If you’re actively in business, you already know how busy, fast-paced, and competitive the business world is. Everyone else is trying to get the attention of the same people whose attention you’re trying to get, so it’s really about the survival of the fittest.
Because I care about you and want you not just to survive but thrive, I have written this article to show you five ways to stand out from all the noise and busyness so that you can increase your visibility as a service-based business—i.e., get more eyes on you!
If you’re reading this but your business is product-based, these tips can also work for you, so read along. Alright?
Following are five sure-fire ways to increase your visibility and attract more clients to your service-based business. Ready?
Optimize Your Online Presence
The importance of optimizing your online presence can never be overemphasized. Any business serious about thriving in this generation must take its online presence seriously. As an individual, the first place I go to when I’m looking for service providers or certain products is Google or Social Media, and this is true for many other people.
First, you want to ensure that your website, which is often the first impression potential clients have of your business, is professional, user-friendly, and well-optimized for search engines. Do some research and infuse relevant keywords into your website content and metadata to improve your chances of being found online.
For example, a potential client searching for a “Fitness Coach in Lagos” or “Wedding Planner in London” will likely type those phrases in Google, so it’s smart to think like your customer and make sure those words are strategically used on your website.
Additionally, consider creating informative landing pages that address specific client pain points and demonstrate how your services can solve their problems.
Leverage Social Media Platforms
Above, I mentioned that social media is one of the first places people (including myself!) head to when they need a product or service. Hence, Social media continues to prove to be such a powerful tool for connecting with your target audience and showcasing your expertise.
If you’re not using social media as much as you should. Here’s how to start;
- Identify which platforms your potential clients frequent the most and focus your efforts there. For instance, if you provide B2B services, LinkedIn might be more effective than Instagram.
- Share insightful content, engage with your followers, and participate in relevant conversations.
- Don’t hold back on sharing case studies, client testimonials, and behind-the-scenes glimpses. People love to buy from people, so doing these things helps to humanize your brand and build trust with your audience.
- Also, don’t underestimate the power of visual content. Create attractive graphics and videos that resonate with your audience and encourage them to engage with your posts.
While many businesses still do not fully leverage social media as much as they should—which I find quite surprising—I encourage you not to be like them.
Establish Yourself as an Authority
Quick experiment:
Let’s say you want to work with a weight loss coach and decide to find a good one on social media. You log on to LinkedIn or Facebook and stumble on two pages.
The first weight loss coach only posts about their products, offers, consultations, and everything they sell, while the second weight loss coach shares helpful educational content and student testimonials. Which one would you most likely choose?
Did you say “the second coach”?
Now, that demonstrates the importance of positioning yourself as an expert in your field. It enhances not only your visibility but also your credibility.
Hence, as a service provider, it is vital to create and share valuable content demonstrating your knowledge and expertise. This could include blog posts, videos, podcasts, or webinars addressing common challenges or offering practical tips and advice. For example, if you’re a business coach, you could create videos sharing actionable strategies for overcoming common entrepreneurial hurdles.
As a copywriter and content marketer, this article is one way to establish myself as an authority in my niche. You can do the same!
Additionally, seek opportunities to guest blog on reputable industry websites or speak at conferences and events to display your expertise to a broader audience. Social media events and live streams can be a great place to start.
Building a solid personal brand is also essential in establishing authority. Share your journey, values, and unique perspective to connect with your audience on a deeper level.
Network and Collaborate
As a business owner, this is one visibility-boost strategy that I am working on. Building relationships with peers, influencers, and complementary businesses can undoubtedly open up new opportunities for visibility and collaboration.
So you want to make sure to;
- Join industry-related groups and associations— online and offline— to connect with like-minded professionals.
- Attend online and offline networking conferences, events, and workshops to expand your network and stay updated on industry trends.
- Look for opportunities to work with complementary businesses on joint marketing initiatives or co-hosting events. For example, if you’re a wedding planner, you could collaborate with a local florist to offer exclusive packages to couples.
- NEVER underestimate the power of online networking. Participate in relevant forums, Facebook groups, and LinkedIn communities to connect with potential collaborators and clients.
Yes, all these can feel overwhelming, but take it one step at a time to find what platforms work best for you. Once done, stick with them and put in every effort you can.
Invest in Paid Advertising
Image credit: Kesh Sandhu
Everybody talks about how organic methods are valuable for increasing visibility, but really, paid advertising can provide a massive extra boost.
Think about investing in targeted advertising campaigns on platforms like Google Ads or social media channels. Set clear goals for your campaigns, whether it’s to drive website traffic, generate leads, or increase sales. Monitor your campaigns closely and adjust your strategy based on performance metrics such as click-through and conversion rates.
For example, if you’re a fitness coach targeting local clients, you could run Facebook ads promoting a free trial session at your gym.
Additionally, explore retargeting options to reach potential clients who have visited your website but haven’t taken action yet.
Wrapping Up
If you must increase your visibility as a service-based business, you must place a strategic approach and consistent effort in place. Begin by following the tips in this blog, and you’ll see all the difference they bring to your business, just as they’ve brought to mine in the past and still bring to it.
Do all these feel overwhelming, difficult, or impossible to implement? Don’t be shaken!
If you’re ready to take your business to the next level and need help implementing these strategies, my team and I are here to support you every step of the way. Reach out to us with your business details and needs, and let’s work together to grow your visibility, attract your desired clients, and boost your business!
