If you're wondering how to get more customers online, you're not alone. For today’s consumers, the search for products and services almost always starts in the same place: the internet.
But simply having a website isn’t enough anymore. To truly grow your business online, you need a smart, consistent approach that helps people find you, trust you, and choose you. Here, we’ll walk through five easy ways to grow your business online and turn more views into paying customers.
1. Make a Great First Impression with Your Website
Your website is often the first thing a potential customer sees, so it needs to deliver a great experience from the start. According to recent research, about 40% of internet users will leave a website if it takes more than 3 seconds to load. And, for mobile users, only 16% are willing to wait 3 seconds for a site to load before bouncing.
This means that your website should function well if you want to keep visitors’ attention. Not only should it load quickly, but it should also be easy to read, navigate, and use.
An ideal website has:
- A clean, professional design
- Mobile-friendly features for users on the go
- Simple navigation that makes info easy to find
- Content that clearly explains what you offer and how to get in touch
- Clear calls to action telling visitors what to do next
Think of your website as your digital storefront. If it’s slow, confusing, or outdated, visitors will move on. But if it’s fast, helpful, and easy to use, you’ll be more likely to get more customers online.
2. Improve Your Visibility with Better Search Result Rankings
Search engines like Google and Bing are the go-to tool for people looking for local businesses. In fact, studies show that 97% of internet users rely on search to find information about nearby services. If you’re not showing up in those search results, you’re missing opportunities.
To rank higher in search results and improve your business’s visibility, focus on:
- Use search engine optimization (SEO): Use keywords and relevant content to help search engines understand your website.
- Run paid search ads: Paid ads let you show up at the top of results when people search for services like yours.
The higher you appear on search engine results pages, the more likely people are to click on your site. This is a key tactic in how to get more customers online and one of the easiest ways to stand out from your competitors.
3. Get More Out of Online Reviews
Online reviews are today’s version of word-of-mouth marketing. Whether someone is looking for a plumber, dentist, or local restaurant, chances are they’re checking Google or Yelp first.
A recent study found that the vast majority of customers—nearly 95%—read online reviews before making a purchase. People are much more likely to trust businesses with higher ratings. In fact, the same study found that even a one-star increase in average Yelp ratings can increase revenue by 5 to 9%.
Want to make the most of your online reviews? Here are some ideas that work:
- Set up or claim your business profiles on key review sites like Google and Yelp
- Respond to both positive and negative reviews in a professional, helpful way
- Encourage happy customers to leave feedback to help your overall ratings
Even just being responsive shows potential customers that you care. More than half of consumers expect businesses to respond to negative reviews within one week, but about 87% don’t respond at all. Taking the time to respond to all your reviews, and responding quickly, shows customers you care.
4. Be Active on Social Media
Love it or hate it, social media is where people spend a huge chunk of their time. According to recent research, the average user spends almost 2.5 hours a day on various social media sites. That makes platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube great places to connect with your audience.
With social media, you can:
- Share company updates, special offers, or customer success stories
- Run targeted ads to reach people in your area
- Start conversations that build trust and brand loyalty
Being consistent is key. The more present and active your business is, the more likely you are to stay top of mind when people are ready to purchase your products or services. If you’re looking for low-cost, high-impact ways to get more customers online, social media is a great place to start.
5. Use Multiple Digital Channels
Your customers don’t just spend time in one place online. Your marketing shouldn’t either. A strong digital strategy uses a mix of channels to get in front of your audience.
This could include:
- Search engine ads on Google and Bing
- Social media ads on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn
- Video ads on YouTube
- Display ads across relevant websites
The right media mix depends on your goals, audience, and budget. Working with a digital marketing expert can help you decide where to invest for the best results. In any case, expanding your reach across multiple platforms makes it easier to get more customers online. Plus, you’ll see better results from your advertising spend.
Ready to Grow Your Business Online?
These five ideas to grow your business online can help you attract the right customers, stand out from competitors, and see better results from your marketing. Whether you're just getting started or looking to take your online presence to the next level, Scorpion can help you put a plan into action that works for your business.
Let’s talk about how to get more customers online—contact us today.