Online Marketing Checklist

Adam Kirk • 21 September 2021

As a small business owner, it’s easy to get overwhelmed quickly - after starting a business coming from your passion or interest, you soon realize all the extras on your plate, like payroll, website designs, budgeting, and HR issues. How can a business owner know where to start and what’s most important?

Here are several steps to take before making any online marketing decisions:

Take a N.A.P.

Before anything else, make sure you have a NAP. N-A-P is short for your Name, Address, and Phone number. Your business contact info must be well established before any online marketing. Sounds elementary, but you’d be surprised how many businesses get going on advertising, only to discover later that the information they are providing potential customers is not correct. If you have several hours, you can register your business online yourself, or consider hiring an agency like Oostas to do that for you for a minimal fee.

Improve Your Website

A website is your online business card. Without it, you won’t have the validity needed to succeed. Websites are usually a customer’s first impression of your business, so make sure your website is done well. Having a secure (SSL certificate) and mobile-friendly website are critical in today’s online marketing. Does your website reflect today’s trends and best practices? Our team can take a look and let you know where you stand.

Search Engine Optimization

We like to say, “A website without search engine optimization is like a lighthouse without a light. It won’t be found.” Once your website is complete, invest in a solid SEO package to make sure you’ll be found online. Without it, your website might look great, but will produce minimal results. Real SEO takes time, but it will bring in relevant leads when done right. Look at SEO as an investment into the longevity of your business, not a monthly expense.

Who Is Your Target Audience?

If you aim at nothing, you’ll hit it. Knowing who your target audience is should actually be a part of your business plan, and before making any marketing decisions, you need a clear understanding of your target audience. Be as specific as possible when choosing where you “aim” your marketing campaigns.

Social Media

Social media can be a great avenue to connect with your customers and reach new ones as well, but is it worth the investment? The key to remember is this: Go where your target audience hangs out. If your target audience hangs out on social media, investing in social media support is going to be a must.

Blogging

While blogging is one of the best things you can do for your SEO, business owners often fear blogging if they’re not professional writers. At Oostas, we offer professional copywriting that small businesses can afford - we create custom blogs for your business and won’t make your bank account flinch.

Pay-Per-Click Ads

Keeping PPC ads on long-term can get extremely costly, especially for a small business. That’s why it’s important for your ads to produce results without breaking the bank. Consider hiring a marketing professional from the Oostas team to handle every aspect of your PPC ads and get the results you need.

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