By Dani Cupo, Digital Account Executive at Hibu
Your online presence is how you show the world who you are! To make it shine, there are four key ingredients: a killer website, search ads (fast but a bit pricey), display ads (you know, those sneaky ones that follow you around after browsing), local SEO to dominate your area, and a great social media vibe to keep the conversation buzzing!
Step 1: Build a Website That Wows (and Talks to Google)
Your website is like your businesses front window, make it inviting and easy to find! A great website doesn’t just look pretty; it needs to speak to Google and AI so they can shout your name to the world. Here’s what makes a website pop:
- More Pages, More Love: The more pages you have (think service pages, location details, or a blog about your famous coffee blend), the better Google and AI understand who you are, what you do, and where you’re at. A single-page site? Cute, but not cutting it!
- Consistency is Key: Make sure your business name, address, and phone number are the same everywhere. Your site, Google Business Profile, Yelp, you name it. Inconsistent information confuses AI and customers alike and we don’t want that!
- User-Friendly Vibes: Fast-loading, mobile-friendly, and easy-to-navigate websites keep visitors happy and Google smiling.
Pro Tip: Make sure you have a properly coded with the right title tags!
Step 2: Get Seen Fast with Search Ads
Want to be the first thing locals see when they search “best [insert profession] near me”? Search ads (like Google Ads) are your shortcut to the top of the search results. They’re a bit pricier, but they’re like a megaphone for your business, getting you noticed fast.
- Target Smart: Focus on keywords like “construction business in Lancaster” to attract nearby customers.
- Budget Wisely: Start small, test different ads, and tweak them to get the most bang for your buck.
Pro Tip: Make sure your GEO target is correct. We don’t want ads going to people in Alaska by accident!
Step 3: Stay Top-of-Mind with Display Ads
Ever notice those ads that follow you around after you check out a business or products website? Those are display ads, and they’re perfect for keeping your business in customers’ heads. You’ll find them on Meta platforms (Facebook, Instagram), Microsoft sites, or even Amazon-owned pages.
- Retarget Like a Pro: Remind folks who visited your site about that awesome deal or new menu item.
- Eye-Catching Creatives: Use bold visuals and snappy text to grab attention without being annoying.
Pro Tip: Run a retargeting campaign on Instagram to reconnect with customers who’ve browsed your site. It’s like waving hello every time they scroll!
Step 4: SEO – The Slow-Burn Superstar
Rumor has it SEO (or what I like to refer to as local ranking) is fading away in the AI —that’s a myth we love to bust! SEO is your digital fingerprint’s secret sauce, especially for local businesses. AI tools (like Google’s summaries or even Grok) lean on SEO to figure out who’s the top dog in your area.
- Local SEO Magic: Optimize your Google Business Profile, keep your listings consistent across directories, and collect those glowing reviews to climb local rankings.
- Content That Pops: Write blogs and backlinks on your website like “Why Our Tacos Are the Best in Lancaster” to show AI and customers you’re the real deal.
- Techy Stuff: Ensure your site loads fast and works great on phones—Google loves that.
Pro Tip: Answer common customer questions on your site (e.g., “What’s the best time to visit?”) to snag a spot in AI search summaries.
Step 5: Tie It All Together with Consistency
AI and search engines are like nosy neighbors—they notice if your business info doesn’t match up. Keep it consistent across your website, social media, and directories to build trust and boost visibility.
Pro Tip: Use a company to help manage your listings.
Why This Matters for Your Local Biz
These pieces—your website, search ads, display ads, SEO, and consistency—work together like a dream team to make your business unmissable online. Search ads get you quick clicks, display ads keep you memorable, and SEO builds a lasting presence. It’s your digital fingerprint, uniquely yours but built on proven strategies.
Don’t Sweat the Details!
Sound like a lot? Don’t worry! Digital marketing doesn’t have to be a headache. Partnering with pros like Hibu can make it a breeze—they create tailored plans to boost your ROI without the stress. Curious about their services? Check out hibu.com or speak to your local rep, Dani Cupo, for the scoop!
So, local businesses, let’s get that digital fingerprint shining bright! Ready to dive deeper into one of these strategies? Just let me know!
not secure