Top 5 Online Platforms for your Business

Your business needs a strong online presence. Regardless of the service or product you offer, if consumers cannot find you online your business faces the very real threat of being left behind while your competitors bound ahead at full pace, scooping up your potential online customers on their way!

For a strong and healthy online presence, make sure your business is set up on the following platforms:

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1. Facebook. Yes, you have a personal Facebook profile. You may have even set up a Facebook page for your business. But are you making the most of the incredible business-growth tool that is 'Facebook Pages'? The wonderful thing about Facebook is that you can develop a personal relationship with your customers and give a 'face' to your business. While it may not sound like much, such relationships are the future of business and sales on both a local and international level. We use Fierce Publicity, and you can contact them for your own social media consultation: info@fiercepublicity.com.


2. Twitter. If you're like me, the concept of Twitter might seem a little egocentric. Constant, single-sentence status updates are not really my cup of tea and I can think of a handful of tasks I'd rather be spending my time on. The thing is – there are millions of consumers linked up to Twitter who DO dig the concept and as business owners we would be crazy not to take advantage of the opportunity to reach out to these potential customers.

The great news is that it is very easy to sync your business Facebook account with your business Twitter account. Linking these accounts means that each time you post on your business Facebook page the same status update will automatically be posted on your business Twitter account. FABULOUS!

First of all, create a Twitter account for your business. While still logged in head to www.facebook.com/twitter and choose which of your accounts you would like sync with your Facebook page. Then simply follow the instructions, and you're done. Easy!


3. Pinterest. This one's simple. If you're wanting to sell online, you'll need great photos and Pinterest provides the perfect online platform from which to share your product photos. With millions of active users who are sharing, liking and re-posting beautiful images, Pinterest can be a very powerful marketing tool. Remember to discreetly watermark your photos to direct interested consumers to your website!


4. LinkedIn. A great place to set up a professional profile for yourself. Think of it as social media meets your CV. LinkedIn allows you to connect with existing professional contacts, build new professional relationships, join specific interest and networking groups, learn of upcoming job and project opportunities and receive top industry news. Brilliant!


5. Website. If you're serious about your business, it is crucial you have a professional website. As more and more purchases are made online in today's consumer market, a sleek website with a fully-functioning shopping cart will ensure you don't miss out on any sales. A website is also important in distinguishing your business from a hobby. Use your social media pages to connect with your customers, and your website to sell to them. Simple. We recommend www.fiercepublicity.com/services/website-design/ for professional, affordable websites.