How to Turn Your Business Into a Local Industry Thought Leader

Attracting new customers in a competitive marketplace is no easy task, regardless of the type of business you’re in. While sales, promotions and offering free coffee in your waiting room may be attractive to some, it’s actual expertise that most consumers are interested in. For the best chance at being found and trusted by local spenders who can boost your revenue, you need to establish yourself and your business as a local thought leader. Here’s our tips for doing just that.
Use your Web Presence to Showcase your Expertise
Most shoppers begin their search for products and services online. It needs to be crystal clear from your website, social media presence and Google My Business page exactly what it is that you offer. Flowery language and photos of puppies can fill up space, but it doesn’t do much to help you win over new customers if you specialize in automotive engine repair. Use your website and other online listings to illustrate your authority on the goods and services you provide.
Generate Interesting Content
Establishing your skillset is a solid first step, but the content stream doesn’t end there. Using a blog or other publishing means, you should regularly share content that answers consumers’ questions and provides tips, tricks and insights surrounding your business’ dealings.
Create a Social Media Community
People tend to turn to businesses that have many engaged customers, as this generally means they have an established reputation for fair prices and honest service. By building an online community around your company on Facebook and other social media platforms, you will be more likely to earn new business thanks to the positive reviews and positive chatter that follows. Your social media channels are the perfect place to share the aforementioned content.
Listen to Others
Being a thought leader doesn’t mean you should do all the talking. Responding to online reviews, both negative and positive, is a great way to let people know that your ears are open and ready to make adjustments to improve customer experiences. Additionally, be sure to constantly be reading and listening to what people from similar businesses in the neighborhood and beyond are sharing, as this will keep you looped in to local, regional and national trends.
Always be Learning
While you and your colleagues may be experts in your field, it’s likely the field is rapidly developing. As tools and technology; styles and flavors, change, you need to exhibit your will to learn and adapt, or in some cases, innovate. On your community platforms and website, list new training and courses completed and new capabilities and services offered as a result. This will let your customer base know that you’re on the cutting edge of your industry.
At MORBiZ, we know that many small business owners are too busy to focus on forming, let alone managing, a large web presence. That’s where we step in. As your online marketing team we will establish you as a local thought leader in your industry, boost your Internet reputation and grow your bottom line. To learn more about how our Internet marketing and SEO experts can attract new customers to your company, please give us a call at 1-855-2MORBiZ or use this handy contact form .









