When you start trying to attract your perfect customer, it’s tempting to think that all your effort should go to your website. While that’s not entirely a bad idea, it’s also not exactly right. Simply having a website doesn’t mean you’ll have visitors to it. You have to give people a reason to visit first, which means they need to know you exist.

The best way to do that is through Social Media and Search Engines.

That’s why this week we’re talking about the third aspect of the WASH Cycle: Search and Social. This is where you learn how to start finding your customers where they hang out online. Search Engines and Social Media are the tools you use to bring people into your audience (which we talked about last time), so it pays to know how to use them.

So, let’s talk Search Engines.

Search Engines are the backbone of the internet. Everyone uses them, relies on them, and trusts them to give the best results day in and day out. If you want to build an audience for your online presence, then your Search Engine Ranking is the best place to start.

It’s estimated that around 92% of Search Engine users don’t go past the first page of results. That means if you’re not near the top, then your perfect customer is going to someone else! Increasing your rank on Search Engines like Google and Bing should be at the top of your priority list, and you accomplish that through a mixture of methods like:

• Building a Trusted Social Media
• Using Professional Search Engine Optimization Services
• Frequently Updating Your Website

Optimizing your Search Engine takes time, but don’t despair! Your perfect customers will always be looking for you, so it’s never too late to stary.

Okay, now what about Social Media?

A vibrant and active Social Media presence is the lifeblood of a healthy digital marketing plan. No other platform gives businesses such access to the daily lives of their customers. When done right, your Social Media can become a thriving online community that boosts your reputation and your business!

As with Search Engine Rankings, building a proper Social Media audience takes time. The worst thing you could possibly do is shortcut that by paying for shady services that promise “Thousands of followers in one day” or something like that. 99.9% of the interaction you’ll get from services like that will be completely worthless, and could actually turn away good potential customers!

Using Social Media to increase conversation and then drive traffic to your website is a tried and true method that yields results when executed well. Consistent messaging, quality imagery, and customer-centric conversation will help you connect with your Social followers and start turning them into customers!

Get the most out of your digital marketing services and use this free master marketing checklist to make sure you're crossing your T's and dotting your I's: