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The Ultimate Guide to Building an Online Presence for Kent Businesses
Marketing
•
13 Jan 2025
If you’re running a small business in Kent, you’ve probably heard people talk about the importance of having an online presence. But what does that actually mean? And how do you make sure your business stands out online without breaking the bank?
In today’s world, an online presence isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential. Whether you’re a plumber in Maidstone, a café in Canterbury, or a florist in Ashford, your customers are searching for businesses like yours online. If you’re not there to be found, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity.
But don’t worry! You don’t need a massive budget or technical expertise to build a strong online presence. In this guide, we’ll walk you through five easy steps to help your Kent business get noticed online and start attracting more customers.
1. Start With a Professional Website
Your website is the foundation of your online presence. It’s where potential customers learn about your services, contact you, and decide if you’re the right fit for their needs. Think of it as your digital storefront.
What Your Website Should Include:
Clear Contact Information: Display your phone number, email, and address prominently.
Your Services: Make it easy for customers to see what you offer, with pages dedicated to each service.
Local Keywords: Use phrases like “Plumbing Services in Kent” or “Best Café in Canterbury” to help your site rank in Google searches.
Mobile-Friendly Design: More than 60% of website traffic comes from mobile devices, so your site needs to look great on smartphones and tablets.
A Call-to-Action (CTA): Encourage visitors to book an appointment, request a quote, or call you directly.
Pro Tip for Kent Businesses: Include photos of your work, team, or location to give your site a local, personal touch.
2. Get Listed on Google My Business
Want to show up in Google search results and Google Maps? Then you need to set up a Google My Business (GMB) profile. This free tool helps your business appear when people search for services in Kent, like “electricians near me” or “best hair salon in Maidstone.”
How to Set Up Google My Business:
Go to Google My Business and create an account.
Add your business name, address, phone number, and website.
Select the right category for your business (e.g., “Landscaper,” “Café,” or “Pet Groomer”).
Upload photos of your business, team, or products.
Verify your business by postcard, phone, or email.
Once your profile is live, make sure to:
Keep your hours up to date (especially during holidays).
Respond to customer reviews (both positive and negative).
Post updates about special offers, events, or new services.
3. Leverage Social Media Platforms
Social media is one of the best ways to connect with your community and promote your business online. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are especially popular with local audiences, and they can help you build relationships with your customers.
Which Social Media Platforms Should Kent Businesses Use?
Facebook: Great for sharing updates, photos, and events. Facebook Groups for Kent communities are also a great place to promote your business.
Instagram: Perfect for visually showcasing your products, services, or behind-the-scenes content.
LinkedIn: Ideal for B2B businesses or professionals like accountants, consultants, and marketers.
Twitter: Good for quick updates and engaging with local events or news.
What to Post:
Photos of your work, products, or happy customers.
Special promotions or discounts for Kent locals.
Behind-the-scenes videos showing how you work.
Community involvement, like sponsoring a local event or collaborating with other Kent businesses.
Pro Tip: Use location-specific hashtags like #KentBusiness, #MaidstoneLocal, or #CanterburyFoodScene to attract local followers.
4. Focus on Local SEO
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is how your website gets found on Google. For local businesses in Kent, local SEO is key to driving traffic to your site and attracting nearby customers.
How to Improve Your Local SEO:
Use Local Keywords: Sprinkle terms like “Affordable Roofing in Kent” or “Best Landscaper in Ashford” throughout your site’s content.
Claim Local Listings: Add your business to directories like Yell, Checkatrade, and Bark.
Encourage Reviews: Ask happy customers to leave reviews on Google and Facebook. Reviews that mention Kent, Maidstone, or Canterbury help boost your rankings.
Blog About Local Topics: Write posts like “5 Winter Landscaping Tips for Kent Homes” or “How to Choose a Wedding Venue in Canterbury.”
5. Build Your Reputation With Reviews and Testimonials
When people search for businesses online, they look for reviews to decide who to trust. In fact, 93% of consumers say reviews influence their buying decisions.
How to Get More Reviews:
Ask happy customers for feedback right after completing a job.
Send follow-up emails with a link to leave a Google review.
Offer small incentives, like discounts or freebies, for leaving reviews.
Where to Collect Reviews:
Google My Business
Facebook
Trusted review platforms like Trustpilot or Checkatrade
Pro Tip: Display your best reviews on your website to build trust with new visitors.
Bonus: Use Email Marketing to Stay in Touch
Once you’ve got a website and social media presence, email marketing is a great way to stay connected with your customers. It’s affordable, easy to manage, and super effective for promoting your services or special offers.
What to Include in Your Emails:
Exclusive discounts for Kent customers.
Updates about new services or products.
Helpful tips related to your business (e.g., “How to Maintain Your Boiler in Winter”).
Invitations to local events or promotions.
Platforms like Mailchimp or Constant Contact make email marketing simple, even if you’re a beginner.
Conclusion: Take Your Kent Business Online Today
Building an online presence might sound overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. By following these steps—starting with a professional website, optimizing for local SEO, and connecting with customers on social media—you’ll be well on your way to attracting more customers and growing your business in Kent.
Need help getting started? We specialize in affordable websites and marketing solutions for local businesses in Kent. Contact us today, and let’s create an online presence that works for you!