freedom to serve more people, healing practitioner, how do I expand my reach, Louise Crooks, on-line visibility, online presence, Online visibility, online visibility for an in person business, online visibility for an off-line business, The Internship, visibility for a coach
Support your Offline Business with Online Visibility
It’s becoming increasingly clear that there is no such thing anymore as just an offline business – that brick and mortar, serve in-person business – has to have a presence online, not only to keep up with the times, but also to be found when people are looking for them.
It’s very unusual now for folks to have a business like that, that doesn’t have a website, and a Facebook Page (or LinkedIn profile depending on your service). And if you haven’t, well it’s time to get make the leap and join the real world… the real world of marketing in 2015!!!
What’s the first thing someone does when they need a question or problem answered?
You got it.
They ‘google’ it.
So whatever answer they find is going to be on the internet. That is online my friend. Or ‘on the line’ as Billy McMahon (Vince Vaughn) calls it in the movie The Internship.
(I just loved that movie!! If you feel like a technophobe- watch that for a bit of humour and encouragement. I think I’ve watched it at least 3 times now which is pretty unusual for me) If you’d like to check that little clip where Billy has his billion dollar idea to put ‘on the line’ – click BELOW
The truth is that if you want to leverage your reach and income streams, you really want to get on it. On the line. (couldn’t resist)
Not having that presence is damaging your business.
Visibility brings attention to your business and services. It also sends traffic to your website / FB page where they learn about your business. It’s the BEGINNING to forming relationships with people who might want to work with you now, or in 12 months time! And it’s a way to develop those relationships so that when they are ready to take action they will think of you first.
You might even be extremely successful with what you’ve accomplished so far without being ‘on the line’ 😉 but you’re denying a whole boat load of people access to your expertise, AND you’re curbing your business’ abilities to create more income for you. And it can be income that doesn’t require all your time!
There really is no separation anymore – the only real difference is whether your business is ALL virtual (which mine pretty much is, maybe 90% ) or if it’s a bit of both.
Not only does visibility get expansive when you’re creating it online, but it’s also an opportunity to see what kind of services you could offer to a wider audience that isn’t limited to your geographic location.
We sometimes get stuck with the idea that only people in our country will want to work with us (or even in our immediate vicinity), or that different cultures won’t be interested. But the truth is that if you’re solving a specific problem or need, and those are universal, you could be helping a LOT MORE PEOPLE! The internet gives us the FREEDOM to serve many, many more people.
If you’re a body worker, this might be more difficult, but if what you do can also be done over Skype or phone, then this is a whole other area that should be explored. And if you are limited to your location, then make sure that people can find you by having an online presence too!! (website, email list, newsletter, and Facebook/LinkedIn page)
And then when you decide it is actually possible, then deciding what kind of visibility strategies are going to work best for you, your business, and your clients, comes next.
Will it just be social media, or will you have a podcast / radio show, or a blog or write articles, give teleseminars etc. There are so many ways to reach out.
I really encourage you think about visibility in your business, and how much you’re embracing it online and offline. At the least having a small blend of the two is IMPORTANT, but if you want to make more of a difference in your life, and in the lives of others, then expanding your reach online is the best way to UPLEVEL your possibilities in business.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments below. And if you feel it’s time to explore this more deeply, then feel free to contact me on louise@keystoclarity.com
From → business, Marketing tips, visibility
Hey Louise, Really a great article! We’ve an article in which experts have given their inputs on moving offline business online.
Thanks – I took a look at the article however it’s not quite what I want to send my folks to – would probably create more overwhelm than support. I appreciate your suggestion!