Get Ahead: Digital Marketing Tips for the New Financial Year

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) remains a key part of digital marketing. Local SEO is the practice of optimising a business’s online presence to attract local customers from relevant searches, such as optimising “The Yiros Shop” in Brisbane to appear in local search results for “Greek restaurant near me.” It’s no secret that consumers are becoming more reliant on the internet to find products, services, and businesses. But did you know that 46% of all searches on Google include local intent? Small businesses not implementing basic local SEO strategies in the new financial year will miss out on ranking for almost half of all Google searches.
What’s next? 

• Conduct an SEO audit of your website.
• Ensure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across your digital presence.
• Claim and optimise your Google Business Profile and Localsearch Business Profile.

As a small business owner, balancing your responsibilities can be overwhelming. Enter Artificial Intelligence (AI) – a game-changing tool that can significantly improve your overall efficiency. Studies show that AI-powered automation can increase productivity by up to 40%, giving small businesses a significant competitive edge. AI has huge potential for businesses of all sizes. But there’s no need to change everything overnight. Start by trialling AI in one or two areas of your business to see what works for you and what doesn’t. Once you’ve got a better sense of how your business can benefit from AI, you can start rolling it out in other areas.

What’s next?  

• Enhance customer interaction with 24/7 AI-driven chatbots.
• Simplify the hiring process with AI screening tools.
• Take advantage of tools like Canva AI and ChatGPT for content creation

Customer experience plays a pivotal role in shaping the reputation and success of local Australian businesses. A happy customer is your best advocate. By prioritising customer experience and actively seeking reviews, you can create a loyal customer base that not only returns but also promotes your business to others. A significant 87% of consumers turn to Google reviews to check out local businesses, a 6% rise year-on-year since 2021. Therefore, online reviews will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the reputation and success of local Australian businesses.

What’s next? 

• Invest in user-friendly website design.
• Encourage and showcase customer reviews.
• Monitor and respond to online reviews to build trust and improve customer satisfaction.
  

Every small business needs a website. If you don’t have one, not only will you lose business online, but people will also question your business’s legitimacy. Almost half of all internet users view website design as a crucial factor in determining the credibility of a business. The way a website looks can impact the first impression and overall perception of a company. It’s also important for businesses to prioritise website performance in the new financial year to ensure they are providing a positive user experience. A slow website can lead to frustration and loss of potential customers, with 40% of users leaving a site if it takes more than three seconds to load.

What’s next?

• Optimise your website for mobile.
• Ensure easy navigation and clear calls to action.
• Include quality content and update it regularly.

  Need a hand with your website? Check out Localsearch’s Smart Websites solutions.