1. Get a domain name for your business

The first and foremost step in building an online presence is to secure a domain name for your business name. Having a domain name for your business, nowadays, is like having a phone number for the web. Once you have got a domain name for your business, you are one step ahead of those without one.

What should you do: Contact a professional company to look after it for you. You may also contact us to obtain a quote.

2. Get an email address with your domain

Almost all small businesses have an email address, but not all email addresses represents and reflects the business. Having a professional email address means you are serious about your business and your brand. It also gives a level of confidence to customers that the email address has a direct relationship to the business. Without a doubt, professional email addresses like info@ABCCompany.com.au or john@ABCcompany.com.au give a better first impression than those email addresses that anyone could obtain like ABCcompany@yahoo.com or john@ISPName.com.au.

What should you do: Contact a professional company to look after it for you. You may also contact us to obtain a quote.

3. Get a professional website

Now that your business has got a domain name and professional email address(es), the next step is to create a stronger online presence; by having a professional website. One of the most common mistakes that many business owners make is going for the cheapest available option, be it asking a friend to design a website, or choosing the cheapest website package option. Choosing a website package for your small business is not a bad thing, but it is important to choose the most appropriate one. For example, if you are a plumber and you just need a website that represent your business and services that you offer, and a contact form, you might go for a simple website package without any frills. But if you are a Restaurant owner and needs a website that needs to be updated often with price list and new menu, you might want to consider investing in a Content Management System so that you can edit content of your website easily by yourself at your convenience. Your website is a reflection of your business and a powerful marketing medium so it is important to get it done professionally.

What should you do: Contact a professional company to look after it for you. You may also contact us to obtain a quote.

4. Optimise for search engines

Now that you have a professional website for your business, the next logical step is to promote it and optimise it for search engines so that your website can be found. In this day and age, many people turn to search engines to find businesses and services in their area. Search engines are considered one of the most powerful distribution channels and the most effective way to drive traffic to your website.

What should you do: Contact a professional company to look after it for you. You may also contact us to obtain a quote.

5. Embrace Twitter

A year or two ago, Twitter was only used by people to update their friends and families on what they are currently doing in 140 words. But because of the benefits it provides, Twitter is now embraced by many businesses and orgainsations as a social networking and marketing tool to reach customers directly. Many large organisations are already using Twitter as a communication tool; publishing news and announcements, giving away special offers, and obtaining real time feedback from real customers.

What should you do: Sign up and create an account at Twitter.

6. Add your business to online business directories

Adding your business to an online directory helps you reach your targeted audiences in your local area and obtain leads. If you operate in Australia, check out True Local and Yellow Pages which lets you add your business listing for free if you meet certain conditions.

What should you do: Compile a list of most commonly used online business directories in your local area and submit your business listing to them. You may also contact us to obtain a quote.

7. Add your business to google business centre

Google is one of the top 10 websites and millions of people visit google every single day. Adding your business to google business centre means your business will not only appear in google maps but also above google search results.

What should you do: Go to Google Local Business Center and follow the on screen instructions to list/claim your business. You may also contact us to obtain a quote.