strong-online-presence

How to Build a Strong Online Presence Beyond Your Website

Having a well-designed website is crucial, but it’s only the beginning. Today’s consumers research businesses across multiple platforms before making a decision. They expect to see a strong online presence.  They look at social media, directory listings, online reviews, and even guest content. If your business isn’t visible beyond your website, you’re missing valuable opportunities to connect with potential customers.

Premium Websites, Inc. understands the importance of a holistic online strategy. Here are five proven strategies to build a powerful online presence beyond your website.

The graphs below came from a survey I conducted of other business owners.

Top Social media Platforms for a Strong Online Presence

1. Optimize Social Media for Engagement

Social media platforms are essential for brand awareness and customer engagement. Simply having accounts isn’t enough—you need to actively post and interact with your audience. Some Content Relationship Management (CRM) platforms will help automate this process.

Actionable Steps:

  • Choose the Right Platforms: Focus on platforms your audience uses most (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok).
  • Post Consistently: Use a content calendar to plan posts and keep your audience engaged.
  • Encourage Interaction: Ask questions, run polls, and reply to comments.
  • Leverage Video Content: Short videos on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts perform well.

Did you know that 82% of online shoppers are more likely to trust a brand with an active social media presence?

2. Claim and Optimize Business Directory Listings

Consumers use directories like Google Business Profiles, Yelp, and Bing Places to find businesses. Having accurate and optimized listings can significantly boost your visibility.

Actionable Steps:

  • Claim Your Listings: Register your business on major directories. Plan to do one per week. There are hundreds of online directories. This one action will create a web of online profiles linking to your website.  This is the meaning of a strong online presence.
  • Ensure Consistency: Use the same business name, address, and phone number (NAP) across all listings. Create a Word doc with the information. then copy and paste to ensure it is the same everywhere and there are no typos.
  • Encourage Reviews: Positive reviews build trust and improve search rankings. Use more platforms that just Google. Look at UpCity if you are a tech provider, Trustpilot for service providers, and other industry specific review directories.
  • Add Media: Upload professional photos and videos to enhance your listing. This will make your listing stand out from the crowd.
  • Professional memberships: Look at your professional memberships for robust profile opportunities. For example I am a member of the Holistic Chamber of Commerce.  They allow a profile with all the basic information as well as images and videos.

3. Leverage Online Reviews to Build Trust

Online reviews influence purchasing decisions. A strong review profile can make the difference between winning or losing a customer. Studies show that 93% of consumers say online reviews impact their purchasing decisions, making them one of the most powerful tools for building trust.

Actionable Steps:

  • Ask for Reviews: Politely request satisfied customers to leave reviews via email, SMS, or at the point of sale.
  • Respond to All Reviews: Address both positive and negative feedback professionally to show you value customer input.
  • Highlight Reviews on Your Website & Social Media: Showcase testimonials through dedicated sections or featured posts to build credibility.
  • Use Third-Party Review Platforms: Google, Trustpilot, and Facebook Reviews enhance visibility and trustworthiness.
  • Encourage Video Reviews: Video testimonials have a stronger impact, adding authenticity to your brand.
  • Implement an Automated Review Request System: Use tools like Podium or Trustpilot to streamline the process. Go High Level will also automate your review requests.

Businesses with more than 50 reviews see an average increase of 4.6% in revenue, proving that social proof isn’t just about credibility—it directly affects your bottom line.

most-valuable-content

4. Implement Content Marketing Beyond Your Site

Publishing valuable content on external platforms boosts your credibility and drives traffic back to your website.

Actionable Steps:

  • Guest Blogging: Contribute to industry-related blogs and link back to your site. These need to be original articles. Do not use one already published on your blog.
  • Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with micro-influencers to expand your reach.
  • Engage in Online Communities: Participate in relevant forums, such as Reddit or Quora.
  • Repurpose Content: Turn blog posts into infographics, videos, or podcasts for wider distribution.
  • Publish on Medium and LinkedIn: Share articles on platforms with built-in audiences to reach more people. both Medium and LinkedIn allow content that has been published on your website. This is a great way to repurpose blog posts.
  • Create Email Newsletters: Regularly send curated content and updates to keep your audience engaged.
  • Contribute to Podcasts and Webinars: Join industry-related discussions to establish thought leadership. Be a guest on other peoples podcasts.
  • Utilize Press Releases: Share company news and achievements through press release distribution services.
  • Develop Interactive Content: Create quizzes, polls, or calculators to encourage user interaction. YouTube has a community tab that allows for this type of content. So does LinkedIn.

5. Build Strong Partnerships & Network Online

Collaborations with other businesses and industry leaders can enhance your visibility and credibility.

Actionable Steps:

  • Join Online Business Groups: Facebook groups, LinkedIn communities, and industry forums are great places to connect.
  • Host or Join Webinars: Share your expertise and network with potential customers. Hosting your own webinar gives you the opportunity to be an authority and sell your services. Being a guest on other peoples webinars will give you and your business exposure to new markets.
  • Cross-Promote with Other Businesses: Partner with complementary businesses for mutual promotion.
  • Engage in Affiliate Marketing: Reward influencers or bloggers for promoting your products.

Final Thoughts

Expanding your online presence beyond your website is essential for long-term success. By leveraging social media, directories, reviews, content marketing, and partnerships, you create multiple touchpoints for potential customers to find and trust your business.

Premium Websites, Inc. specializes in helping businesses build a powerful digital footprint. Implement these strategies today, and watch your brand’s visibility soar!

FAQ

1. Why is an online presence important beyond my website?

Consumers research businesses on multiple platforms. A strong online presence builds credibility and attracts more customers.

2. How do I improve my Google Business listing?

Ensure accurate information, encourage customer reviews, upload quality photos, and post updates regularly.

3. What’s the best social media platform for my business?

It depends on your audience. B2B businesses benefit from LinkedIn, while B2C brands perform well on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

4. How do I encourage more online reviews?

Ask satisfied customers directly, provide incentives (if allowed), and make it easy for them to leave reviews.

5. Can I build a strong online presence without paid ads?

Yes! Organic strategies like social media engagement, SEO, and content marketing can significantly boost your online visibility.