Online sales are soaring and search engines are processing more requests than ever before. If you run a business, and you’re struggling to attract attention online, it’s beneficial to try and identify causes and solutions. In this guide, we’ll explore some common reasons businesses find it hard to make a splash online. 

Poor website

One of the most common reasons companies and brands fall down when trying to generate leads and make sales online is a poor website. Think of your website as a store window.

If the graphics are low quality, the content is sparse or dull, the pages are slow to load or it takes an age to place an order or find information, buyers won’t hang around. If you’re attracting visitors but they’re not staying long, or they’re leaving without buying or getting in touch, it’s wise to analyze data and to try to improve your site.

Consider working with an experienced, reputable web design agency and always bear your target customer in mind. Your site should be slick and smart, the pages should draw people in, the content should be engaging and useful, and it should be easy to navigate between pages and make a payment. 

Users cannot find your business

If your site isn’t getting any traffic, this is a sign that your business is not visible enough. Designing a brilliant website is only part of the task. You also have to make sure that you can be found online. One of the best ways to do this is to invest in targeted SEO (search engine optimization). SEO boosts search ranking, which means that your links appear higher up the page when a user conducts a search that is relevant to your business.

In addition to SEO, you can also enhance your online presence by marketing your business on social media and encouraging people to follow your profiles and accounts. Social media is an excellent platform for promoting your brand and the products and services you sell, but it also provides incredible opportunities to connect with customers. 

Your business is not listed

More and more consumers are using the Internet to find local businesses and services. From restaurants and hotels to cafes, hair and beauty salons, dog walking services and roofers, web users use search engines to find contact details and information about products and services. If your business doesn’t feature in listings and directories, you could be missing out. Make sure you appear in local directories as well as industry-specific listings. 

There are no reviews

Did you know that over 90% of consumers will now check reviews before calling a business or making a purchase? Reviews can have a positive or negative impact on companies. If you have a fantastic rating, this will drive customers to you.

If you have a low score, or you don’t have any reviews, consumers may be more likely to opt for competitors. If you don’t have reviews, encourage existing clients to leave feedback and offer incentives. Having no reviews can make customers doubt the credibility and trustworthiness of your brand. 

Is your business struggling to attract attention online? If so, these common reasons may be to blame. Analyze data, collect feedback, test your site, get social and consider hiring experts to help with SEO, web design and social media and content marketing.