Almost every business owner out there has the same question on their mind: How do I get more customers? Owning a business is tough. In order to increase customers, you must first start with building awareness for your brand. People have to know who you are and what you do.

Gaining awareness for your business can be one of the hardest uphill battles. However, we live in a time where getting the attention of potential customers is easier than ever before. You simply have to know which tools and techniques will give you the most bang for your buck. Once you focus on gaining awareness, customers will follow.

From social media to SEO services to networking and more, there are several high-return activities to help boost your brand’s awareness.

Step One: SEO Services

You probably already have a website, which is excellent, but if people can’t find it organically, then you’re missing out on tons of potential exposure for your business. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is optimizing your website and content for search engines and ensuring that you show up on that first page of Google. You don’t just get to the first page of Google. You have to employ SEO techniques like keyword analysis, competitor analysis, content tags, backlinking, and more.

How important is SEO? According to Hubspot’s research, 94% of all web traffic come from organic search. Beyond that, 75% of people searching the web will never go beyond the first-page search results. So, it’s pretty essential.

Once you start utilizing SEO, organic traffic to your website will increase exponentially. For instance, let’s say that you sell women’s dress shoes. If your site is search engine optimized, a potential customer can search for “women’s dress shoes,” and your website will show up right on the first page as an option. This type of organic exposure to your company is great for building awareness.

The good thing is that you don’t have to be an SEO expert to use SEO techniques. There are thousands of people out there offering SEO services. Search engine optimization is a critical step for increasing awareness of your business. So, don’t skip it!

Step Two: Social Media

Social media is huge for building brand awareness. You have complete control of your company’s brand, voice, and image. Also, you have direct access to millions of potential customers. According to PWC’s global consumer insight study, 37% of consumers determine what they’re going to purchase based on social media. It’s incredibly important that you’re active on social media.

The good news is that you don’t have to master every single social media out there. While you should have an account for all the big ones (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Linkedin), you don’t have to dominate them all. Know your target demographic and spend the most time on the social media platform that appeals to your industry. Are you B2B? Dominate LinkedIn. Do you have beautiful pictures of your products? Try Instagram. Are you quippy and fun? Twitter could be a perfect choice.

Facebook is one that you need to have on lock, simply because their advertising platform is exceptionally comprehensive and budget-friendly. They have demographic and interest targeting, the ability to target only people who already like your business, and more. Get a handle on your social media presence and get your voice and business out there. Like with SEO, if you don’t feel like you have the skills, hire an assistant. There’s no excuse not to harness the power of social media for your company.

Step Three: Networking

Even though the world has gone digital, there is still no replacement for good, old-fashioned networking. According to Hubspot, almost 100% of people agree that meeting in person is critical for long-term business relationships. In addition, the closing ratio for meetings that happen in person sits at 40%. If you want to increase your profits and brand awareness, you have to have some face-to-face interactions.

Get out there and talk to people about your business. Go to conferences in your industry. Buy business cards to hand out to friends, acquaintances, and people you meet while you’re out. Rent out a booth at local trade shows. Ask your current customers for referrals. There are unlimited possibilities when it comes to networking. Find what works best for you and your business, and get out there and do it!

Increase Awareness for Your Business Today

Increasing awareness for your business doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by getting SEO services, investing time into social media, and networking. These three steps will put you way ahead of the competition. If you have a business or product, the hardest thing is getting people in the door. Focus on building awareness first, and the customers will follow.