Strategies to Grow Your Presence in the Digital World
- Brandy Kemp
- 33m
- 4 min read
If you think just having a website or a Facebook page is enough to grow your business in today’s digital jungle, well, you might want to reconsider. The digital world is a vast, noisy place, and standing out requires more than just showing up. For businesses in home services and trades—like plumbing, HVAC, lawn care, electrical, painting, and roofing—especially those with a solid foundation of 50+ employees and a few years under their belt, growing your online presence is not just smart; it’s essential.
Let’s dive into some practical, no-nonsense strategies that will help you carve out a bigger slice of the digital pie.
Why Your Online Presence Needs More Than Just a Website
Having a website is like owning a billboard in the middle of the desert. Sure, it’s there, but who’s really seeing it? Your online presence is the sum of all the digital touchpoints where potential customers can find, interact with, and trust your business. This includes your website, social media profiles, online reviews, local listings, and even your email communications.
To grow your online presence, you need to be everywhere your customers are looking. That means:
Optimizing your website for search engines (SEO)
Engaging actively on social media platforms relevant to your audience
Managing and responding to online reviews
Ensuring your business appears accurately on local directories like Google My Business
Creating valuable content that answers your customers’ questions
Think of your online presence as a garden. You can’t just plant a seed and walk away. You need to water it, pull the weeds, and give it sunlight regularly.
Building a Strong Online Presence with Local Focus
For businesses rooted in specific communities like Jackson, TN, and surrounding areas, local focus is your secret weapon. People want to hire someone nearby who understands their needs and can respond quickly. Here’s how to leverage that:
Claim and Optimize Your Google My Business Listing
This is your digital storefront on Google. Make sure your business name, address, phone number, and hours are accurate. Add photos of your team, trucks, and completed projects. Encourage happy customers to leave reviews.
Use Local Keywords in Your Content
Instead of just “plumbing services,” try “plumbing services in Jackson TN.” This helps search engines connect your business with local searches.
Engage with Local Community Groups on Social Media
Join neighborhood Facebook groups or local business forums. Share helpful tips, answer questions, and subtly promote your services without being pushy.
Sponsor Local Events or Charities
This can boost your brand visibility and generate goodwill, which often translates into online mentions and backlinks.
Create Location-Specific Landing Pages
If you serve multiple towns or neighborhoods, create dedicated pages for each. This improves your chances of ranking for those specific areas.
What are the four types of online marketing?
Understanding the different types of online marketing can help you decide where to focus your efforts. Here are the four main categories:
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
This is the art and science of getting your website to rank higher in search engine results. It involves keyword research, on-page optimization, link building, and technical improvements.
Content Marketing
Creating valuable, relevant content to attract and engage your target audience. This could be blog posts, videos, infographics, or how-to guides related to your services.
Social Media Marketing
Using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or even TikTok to connect with your audience, build brand awareness, and drive traffic to your website.
Paid Advertising
This includes pay-per-click (PPC) ads on Google, social media ads, and display ads. Paid ads can give you immediate visibility but require a budget and ongoing management.
Each type has its strengths, and the best strategy usually involves a mix tailored to your business goals and audience.
Practical Tips to Boost Your Digital Footprint
Now that you know the basics, here are some actionable tips to grow your online presence effectively:
Invest in a Mobile-Friendly Website
More than half of all web traffic comes from mobile devices. If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re losing customers before they even see your services.
Create a Blog Focused on Customer Pain Points
Write about common problems your customers face and how your services solve them. For example, “How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Jackson TN” or “Signs Your HVAC System Needs Repair.”
Leverage Video Content
Short videos showing your team at work, customer testimonials, or quick DIY tips can boost engagement and trust.
Encourage and Showcase Reviews
Positive reviews are digital word-of-mouth. Make it easy for customers to leave reviews and display them prominently on your website and social profiles.
Use Email Marketing to Stay Top of Mind
Send regular newsletters with helpful tips, special offers, and company updates. This keeps your audience engaged and more likely to call you when they need your services.
Monitor Your Online Reputation
Set up alerts for your business name and respond promptly to any negative feedback. Handling complaints professionally can turn unhappy customers into loyal ones.
Partner with Influencers or Local Bloggers
A shout-out from a trusted local figure can introduce your business to a wider audience.
Track Your Results and Adjust
Use tools like Google Analytics and social media insights to see what’s working and what’s not. Digital marketing is not set-it-and-forget-it.
Remember, growing your online presence is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistency and quality matter more than quick hacks.
Why You Should Consider Professional Help
Let’s be honest - managing all these digital channels can be overwhelming, especially when you’re running a busy business. That’s where professional help comes in. Hiring an expert or agency specializing in online marketing can save you time and headaches.
They bring:
Expertise in the latest digital trends and tools
Experience tailoring strategies for home services and trades
Ability to track and analyze data for continuous improvement
Creative content creation and ad management
If you’re serious about growing your online presence, investing in professional support can deliver a strong return on investment.
Taking the Next Step in Your Digital Journey
Growing your online presence is not just about being seen; it’s about being remembered and trusted. By focusing on local optimization, creating valuable content, engaging with your community, and possibly partnering with professionals, you can build a digital footprint that drives real business growth.
So, roll up your sleeves, get your digital garden growing, and watch your business thrive in the digital world. Because in today’s market, if you’re not online, you’re invisible. And nobody wants to be invisible, especially not in Jackson, TN.
Happy growing!
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