Here are a couple of quick pointers to keep in mind when trying to promote your (new) small business. With some effective online marketing, you can turn website visitors into loyal followers.

Make sure your website has a contact form

It’s becoming somewhat of a rarity that people will pick up the phone to enquire about your services. The fastest way to connect is via email and a contact form provides an easy way for people to reach out and engage with you.

Send out newsletters

Clients who visit your website should have a way to subscribe to a newsletter. Those who do are actively seeking to engage with you and find out more about your services, promotions, sales, what have you. Use a contact management system such as MailChimp or Constant Contact to engage with customers, or potential ones, on a frequent basis. Remember that customers tend to have short recall, so these « reminder » newsletters are a great way to keep your brand top of mind with your followers.

Stay Consistent on Social

It’s not enough to simply open up a page for your business on Facebook, you need to maintain active social media channels. If someone looks up your biz on Facebook and they see cobwebs on your page, they will likely move on. Come up with a regular posting schedule for any and all channels you have, and make sure to stick to it.

Tip: don’t bite off more than you can chew. Starting with one exciting social media channel is more than enough for a small business. Better to be consistent and make a plan you can actually stick to, instead of one that’s impossible to execute.

Be Kind. Be Courteous. Be Quick.

Your (potential) clients expect answers, quickly. Responding to incoming emails within a few hours of receiving it is a prime way of indicating a couple of things about your brand — that you’re responsive, that you care enough to respond, and that you’re actively involved in caring for your clientele. The best way to show that you’re in business is to show that you’re in business. Take nothing for granted.