It is easier than you may realize.
Ready to build a community that is loyal to your business?
As a business owner, you have created a unique product or service to offer, and now the time has come to connect with that ideal client which will lead to a strong community of returning customers.
So how do you find this ideal client?
By utilizing the internet in three attainable ways:
Create a website
Focus on two social media platforms
And most importantly, remain consistent!
To begin with, every business needs to create a website. Period.
While browsing the internet in search of a new restaurant, boutique, or medical services - if the business does not have a website, most customers will not pursue its services any further. A website is a must for clients to take almost any business seriously.
This should be considered the “one-stop-shop” where every client can find whatever they desire about the business. It is the online presence that allows clients to take a deeper look. Through the website, they can locate social media platforms, read blog posts, and discover more about the services offered by the business.
I’ve had the best luck with the following website builders: Squarespace & WordPress
Get started in five easy steps:
Create an account
Choose a basic template
Change the look (i.e images, color scheme, etc) to pair it with your brand
Add the appropriate verbiage
When it is launch time, buy a domain and the website is ready for the world to see!
For beginners, keep it simple! For a successful website, I recommend creating a home page, services/products tab, contact me, and a client’s testimonial page. As time progresses, feel free to add more to it but just to get started by focusing on these four pages.
To be completely transparent, at the start of 2020 I finally created my website to house my writing and offer freelance services. After writing consistently for almost two years, it took me far too long to finally start one. I should’ve created a website when I first took my writing seriously. That’s why I am here telling you the importance of it!
Part of the reason it took me so long, was the lack of knowledge in creating a website. However, I took my advice by keeping it simple and launched before it was perfect.
Remember that done is better than perfect. You can always improve the work but the only way to do that is to start.
I should start a new series on website building and we can learn together :) stay tuned!
Along with a website, a business should focus on two social media platforms.
With a clear objective, dedicated time slots, and planned weekly content, this tool can be used in building the community.
To start, focus on two platforms. This is manageable for various reasons:
Daily check-ins and posting is doable
Engagement will be more manageable where you can build genuine relationships with an audience
Burnout can be avoided because you won’t be spread too thin
Before signing up for any platform, do your research for the best option.
Twitter has a large following in nearly every #community. A tweet has a limited character count, forcing users to get their message across clearly and concisely.
Instagram is all about the visual aspect. The picture should captivate the audience but the caption will keep their attention.
Facebook offers a group option which is pretty much a fan club for a business where like-minded people gather and possibly cultivate friendships.
LinkedIn is primarily business focused. Looking to be hired? Join LinkedIn first!
Come say hello on either my IG and Twitter I’d love to *virtually* meet you :)
The final tip in regards to social media, please be genuine and authentic. Your audience will be quick to pick out a phony, so might as well show up as yourself!
Lastly and most importantly, remain consistent.
In a Medium article written about creativity, I compared consistency to daily habits as the glue to success.
In summary, schedule the most important tasks early in the day and choose discipline over motivation to execute effectively.
A few tips on improving consistency:
Schedule the time by physically writing it into the calendar
When lacking motivation, set a 15-minute timer with zero distractions
Place your phone on airplane mode
Remember that done is better than perfect
Seriously stop waiting for motivation to start building your community. Stated earlier, consistency within daily habits will become the glue to success.
A quick recap on building a community online:
Make a website - it’s easier than you realize. I recommend using Squarespace.
Focus on TWO social media platforms. Do the research and show up as your authentic and genuine self on the daily!
Consistency outranks everything.
Time to build that community of loyal clients by building a website! Keep it simple and include a home page, services/products tab, contact me, and a client’s testimonial page. Once the website has a general layout, choose a domain and launch that website! Need an example? Check out my website for some inspiration!
Once you have that baby launched, I’d love to check it out! Please email me at writerkwdavis@gmail.com and share the URL.
Time to build that community through an online presence!
