Just about every business can benefit from a presence on the web. The experts at Zoek Marketing explain why.

Essentially any business can get a boost from a strong online presence these days. Even local brick-and-mortar companies can benefit greatly from social media, websites, and other digital platforms.

As Wix’s top-rated agency for SEO and web design for 2020, the digital marketing gurus at Zoek Marketing take a closer look at why being online is so important, and how a strong digital presence can help you reach more customers, grow your business and set your brand apart from the competition.

“When you think of a company doing business on the web, you might first be drawn to Amazon and other businesses that generate most or all of their revenue by selling goods and services online,” says Kristen Dillon, Director of Operations at Zoek Marketing. “Yet, it’s not just online-specific retailers that need a robust online presence these days. The internet is an essential informational resource consumers use to learn and research all businesses every day. Without a strong digital footprint, you’re missing a golden opportunity to educate your customers and expand your audience.”

Information, including info about your company, is often just as important as digital sales. By putting up a website and building a social media presence, you can help ensure that customers can find and learn about your business, even if most of the goods and services are sold locally, rather than online.

Let’s say a customer wants to find the “best burger in town,” or “affordable late-night emergency plumbing services.” How many people these days are going to dig out a phone book? Not many. Instead, potential customers will turn to a search engine.

“Whether you want to become the number one in your area, or the most popular landscaping company, a strong online presence will help,” argues Dillon. “”Our clients from different industries, including B2B, understand the importance of sound digital marketing strategies. If you’re not on the Internet, you’re going to miss out on a valuable audience.”

Simply putting up a website and social media profiles that provide vital details, such as your operating hours, address, menu/product list, and other bits of information can go a long way. Many customers will want to review your offerings before visiting in person. When you fail to establish a strong online presence, customers may end up going to your competitors instead.

“You’d be surprised by how many marketing companies fail to maintain a strong online presence,” says Dillon. “We use our online presence to demonstrate our strength in web design, content marketing, and the like. We never rest either. In fact, we’re wrapping up a major update for our digital assets, education content, and more.”

Adding value is essential no matter the marketing channels you choose. During their recent branding updates, the Zoek Marketing team emphasized knowledge and empowering business leaders with actionable insights and marketing know-how.

Zoek Marketing Explains What a Good Modern Website Looks Like

Any online presence that supplies basic details, like your contact information, will help. Still, by working with digital marketing pros, you can develop an online presence that stands out. By building a website that implements the latest best practices, you can increase your chances of success.

With Zoek Marketing, modern designs and great user experiences take priority. Zoek Marketing partners with Wix to provide websites that are blazing fast, reliable, and highly secure.

“Having a website or app that works well on mobile devices, such as smartphones, is essential,” says Dillon. “Many people are using their mobile phones rather than computers. This is especially true when searching for brick-and-mortar businesses.”

Let’s say you run a pub. If someone is out with friends and family, perhaps enjoying a day at the park, and wants to find a pub to have a drink at, they may turn to their smartphone to find local suggestions. If your website isn’t mobile-friendly, they may never find your establishment.

“You also want to make sure that information is accurate,” Dillon says. “If your operating hours change, and you don’t update your website, that could create problems. You want a website that offers a good user experience and one that loads quickly as well. Otherwise, people may abandon your website even if they find it on the web.”

A missed click or a would-be client showing up when your store is closed often means lost sales and customers. And your competitors with a better web presence? They’ll get to enjoy those revenues instead.