In this competitive digital age, as we all well aware, online visibility & rankings can make or break a business. Being easily found online, whether via your website or social media properties, is vital for attracting and engaging potential customers and strengthening your brand. As a digital marketing agency business owner, I wanted to share and highlight multiple ways you can support other businesses as well as your own, in enhancing their online presence and reach without spending a dime. In this article, we’ll explore 6 strategies and tips that can help you and others improve their online visibility,
Tip 1: Leave Their Business a Positive & Detailed Online Review
While it may seem like second nature to most of us, it’s important to stress again the importance of online reviews on a business’s reputation and visibility. Leaving a positive online review on platforms like Google, Yelp, Bing, NextDoor, Angi or Facebook can be a powerful way to support your partners, customers and professional contacts. When you’ve had a positive experience with a member’s product, presentation, community involvement or service, take a moment to share your thoughts and rate their business. The more positive reviews a business has, the higher it tends to rank in organic search results. It only takes a few minutes, but definitely can have a positive impact.
And online reviews often don’t happen if you don’t ask, and rather than just adding 5 stars, in your review provide some details that can add more weight and impact to your review.
Tip 2: Take Some Time to Write Personal Recommendations on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is the professional platform that many of us actively use, where personal recommendations can go a long way. If you’ve worked or partnered with a business, individual or say fellow a Chamber of Commerce member and were impressed by their skills, dedication, expertise, or professionalism, write an honest recommendation for them on LinkedIn. This can help boost their personal and professional credibility, especially if they are job hunting, looking to grow their network or would benefit from your positive words when potential customers or partners are researching them.
Tip 3: Share Their Social Media Posts Personally or on Your Business Social Properties
Sharing is caring, and this holds true in the world of digital marketing. When you come across a post or update from an individual or business you know or work with that resonates with your audience, share it on your personal and/or business social media profiles. By doing this, you not only help them expand their reach but also strengthen your relationship with them, and get more content to use on your social media properties. They’re likely to reciprocate the favor, extending your own online visibility to their social followers in return.
Both sides mutually benefit and this can be an ongoing effort that helps to reach and engage new audiences. Be sure to #tag and mention this businesses on social posts as well, when appropriate.
Tip 4: Offer Other Individuals or Businesses Guest Blogging Opportunities on Your Website
Offering your business referral partners or fellow networking or Chamber of Commerce members an opportunity to write content for your website’s blog can be a win-win strategy. High-quality, informative content benefits your website’s SEO and provides value to your audience. At the same time, it gives the guest author a chance to showcase their expertise and drive traffic to their own website or business. Collaborative content can be a fantastic way to cross-promote and strengthen the online presence of all parties involved.
As an example, one of our marketing clients is an electrical contractor, who has a long standing and successful referral relationship with a plumbing business. We expanded on that relationship to start developing blog content for the plumber’s website that is informative and resourceful for their visitors and customers, not tailored as a sales pitch.
Tip 5: Collaborate on Webinars, Video Series or Podcasts
As I increasingly see individuals and businesses do this successfully, collaborative webinars, video series or podcast episodes can be a fantastic way to increase online visibility for all involved parties. Choose a topic that interests your target audience(s) and invite specific contacts of yours to participate. Such collaborative efforts can reach a broader audience, establish you as a knowledgeable authority in your industry and help to diversify the topics and content you present.
Tip 6: Conceptualize, Create & Launch Joint Social Media Campaigns
Consider partnering with other organizations, non-profits or businesses for joint social media campaigns. By combining resources, you can create more engaging and shareable content. Campaigns can be around holidays, timely topics, seasons, promotions, contests, business openings or product launches to name a few.
When you cross-promote, you tap into a broader audience and enhance your online visibility as a collective. Take some chances, try new things and be creative.
Make it Your Mission to (Digitally) Help One Another at No Cost, Just Dedicate Your Time and Creativity
Online visibility is a vital aspect of modern business success. You have the opportunity to support your fellow industry colleagues, or strengthen your business referral partners, in their quest to improve their online presence. By writing reviews, providing recommendations, sharing content, and collaborating on projects, you can help each other shine in the digital realm.
Remember, the more you give, the more you are likely to receive in return, fostering a collaborative and prosperous community, all helping to strengthen individual relationships and business partnerships.
Hope this article was helpful, sparks a few ideas and feel free to follow up with me should you have any questions or want to share ideas on collaboration. #payitforward
