Today’s post shows you how to stand out online by making 5 quick and easy tweaks.

If you’re truly serious about your business, then it’s time to remove the hobby status, and start treating it like a REAL business! Appearing professional and credible online is a huge part of that!

Now, before we get started… I know how easy it is to revert back to this ‘hobby-status’ mindset, because the only person holding you accountable for your actions, is you.

However, in most cases, we get out what we put in. And if we don’t fully believe in the potential of the business and the products and services that we are offering, how can we expect our customers to do the same?

If you’re not treating your business like a REAL business, how can you expect our audience to do the same?

Here are a few simple changes you can make straight away to remove that hobby status and stand out online as a professional, trustworthy business.

 

 

1. A website is an absolute must to stand out online. 

Stating the obvious, right? Plain and simple, we live in a fast-paced, online world. I have not only heard this from marketing experts time and time again, but I also couldn’t agree more – if you want to succeed in business, you MUST have a website.

Not just a Facebook page. Not just an Instagram profile. You need a website dedicated to your business, your services and your brand. Plainly and simply, a website not only allows you to provide information about your business background, it also allows you to express your unique message, your business values and your commitment to working with your customers.

Your website is essentially your business’s online brochure –  a representation of what your business stands for, how you interact with your customers and most importantly, what you can offer them. Having a website will also help with the following point…

 

2. Get rid of that generic email address. 

One of my pet hates is seeing ‘professional’ companies with a generic email address, such as “companyname@gmail.com“. In fact, just the other day I was driving behind a car which had promotional advertising on it. The branding was eye-catching and professional.

However, as I scrolled down each line of text, I got to the bottom to see the generic Gmail address staring straight at me. Why go to all that trouble of professional signwriting with a generic, unprofessional email address?? Personally, whenever I see this, I can’t help but deduct several points from their credibility rating.

If you truly want to make a living out of your business, then start treating it like one! A professional email address that is attached to your domain will convey a higher level of professionalism and potentially a higher standard of service. Believe me, I know that there are a lot of costs and things to think about when you’re first starting out, but this is not the area to skimp on!

 

3. Master one social media platform at a time. 

When it comes to reducing the overwhelm associated with trying to maintain your social media platforms, the key is to keep it simple. Pick one platform (ideally the one that your ideal target market spends their most time on) and focus on only that single platform until you have mastered it.

You see, when you try to maintain several platforms, you’re most likely putting in a half-hearted effort across the board, because there are simply not enough hours in the day to put in the level of effort you truly want.

If you stick with one (at least to start off with), you can put in 110% every time, remain consistent and build your following through highly valuable and engaging content.

 

4. Stick to a consistent colour palette.

Sticking to a primary colour palette is vital, especially in terms of conveying a really strong and appealing brand identity. A specific colour palette, creates structure, cohesiveness, consistency and is much more pleasing on the eye than a jumble of confusing colours and visuals.

 

5. Use high-quality visuals.

Although your story is a really important part of creating a strong brand identity, no one really wants to see what you had for lunch or even worse, your best selfie for no reason at all.

If you can connect these images to the message you are trying to convey to your ideal clients, then that is fine, but if you’re only posting for the sake of posting, then it’s probably best to leave it out.

Especially in this day and age, high-quality visuals are vital when it comes to attracting your target audience. Make sure what you’re posting fits in with not only your colour palette, but the style, theme and message you are wanting to communicate. Consistency is key.  

So, that’s a wrap! A few quick and easy tweaks that will have a huge impact on how your business is perceived! Big results don’t always have to cost an arm and a leg – keep it simple.