Running a business today means navigating a sea of digital tools and platforms, each promising to bring in more customers than the last. But with so many options, where should you focus? While digital advertising is powerful, doing it wrong can blow a tonne of cash. Lets have a squiz!
1. Word of Mouth: Still King
Let’s be real—nothing beats word of mouth. When a happy customer tells their friends, family about your business, that’s pure gold. These are the warmest leads you can get because they come with a built-in layer of trust. To maximise word-of-mouth referrals, focus on delivering top-notch service and creating experiences that people can’t help but talk about. Raving fans. A referral program is also a smart way to encourage your customers to spread the word and bring new business your way.
2. SEO Organic: The Slow(ish) and Steady Winner
SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) might sound like tech jargon, but it’s one of the most reliable ways to get your business noticed online. A natural rank on Google has a lot more trust than any sort of Google Ad. Do you flick past ads? I think the thought process is – anyone can run an ad, why should I trust it. SEO is a tricky game at the moment. The moment everyone started filling their site with AI generated content (ChatGPT sure does make it easy!) Google have started looking less and less at content. Buyer beware – there are a lot of SEO companies that still don’t know this. Content for a reader is always good, but solely to impress Google? They have caught on. It’s worth getting the professionals in for this one.
3. Google My Business: Local Visibility with the 3-Pack
If you’re not on Google My Business (GMB), you’re missing out on some serious local exposure. GMB is a free tool. If you don’t have a profile, go and set one up now. Trust me – it will benefit you heaps. Fill out your profile properly. Now the Holy Grail – getting in the Top 3 pack. Stats show this can be up to 400x more traffic for local service businesses than the organic listing. Struggling to get in there? We can help.
4. Asking for Reviews: Free, Easy, and Effective
Online reviews are today’s word of mouth. People trust what others have to say, especially when deciding where to spend their money. That’s why asking your happy customers to leave a review is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to build trust. Encourage reviews on Google, Facebook, or Yelp—anywhere potential customers might be looking. Positive reviews not only boost your reputation but also help with your local SEO, pushing you higher in search results.
5. Google and Meta Ads: Tread Carefully
Google Ads and Meta (formerly Facebook) Ads can drive a lot of traffic to your business. These platforms let you target specific audiences based on who they are and what they like. Sounds great, right? But there’s a catch. The cost of these ads can skyrocket, especially if you’re in a competitive market. Plus, the level of control and trust you have isn’t the same as with organic methods. Paid ads can be effective, but they need constant tweaking and monitoring to ensure you’re not throwing money down the drain. If you have dabbled yourself you will know that Google push Performance Max campaigns and Facebook have their own version. The reporting numbers look awesome, but really, did you want your adspend to be chewed up on the bottom of a dodgy YouTube video or some random website? Is that really effective? Remember – their core business is Advertising and they want you to spend more
Wrapping Up
In the end, the best advertising strategy is one that combines the old with the new. Word of mouth still reigns supreme, but there’s no denying the power of a solid online presence. By focusing on relationships, optimising your digital footprint, and being smart with your spend, you can attract new customers and grow your business in the most cost effective way.
