platform to showcase your work and business information and allows customers to interact with your business faster and easier than ever. Social media can boost traffic to your website (if you have one) and increase brand awareness, which will in turn help increase your organic visibility. This is essentially the amount of times your business is seen on Google – the more you are seen, the more enquires you are likely to receive.
Get your business up and running on social media with these helpful guides:
How to set up a LinkedIn page
How to set up a Twitter page
How to set up a Facebook page
Hootsuite – manage your social media from one place
When it comes to your website, now is the perfect time to be proactive and ensure your website is working as hard as it can for your brand. Prioritise the following considerations and checks:
Think about this from a customer’s point of view. Make your way around each page on your website and read the information available. Does this clearly showcase the services you offer and give the customer the most detailed information? If not, it’s time to change and improve. Potential customers won’t go searching for information – it needs to be readily available.
When was the last time you tested your contact forms to make sure enquiries are coming through? Ensure you gather all the relevant information you need and test each form on your website.
Does your website have clear and obvious calls to action? They are designed to encourage potential customers to get in touch with you so if you don’t have any we would recommend adding some to your website.
Since everybody now searches through their smartphone, it’s imperative your website is responsive. Responsive means that your website adjusts to the screen size and device that your viewer is using. A simple test to check if your website is responsive is to look at it on a mobile device. If you are struggling to see all the information and images and sections are being cut off, your website isn’t responsive. If this is the case, it might be time for you to look into investing in a new one to give your customers and potential customers the best experience.
Don’t have a website or looking to create a new one? Now could be the ideal time to invest in one. Having a website is a necessity, as this is the first-place people will look for your business. An online presence creates an abundance of opportunities for you to generate new business and build brand awareness.
Here are some useful points you will need to consider:
To start your journey, you will need to purchase a website address. Follow the link to find the perfect domain for you.
You will need website hosting to make your website visible on the web. Here you can find the right hosting solution for you.
Develop your own website from scratch by using one of following three easy-to-use, drag and drop web builder. These types of website builders give you step by step guides and the freedom to create, design and develop your web presence exactly as you want.
Squarespace Wix GoDaddy
Alternatively, you can use a local freelancer who will offer cheaper rates than marketing agencies.
While these measures might not be viable for everyone, it’s extremely important that you consider how you can cater your business to the current climate and make sure you are doing everything in your power to keep your business in the best position.
If you need some advice or support please contact our marketing team and we will assist where we can.
POSTED 2024.01.26 BY Toria Jones
POSTED 2023.10.25 BY Toria Jones
POSTED 2023.07.12 BY Amy Moseley
If you’re in the trade and want to learn more about how to become a CheckFire customer, visit our dedicated Trade Customer page for more information.