Advertising is vital in the promotion and success of every business. Your business needs customers to survive, and people are unlikely to migrate towards a brand that they know nothing about. Setting up and verifying your Google Business Listing, along with your website is, of course, your starting point. From here on, there are several ways that you could employ to getting your listing higher up in the rankings.
You could use blogging, SEO optimisation or even virtual tours. There is, however, a huge misconception that advertising is expensive, and we would like to show you how you can overcome this with zero cost advertising that still gives you the edge.
Online directories
The number one benefit of online directories is that they reach a wide audience range. The first step to being found is to ensure that your listing is complete with your business name, contact information, and an up to date website. All you need to do is submit your business URL to sites such as Google My Business, Bing Places, Apple Maps and the likes, and these sites will ensure that your link appears in a relevant content search.
Social Media
Your online advertising strategy matters. The options are endless, but again, the key is to optimise your business profile by ensuring that it’s relevant and clear with all the necessary information. Networks such as Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube all offer both free as well as paid advertising, and their reach is immeasurable with the option of maximising this by linking your accounts across these platforms.
It is imperative to remember that these platforms are largely driven by high-quality visuals and an understanding of your target audience. There are also other platform specifics that should be looked into to optimise your reach, and some research is definitely in order if your aim is to be effective in driving traffic and sales.
Classified Ads
The traditional classified ads platforms include magazines, newspapers or perhaps a local ad mag. These are generally smaller advertisements that can now be placed on dedicated ad platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Hoobly, Gumtree and OLX, enabling you to generate backlinks to your website and extend your reach to potential clients. This is a simple but effective way that doesn’t need the scientific background of understanding an audience as its reach is universal rather than specific.
Customer Reviews
Few people view our final option as an advertising method. Although often overlooked, customer reviews are extremely effective. Nothing spreads faster than word of mouth, and research shows that more people are likely to look at reviews before engaging with a business. The trick is to acknowledge and respond to these reviews, regardless of whether they’re on your website, blog or social media profile, and always provide stellar service.
The main purpose of advertising is to increase your brand awareness and drive your bottom line. Online free advertising offers the opportunity to succeed without straining a budget, through reaching large digital audiences.
