How important is my business' online presence?

I get asked this often, and the answer is easy, but there is something happening more and more that makes the usual answer of "Incredibly Important" seem like a gross understatement.

In this day of mobile internet devices and computers in almost every home, consumers are using their devices to not only find a business, but judging the business based on their website and online presence.  This whole aspect to the internet is not just becoming the new standard, it's here to stay.  Consumers are using a business' online presence to determine the quality of service or credibility of the company.  What they see online can inspire confidence in your business, or scare them away. 

I know I'm not the only one that uses my smart phone to look up restaurants or hotels while traveling.  I will search and look at their website, Facebook or a travel site's ratings.  If other peoples ratings and experiences are positive, I'll head that way!  If there are many negative ratings or comments, then I simply will not take a chance.  Not exactly a perfect system, but it's better than the old one.

Do you remember this?

The old phone books were really expensive, and everyone used them.  Now no one uses them (speculation on my part), and websites are (comparatively) inexpensive!  So I highly recommend taking some of the advertising budget you are saving by not having a phone book ad, and put it into your online presence.

Suggestions:

• Perhaps a face lift for your website is due, I highly recommend ensuring your website complies with Google's latest guidelines, and is mobile friendly. 
•  Adding fresh content is always a good idea. 
• Starting a blog is a fun way to increase your reach and online presence. 
  
• Increasing your social media use is another great way.  Encourage customers to visit your website and social media pages, and ask them to comment about their experience with your company.  

All of these will go a long way to increasing your web presence and building consumer confidence in your business.  It's also a great way to establish and, perhaps more importantly, maintain contact with customers.  Happy customers who stay in touch are very likely to recommend your business to friends.