Yes, choosing where to advertise online can feel overwhelming! There are so many options, and it’s easy to worry about wasting your budget on the wrong ones. But with a focused approach, even a small budget can have a big impact. Smart online advertising puts your business directly in front of the people most likely to become customers and helps you avoid wasting time and money on platforms that aren’t a good fit. Think of it less like shouting your message on a crowded street corner, and more like having a conversation with someone interested in exactly what you offer.
According to Unbounce, people who arrive at your website via a paid advertisement are 50% more likely to buy your product than those from an organic link. That’s probably because, if done properly, ads are targeted toward the ideal audience for your business, and that audience is (hopefully!) ready to purchase. Let’s demystify the process and find the perfect platforms for your goals.
Why Advertising Your Business Online Matters
- Reach Targeted Audiences: Go beyond recent searches! Online ads let you target people based on their interests, location, and online behaviour, and even create “lookalike” audiences that find new people similar to your best customers. You can even show ads to those who visited your website but didn’t make a purchase
- Compete Locally & Beyond: Even if you’re focused on local customers, online ads provide precision. Online ads help you stand out, whether your customers are down the street or across the country. Target your ads within a specific radius around your business, ensuring your budget reaches the right people, not those too far away to visit.
- Track Your Results: Data is your friend! Did a Facebook ad drive more phone calls, or did a Google Search ad boost website traffic? Data from ad campaigns reveals what works, allowing you to refine your strategy and maximize your investment.
Where to Start: Finding the Right Platforms
Start with Goals, Not Platforms
Before diving into Facebook or Google, think about what you want to achieve with your advertising. Are you focused on building brand awareness, driving website traffic, generating leads, or boosting direct sales? Your goals will shape your platform choices and ad strategy.
Facebook: The Targeted Advertising Powerhouse
Facebook’s targeting tools are incredibly precise. Reach your ideal customer by narrowing down audiences based on age, hobbies, recent purchases, and more. You can also target them based on psychographics. With options ranging from newsfeed ads to short videos within Facebook Stories, this platform offers flexibility for different budgets.
Google Ads: Search & Beyond
Google is the king of online ads, and for good reason. Their ads appear when people actively search for products or services like yours (search network) and across a vast network of websites (display network). While Google can be complex, the potential return on investment is huge.
Instagram: Visuals for a Younger Audience
If your customers skew younger, visually engaging products, and services, Instagram is worth exploring. Official ads are similar to Facebook, but consider partnering with influencers as well. These trusted voices can authentically promote your business to their dedicated followers.
Important Note: in the end, the best platform depends on your unique audience and goals (awareness, website traffic, etc.).
We Can Help You Advertise Your Business Online
Feeling a bit overwhelmed is normal! However, when you outsource your online advertisement to us, our team will create an online advertising strategy tailored to your business. We’ll help you better:
- Understand Your Ideal Customer: Data-driven audience insights are key.
- Choose the Right Platforms: Maximize your budget, don’t spread it too thin.
- Track & Optimize: Use data to improve your results over time.
Let’s Get Started! Click here for a free consultation and discover how you can advertise your business online with us.
