Online visibility is a click away for SMBs

BANGALORE, INDIA: Being a continuous process, business comprises of different stages at which different requirements are met. There is no halt, until and unless, there is a change required. But when it comes to managing a business, it is not just about having good understanding of the processes, but it matters how you make it presentable, especially online.

According to a survey jointly conducted by Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and Estates India, 73 percent of MSMEs in India have their own websites, while 99 per cent of MSMEs use online B2B marketplaces to generate business. The survey found that in the domestic market last year, the surveyed companies generated 4,842 orders and business worth Rs 50.9 crore through B2B e-marketplaces, while in the international market the companies recorded business worth Rs 15.9 crore generated from 1,428 orders through e-marketplaces.

To patch up with the changing trends of marketing, it is also important to adapt to the new world of communication. It certainly has the potential to provide adequate exposure, keep your audience engaged and bring traffic to websites. What SMBs need to be aware when communicating or promoting through social media is, they should know how to make their messages interactive and engaging.We have already discussed about how social media helps SMBs in various ways. It's not about just using the social media, but it's all about how effectively you use it and how active you are in this platform. Social media platform is affordable, attainable, provides personal approach, and most importantly, they give the most essential online visibility.

The optimized usage of information on the web pages always engages the customers and keeps them connected. Posting links, attractive pictures, blogs and taking time to make the descriptions of our business interests the costumers. Some musts for SMBs:

a) A cheaper market research - the social media data analysis- should be done often to know what's trending and keep themselves updated. Web analytics can reveal questions people most often ask on Google that send them to the company website. Blog posts can be planned to answer those questions.

b) Cost-effective online tools for enhancement of products and services must be tracked.

c) One of the sources says SMBs cannot afford analysts for social data trends, so it's recommended for them, the first thing they need to understand the KPI's (Key performing Indicators) and business objectives, which in turn establishes what are the goals.

d) If you are not in there, then one of your competitors will be there. So, ensure you are there before them.Fast tips for SMBs:

To make sure about your active online presence, follow these practices mentioned below:

a) Be sure your business is visible online

b) Maintain a Consistent Name, Address and Phone Number and keep them updated. Or else, it reflects badly on your organisation's commitment to customers

c) Don't confuse your online business listings with advertising. Keep bot business and advertisement separately

d) Create a long-term business listing strategy

So SMBs, how active are you online?