I hear this often from new small business owners. I’ve opened my business, launched my new website to support it and — crickets! So here are some of the most important factors in getting seen and gaining traction for your new business.

The reality is that most local small businesses are competing in a parity product or service environment. And while it’s undeniably important to have a unique selling proposition or a point of differentiation, to get a foothold you need to excel in three key areas — credibility, visibility and reputation. 

Credibility can be built by having a clear, coherent, brand presentation and message that gives the impression that you’re a serious business that has it together. As an outgrowth of that, having clear, concise helpful information on your website that makes it easy for the user to learn what they need to know and navigate to what they want to learn about you leaves a great impression that can reflect what kind of business they may be dealing with. 

Visibility for a small business is simpler in a way, and that’s all about local SEO. Any hope for a small business to gain a foothold starts there. Most people are going to find you through your Google business listing. 

The last piece in reputation, and that mostly boils down to garnering positive reviews on your Google listing and your website. And the way you build those reviews circles back to visibility and local SEO. 

If you’re a new or existing local business looking to get a foothold, contact us to get started.