A Step-by-Step Guide for Business Owners
Starting a new business is exciting, but one of the biggest challenges you’ll face is getting your business noticed online. In today’s digital-first world, your potential customers are searching for products and services on Google, browsing on social media, and making decisions based on what they see online.
If you’re just starting out, here’s a clear step-by-step guide to help you build visibility and attract customers online.
1. Create a Professional Website
Your website is your digital storefront. It should clearly communicate who you are, what you offer, and why customers should choose you. A good website is:
Mobile-friendly – Most users browse on their phones.
Fast-loading – Slow sites lose visitors.
Optimized for conversions – Clear contact buttons, enquiry forms, or online checkout options.
👉 Even a simple, well-designed website can make your business look more trustworthy and established.
2. Optimize for Search Engines (SEO)
If you want to be found on Google, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is non-negotiable. Focus on:
Using keywords your customers are searching for (e.g., “plumber in Durban” or “best coffee shop near Umhlanga”).
Creating location pages or listings to target local searches.
Writing helpful blog posts that answer common customer questions.
When done right, SEO brings you consistent, long-term traffic without paying for ads.
3. Claim Your Google Business Profile
For local businesses, your Google Business Profile is often the first thing people see. It helps you appear on Google Maps and “near me” searches. Make sure to:
Add your contact details, business hours, and photos.
Collect positive reviews from happy customers.
Keep your information updated.
4. Build a Social Media Presence
Choose the right platforms for your industry. For example:
Instagram & TikTok for visual businesses (food, fashion, lifestyle).
LinkedIn for B2B services.
Facebook for local communities.
Post consistently, engage with comments, and showcase your work. Social media is about building trust, not just selling.
5. Run Online Ads
If you want faster results, consider Google Ads or Facebook/Instagram Ads. A small budget can go a long way if you target the right audience. Ads can help you:
Get immediate visibility.
Drive traffic to your website.
Reach people who are actively searching for your service.
6. Collect and Showcase Reviews
Social proof matters. People trust businesses with good reviews. Encourage satisfied customers to leave feedback on Google, Facebook, or industry-specific directories. Positive reviews improve both your credibility and search rankings.
7. Track Your Results
Don’t just guess—use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to measure what’s working. Track:
Where your website traffic comes from.
Which pages people visit most.
How many enquiries or sales come through your site.
This helps you invest more in what’s actually growing your business.
Final Thoughts
Getting your business noticed online takes time, consistency, and the right strategy. By following these steps, you’ll lay a solid foundation for long-term growth and visibility.
But if you’d rather focus on running your business while the experts handle your digital presence, that’s where we come in.
