The Digital Disconnect: Why 95% of New Syracuse Businesses Are Missing Out

Introduction

Greetings, fellow entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts! As a small business owner, I take pride in staying updated on the latest trends in our community. Recently, I discovered an article on Syracuse.com that presented a startling fact: Almost 95% of new businesses in Syracuse lack an online presence — not even a Facebook page or an Instagram account!

In our increasingly digital world, this is particularly concerning. An online footprint isn’t just a nice-to-have but is now an essential aspect of any thriving business. As the owner of First Step Digital Dreams, a small business dedicated to helping other businesses succeed online, I’m committed to addressing this digital disconnect. Let’s delve deeper into the importance and benefits of having an online presence, and the impact of its absence on business success.

The Impact of New Businesses Not Having an Online Presence

In the digital era, an online presence is critical to business success. According to Google, local searches have become increasingly prevalent, with people frequently seeking products or services in their vicinity. Businesses without an online presence are practically invisible to these potential customers, thus missing out on countless opportunities to connect and engage.

The implications of this are captured by several key statistics:

• 81% of shoppers conduct online research before making big purchases (Retailing Today).
• 47% of buyers viewed 3-5 pieces of content before engaging with a sales rep (Demand Gen Report).
• 72% of consumers who performed a local search visited a store within five miles (WordStream).

But this invisibility isn’t just about missed sales opportunities. It also undermines your brand’s credibility. A recent study by BrightLocal found that 75% of consumers trust businesses with a strong online presence more than those without one. When customers search for your business online and find nothing, it raises doubts about your legitimacy and reliability.

Moreover, the lack of an online presence can inhibit your business’s growth potential and resilience in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Competitors with a strong digital footprint are more likely to attract customers, build lasting relationships, and outperform businesses that are offline.

The Benefits of a Strong Online Presence for New Businesses

On the flip side, establishing a robust online presence offers a myriad of benefits for businesses, especially those in their infancy. Some of these benefits include:

• Increased Visibility: An online presence allows more people to discover your business, increasing your brand’s reach and influence. This increased visibility can translate to higher sales, customer loyalty, and positive word-of-mouth marketing.
• Improved Credibility and Trust: A well-designed website and active social media profiles can enhance your business’s credibility, making customers more confident in your products or services.
• Access to New Markets: With the internet’s global reach, your business can target customers beyond your local area, expanding your growth potential and increasing revenue.
• Enhanced Customer Service and Communication: Through social media, online chat, or email, you can readily address customer concerns, answer questions, and gather valuable feedback, thereby improving your business and building customer relationships.

Overcoming Common Barriers to Establishing an Online Presence

I understand that establishing an online presence can seem overwhelming, particularly for small business owners who are already wearing multiple hats. Limited time, resources, and technical knowledge may seem like formidable obstacles. But don’t let these challenges deter you from taking your business online.

Fortunately, there are plenty of user-friendly tools and resources available to help you establish a professional website and a social media presence.

Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress offer affordable and straightforward solutions for building a website. Simultaneously, social media management tools like Hootsuite, Buffer, and Later can streamline and simplify your social media strategy.

And you can always reach out to us if you want to hire a professional.

Practical Steps for New Businesses to Build an Online Presence

Here’s a more detailed guide on how you can start building your online presence:

1. Create a professional website: Your website serves as your online storefront. Make sure it looks appealing, is easy to navigate, and provides essential information about your business. Your website should represent your brand identity and make a lasting impression on visitors. Our Web Design services can assist you in creating a website that truly represents your brand.
2. Develop a social media strategy: Select the platforms that align with your business, considering your target audience and industry. Post engaging content regularly, and interact with your followers to build relationships and foster brand loyalty. Our Social Media Management services can help you maintain a dynamic social media presence.
3. Leverage local SEO and online directories: Optimize your website and social media profiles for local searches by incorporating relevant keywords and phrases. List your business on popular online directories like Google My Business, Yelp, and Bing Places, ensuring your contact information is accurate and up-to-date. Our SEO services can help improve your visibility in search engine results.
4. Utilize content marketing and email marketing: Share valuable content with your audience through blog posts, articles, videos, or infographics. Our Copywriting services can help create engaging content that resonates with your audience and aligns with your brand. Also, connect with your customers through regular email newsletters and updates to foster ongoing engagement and loyalty.
5. Run digital marketing campaigns: Running online ads can significantly enhance your visibility and reach. Businesses make an average of $2 in revenue for every $1 they spend on Google Ads (Google), and 63% of people have said they’d click on a Google ad (Search Engine Land). Our Digital Marketing services can help you design and run effective online ad campaigns.
6. Measure success and refine strategies: Keep track of your online performance using tools like Google Analytics, and adjust your approach as needed. Regularly evaluate your website traffic, social media engagement, and email open rates to identify areas for improvement and optimize your online presence.

Support and Resources for New Businesses

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of building an online presence, remember that help is available. Many local organizations, resources, and community groups, like the Syracuse Small Business Development Center (SBDC), offer guidance on various aspects of starting and growing a business, including digital marketing and online presence. Additionally, online forums, webinars, and networking events can connect you with other entrepreneurs facing similar challenges, providing valuable advice and support.

Conclusion

The digital disconnect is a pressing issue for many new businesses in Syracuse, but it’s not too late to bridge the gap. Prioritizing your online presence and taking advantage of available tools and resources sets your business up for success and taps into the countless opportunities the digital world offers.

As a small business that specializes in helping other businesses succeed online, we’re here to

support you on this journey. Don’t be part of the 95% that’s missing out — embrace the digital age and watch your business thrive! Together, we can ensure that Syracuse’s new businesses not only survive but flourish in our increasingly connected world. Feel free to Contact First Step Digital Dreams for more information. Let’s harness the power of the internet to empower your business.

And if you are more of the DIY type check out our article on The First Step of SEO and learn how to start growing your website!