Do you have an internet blind spot? You may be missing out on potential customers.

 

The world around us is always evolving, and how you run your business today looks definitively different than when you opened it. It may even look different from how you were operating just a few years ago! One thing that continues to become more and more important in the grand scheme of things is your business’s online presence. Only having your number in the Yellow Pages is just not going to cut it in today’s market. Kareem Abouzeid, owner of Knockout Collision Repair, knows this as much as anyone. Keep reading to learn how having an active online presence can positively impact your business!

 

The first thing you should do is take stock of what you already have. Does your business currently have a website, social media accounts, or any internet-based advertising methods? Imagine you’re a potential client, what does your digital footprint say about your business? It’s important to display the good qualities of your shop. For example, noting if the shop is family-owned or how long you’ve been operating can help customers trust you more than large chains.

 

Kareem knows this, which is why his website includes an “About” page. This page details the story of the shop’s opening, a quick biography about himself, and an introduction to his team. Already, people viewing his website can start feeling connected to him. By having these descriptions Kareem is letting everyone know why they should trust him with their vehicles. Kareem says, “Our online presence shows we are a team, that we take care of our staff. We also showcase how clean and neat our facilities are.”

 

And it works! He says, “Having an active and detailed online presence has generated lots of customers to our place.”

 

If your current presence is lacking, don’t worry. It’s never too late to start! The first thing you should do is update your website to accurately reflect your business. Make sure pertinent information, like hours of operation, is clear and easy to find. Next, you can create social media accounts for your business. Depending on what your client base looks like or who you want to reach, which platforms you choose to be on may vary. If you generally have an older clientele, a Facebook page would be useful. If you want to reach a younger generation, creating an Instagram account, or even a TikTok could get you in front of that demographic.

 

Knockout Collision has a Facebook page, Instagram, and LinkedIn. All of these accounts are active, Kareem says “I post three to five times a week.” Consistency is key, by posting multiple times a week the social media platforms will place your content on the top of people’s feeds. This ensures your followers, your customers, are receiving up-to-date information on your practices. One piece of advice Kareem has to offer is, “Keep your content fresh and relevant. You don’t want to become repetitive.” So, for example, you can post informative messages. One piece of knowledge your clients might not know about is hidden damage that can occur after an accident.

 

It’s important to remember that having an online presence isn’t just about what you say, it’s about opening up a conversation between you and your clients. When a potential customer sees your former or repeat customers engaging with your posts it shows them you’re community-orientated and that you care about your work. As Kareem puts it, “It’s helpful to see how well we are servicing our customers, we can see if we’re keeping them satisfied.” Not only can you gain feedback online, but you can even resolve any issues a dissatisfied client has with the service they received. A calm, respectful reply to a negative review can shift the person’s attitude and they may even change their opinion or edit their review.

 

Along with regularly posting on your social media accounts, you should be creating online advertisements for your business as well. Use what the internet has to offer in your favor. Boost your posts showcasing any promotions you’re running and utilize Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Kareem says, “Outsourcing can be beneficial to your business. Choose a company that understands the current landscape and let them help you. For me, that’s DRIVE.” As a DRIVE client, Kareem’s website, social media management, and SEO are all taken off his plate, giving him more time to work on his business, instead of in it.

 

Gaining new customers can be difficult, but having an online presence that reflects the positive qualities of your business can help drive traffic to you. Between an up-to-date website, active social media accounts, and digital advertising your business will start to see an increase in numbers. And, if you can’t do it yourself, you can always turn to DRIVE – helping owners just like you for over 30 years.

 

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BodyShop Business magazine page 36 link HERE

BodyShop Business link HERE

By Chase Clough