Can Your Business's Online Presence Reach a Global Audience?

At one time, a business could only reach its customers by mail, telephone or word of mouth.

12:51 08 September 2015

However, the advent of the internet has given businesses a whole new way of reaching their target customer base. In addition, a business no longer has to limit itself to people in the local area or even in the same country. Using the internet, a business can reach out to an international audience.

 

Businesses can reach their customers through a variety of means, including websites and social media such as Facebook and Twitter. For a business, social media can be great way of generating leads, but in order to achieve this, a business has to use social media in the right way and build up its followers.

 

Active users of social media can spend 16 per cent to 25 per cent of their time on social media sites. The 2012 US Digital Future in Focus report found that 90 per cent of American internet users visited social media sites during December 2011. 

 

A former prime minister of Lebanon and an entrepreneur, Najib Mikati on Facebook is an example of how to use the social media website to connect with users. Photographs and comments are used to give users an insight into what Najib Mikati is doing and saying.

 

There are several ways a business can maximise its online presence. First, a company needs to invest some time in its social media presence. There should be clear and concise descriptions of what the business does, and the company website and logo should be kept updated. Social media updates are included in search results, so a business should ensure that tweets, Facebook posts and other social media entries contain keywords that are appropriate for the business.

 

Businesses must promote their social media presence, whether that is on the pages of their website, a blog, a physical storefront or business cards. Many social media sites will have a follow button, which should be included on the business’s website.

 

One of the most important things a business must do is to ensure that their social media content is up-to-date and relevant. Social media should not be seen as simply an advertising forum. Overtly advertising a product can put people off. It is better to use the social media sites for sharing interesting and useful information. Make the experience fun for followers by offering quizzes or competitions. Information must be updated regularly or visitors will become bored and go elsewhere. 

 

Another important aspect of social media is interacting with followers. Social media can be very useful to businesses in generating research material and also allow a business to really engage with their customers. For this, businesses need to know what their customers are interested in, and this is where social media can be very useful. Businesses can use social media to find out what their customers really care about and use this as research to improve their business.

 

Connecting with other people in the same industry can also be beneficial. Try to follow other users in the same industry and engage in discussions with them. Building connections with other businesses in the same industry can help with ideas and offer support, especially for new businesses.

 

For your business to truly reach a global audience, utilize all the web tools at your disposal, including social media and apps. Develop a comprehensive online presence and engage with customers. By taking these steps, your company will remain competitive in the internet age.