Business Owner’s Guide to Online Visibility

Without visibility online, you’re going to be hard-pressed to grow your business. But like everyone in business, we’re all on our own paths. What works for me may not work for you or your audience. 

In a recent podcast episode, I shared all about my own journey getting more visible online and how I help other business owners with visibility through my A-Team program. 

There are so many facets to online visibility, but when you’re new(er) in business, it’s easier and more cost-effective to start with you, rather than the technology that you need to hire out (I’m talking SEO here--it’s so effective but not always realistic in the early stages of business).

Let’s look at some things that might work for you so you can start upleveling your visibility today. On your own...that will cost you little more than your own time.

Network on Social Media

Social media is one of the first places newer business owners go when trying to build a following and it’s truly the perfect place to meet new people, market your products and services and build a community--if done right.

I want you to think of social media like an in-person networking event, where you talk to new people, make connections and help others. Facebook groups are like big events, where you can get noticed by speaking up and asking questions and providing support. Do this enough and you’ll get to be known as the go-to person for your industry.

As you start to get known, reach out to people you really connect with and ask them for virtual coffee chats. Coffee chats will allow you to learn more about them as individuals and as business owners, deepening relationships with those who might end up being referral partners down the road.

Use Free Video Opportunities

Video doesn’t have to be expensive, and it is one of the best ways to start making real connections online. People long for personal interaction and they want to see your face and hear your voice--even if it’s through a camera. Instagram stories, Facebook lives and even YouTube are the way to more visibility online, even when (especially when) it’s imperfect.

Know what you want to talk about ahead of time and keep your video on-message by taking a few notes and having them nearby. Then hit “live” or “record” and just do it, Sister. Don’t expect a lot of views or comments at first, but if you keep at it you’ll be surprised by the connections you make!

Get Yourself on Podcasts

Launching and hosting a podcast isn’t for the faint of heart, but being on someone else’s podcast is such a great way to leverage a new platform and build a relationship with the host and their audience. It’s one of my favorite ways to grow my visibility.

The key here is that you need to find a connection between you and the podcast’s audience. How can you serve them? Podcast hosts are protective of their time and the time of their listeners and only want to have guests on who can give their audience something of value.

So before you go pitching podcasts, know how you can serve the audience and spend some time listening to a few episodes so you know it’s a good fit. Then share your message in the ears of an entirely new audience!

Create Your Own Content

Part of your visibility strategy should be to be known as an expert in your industry and you can do that by publishing your own content around the topics your audience needs and wants. And with your own content, you can drive traffic to anywhere you want--your website, your social platforms, a freebie, a course or offering.

The most important thing to remember when creating your own content is that it needs to have a reason behind it. Publishing content for the sake of publishing content is wasting your time and the time of your readers or listeners, plus it’s mucking up the internet with unnecessary information. You should have a product or service in mind that is a logical next step for your people (without being overly salesy) when you’re in creation mode. And then you should give your audience the opportunity to take that next step.

Of course, this means you have a strategy for your content--and your online visibility.

Go Offline

If you know me at all, you know I thrive through connecting with others in person. I love to take online relationships offline, attending and hosting in-person events, speaking on stages and just getting together with masterminds and new biz besties. This is where the real magic happens.

Going offline could be as simple as attending a local in-person networking event or as big as speaking on a big stage and attending a conference. Both have served me well in my business and both are things I will continue to do as my business grows. Just because you’re running an online business doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get out there and be present in person.

Visibility is a vital part of any business, especially one in growth mode. If that’s where you are in business, it needs to be one of your top strategic objectives. 

While visibility can take a lot of your time and effort, it’s also something that can be operationalized so it runs more efficiently--giving you a bigger return on your time or financial investment. This is something I teach inside my A-Team program for business owners who are ready to take the next big step in their business.

Get on the waiting list now for the next time the A-Team doors open. The waiting list is the first to know when enrollment starts (and seats are limited) and they also have access to some pretty sweet bonuses!