Online Strategies That’ll Help Your Business Grow
In 2024, more entrepreneurs than ever are doing business online instead of in an actual store.
The vast majority of the population was already online before the pandemic hit, and since then, an online-first approach has helped more businesses grow rapidly than ever before.
But if you want to build a business that is here to stay, you need to figure out the right online strategies for you and how to use them.
You can learn more about this right here in this article.
Call In the Experts: Find the Right Online Strategy for You
There are many online strategies to consider when wanting to grow your business, and no one strategy works for every business.
The best way to go about it is to figure out what your business needs simply.
However, if you are a new business, knowing which direction to go in may be challenging.
If this is the case, getting help from a business specializing in online strategies—e.g., a marketing agency like We Digitize—can be beneficial.
You can learn more about development of online strategies here and decide whether they offer the solutions your business needs.
We Digitize helps you figure out which type of online strategy works best for you. This can vary a lot from business to business.
Some require help with SEO or link building, while others have a greater need for translations or ad campaigns.
When you consult experts, they will not only inform you of the pros and cons of each strategy.
They will also weigh in with opinions on what will work best for your business and guide you to the best solution.
Leveraging User-Generated Content (UGC)
Let’s break down the magic of User-Generated Content (UGC) and why it’s such a game-changer for your brand!
UGC is basically when your customers become your cheerleaders—they take photos, make videos, or write reviews showing how they use your products in real life.
It’s like seeing an everyday person, not a polished model, using your product.
They might be lounging in a T-shirt from your brand, cooking with your kitchen gadget, or even just unboxing your product on video. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s relatable.
For example, imagine someone wearing a dress from your clothing line.
It doesn’t have to look like a photoshoot from a magazine; maybe they’re just wearing it at a family barbecue or during a casual day out.
This real-life snapshot makes your brand more approachable because people see someone just like them using your product.
The beauty of UGC lies in its authenticity—customers trust it because it shows your products being used by people they can relate to, not just professional endorsers.
As trends shift towards authenticity, seeing real, ordinary people in marketing materials makes a massive difference.
It helps potential customers visualize themselves using your products, which can boost confidence in their purchase decisions.
Plus, platforms like Trend.io and others can help you manage and amplify this content, making every customer a part of your marketing team!
Mastering Social Media: Instagram and TikTok
Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are your go-to spots for grabbing your audience’s attention with visuals that pop.
Think about it: You want to post photos and videos that catch the eye and make people stop scrolling.
Use tools like Canva for whipping up stunning designs and InShot for editing videos that pack a punch.
For instance, a beauty brand could rock Instagram with transformational before-and-after makeup tutorials.
Over on TikTok, the same brand could drop snappy, fun clips offering quick beauty tips.
This approach isn’t just about looking good—it’s about creating quick, compelling content that speaks directly to what your followers love.
Whether they’re learning a new makeup trick or seeing a dramatic transformation, you’re giving them exactly what they tune in for, in a format they can enjoy and share in a snap.
And don’t forget to engage with your customers.
They must see you’re on their side. Respond to their comments, ask for their feedback, and show you’re listening to their needs.
This interaction builds a stronger connection and shows that you value their input and presence.
Using Storytelling to Connect
How is storytelling used in business? Storytelling is a powerful tool that helps brands forge a strong connection with their audience by sharing their unique journey and the inspiration behind their products.
This narrative approach builds emotional ties and loyalty, going beyond mere transactions.
Think about why we watch movies: not just to see the ending, but to enjoy the story itself.
Your brand’s story should be similar, allowing customers to experience your ups and downs and become part of your adventure.
Successful storytelling isn’t just about showcasing successes—it’s about being real. Share the challenges, the failures, and the triumphs.
This authenticity makes your brand relatable and can turn casual customers into devoted supporters.
Using tools like StoryChief, you can easily organize and share your brand’s narrative across various platforms, ensuring your story is heard far and wide.
For example, imagine a startup that shares its founder’s journey from the initial concept to the reality of running a business, including the obstacles faced, failures endured, and celebrations along the way.
To deepen your understanding of crafting compelling stories that engage and inspire, consider reading books on storytelling in business such as “The Story Factor” by Annette Simmons, “Lead with a Story” by Paul Smith, and “Building a StoryBrand” by Donald Miller.
These resources provide valuable insights into creating scenarios that captivate and connect with audiences, turning your brand journey into an engaging narrative that pulls people in and keeps them coming back for more.
For those looking to refine their storytelling techniques, I highly recommend the book on
“Everyday Business Storytelling: Create, Simplify, and Adapt A Visual Narrative for Any Audience 1st Edition” by Janine Kurnoff.This book offers practical advice on effectively conveying your business’s story to captivate and engage your audience.
Building a Strong Personal Brand
To establish yourself as a trusted authority in your field, it’s crucial to maintain consistent messaging and visuals across all your platforms.
This consistency not only strengthens your personal brand but also builds a dependable and relatable image that truly connects with your audience.
Platforms like LinkedIn are excellent for professional networking and showcasing your brand’s values.
For instance, a fitness coach might use their personal Instagram account to give followers a peek into their daily routines and the transformative journeys of their clients.
This approach demonstrates expertise and personalizes the brand, making it more approachable and engaging.
Driving Sales Through Affiliate Marketing
Selecting the right affiliates is crucial for your brand’s growth. Look for partners who share your brand values and will genuinely appeal to your audience.
Providing them with the necessary tools and information will help them promote your products effectively.
Affiliate networks like ShareASale and Commission Junction are excellent platforms to facilitate these partnerships.
For instance, an eco-friendly product line might partner with bloggers who advocate for sustainable living, giving them unique discount codes to share with their followers.
In affiliate marketing, transparency and providing valuable content are key to building trust and credibility with your audience.
Honest reviews and genuine recommendations can help establish you as a trusted authority in your niche.
Additionally, optimizing your marketing efforts is essential.
This includes creating high-quality content, using effective SEO strategies, and engaging with your audience through email and social media to maximize the visibility of your affiliate links.
For more insights into affiliate marketing strategies, including how to select high-commission programs and optimize your marketing efforts, Lori Ballen’s website offers comprehensive guides.
Figure Out Your Business’ Identity
To find the right online strategies, it’s crucial to first figure out what you want your business to specialize in.
Which services or products are you selling? In order to make sure your online strategy will be successful, you must choose one that suits your specific business idea – and if your idea isn’t clear enough yet, this won’t be possible.
Finding your niche can be tricky, but it isn’t impossible. Start by asking yourself the following three questions: What are you good at? What do you know a lot about?
And what do you have a genuine interest in? The answers to these three questions will help you pinpoint what your business idea should involve.
It may be scary to go out and start your own business, but the market is looking better than it has in a long while – especially since COVID-19 triggered the digital and e-commerce turning point, a development that hasn’t stopped since. So, why not give it a try?