5 clever ways to increase your business presence and stand out from competitors

Competition is fierce in the business world these days. It’s not enough to be reputable and trustworthy – you have to set yourself apart from competitors and work hard to build – and maintain – a good online business presence.

There’s a lot of noise and promising startups making a name for themselves to cut through. Consumers are speaking up about what they want, and aren’t afraid to turn elsewhere if a business isn’t meeting their needs. Whether you’re a freelancer or running a micro-business, your brand’s public perception is the key to success – so it pays to step it up and get it right.

Here’s how you can improve your business image and create a profitable and sustainable pipeline.

1. Be memorable with a customised 1300 number

A smart way to heighten your reputation is with a 1300 number.

Compared to using your mobile or landline, 1300 numbers offer more flexibility and project the image of a professional, well-established business. Because 1300 numbers are high recall, they resonate better with callers and make it more appealing for them to reach out.

You can choose from a free option, or go customised with a 1300 number that spells a word or name associated with your brand. Numbers can also be combined with a live answering service from $1 a day.

1300 numbers are:

• Five times more memorable than standard landlines
• National business numbers
• Valuable marketing assets
• Ideal for business signage and display marketing
• Fully equipped with call handling features and functions

2. Optimise your Google Business Profile for success

Google Business Profile (or Google My Business) is a free digital listing to manage your online presence and unlock a growing portfolio of utilities and features, including Google Maps and Reviews. You can promote your brand and essential business information, as well as manage ads, custom emails and messages from customers and potential clientele.

A Google Business Profile gives you a competitive edge because of the local search exposure. Use it to leverage a location-based strategy and drive long-term organic traffic. Creating a profile is a great way to increase your visibility online, encourage trustworthy reviews, connect with customers and get discovered.

Manage and maintain your listing by:

• Claiming your business and address – if you work from home, there’s an option to make your address hidden and add your service locations
• Meticulously updating your contact information – make sure your NAP is consistent across all your online profiles
• Encouraging and responding to Google reviews to improve customer service
• Using the post feature – promote new products or services, events, news and offers
• Adding a high-quality logo, photos and virtual tour of your business

Google ranks local search listings based on three factors. Relevance (how well your listing matches the search), distance (how far you are from the searcher) and prominence (number of reviews and SEO). To maximise your score for each, complete all areas of your profile and add real images of your business.

3. Save money with a virtual office service

Virtual offices are the next big thing for startups because they reduce overhead costs, limit your carbon footprint and create a more credible and professional business. With more work being done remotely, it’s easy to see why the conventional office is being replaced by virtual.

These services allow freelancers to use a business address instead of a residential one. Access office and meeting facilities without a lease commitment or utility expenses, and use it for your Google Business Profile to get listed as a location.

Business1300’s virtual office services include premium locations in Melbourne, Sydney (pictured below) and Brisbane, which you can use when you need a professional environment for client meetings, and as a central business delivery address.

4. Invest in creative content and SEO

A strong digital presence is paramount in business.

Amplify your online brand and website with regular content and Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). Search engines use content to determine how a page ranks. So if you’re not publishing consistent, valuable content written and optimised for your audience – you’re not giving customers what they need and they’ll likely choose a competitor’s site instead.

One way to keep feeding users with educational content is through a regular blog. Businesses with a blog or news section on their site get 67 per cent more leads. You also gain trackable, sustainable SEO benefits and strengthen your audience connection.

Supercharge your digital strategy by:

• Cross-promoting your web content to social media
• Investing in a creative blog writing service
• Participating in social media communities and groups relevant to your industry/skills

5. Increase professionalism with virtual reception services

Virtual offices and assistants are beneficial platforms for a healthy work-life balance. Post-pandemic, they’ve become the future of work. For an affordable service with no training costs, you can get a virtual assistant in Australia who gives your business a professional edge.

Calls are promptly and professionally answered so you never miss a call, which is particularly useful for trade sole traders who often miss enquiries while working. If someone’s there to make that friendly first impression for you, you can get down to doing the parts of your job you love most – quicker and less interrupted.

Benefits include:

• Call transfer and message taking
• Streamlined appointment scheduling, freeing up your time and internal resources
• After-hours support
• Improved customer experience

Keen to learn more about boosting your business presence? Business1300 has more useful info on:

• Promoting your business with a phone name and 1300 numbers
• Virtual offices services and virtual receptionists

This article is written by Jayde Walker – a creative copywriter and small business owner in Perth.

This article is brought to you by Flying Solo in partnership with BusinessCo.

Feature image: AdobeStock