Digital marketing tips for Small Businesses on the Sunshine Coast
by Saskia von Moltke
We are lucky enough to be based in one of the most amazing places in Australia - no, we’re not biased, it's the truth! From amazing beaches to forests, the diverse and beautiful landscape, craft beer, friendly people, the bohemian culture, music, markets, and restaurants, The Sunshine Coast is a truly awesome destination.
There are so many fabulous small businesses that contribute to this spectacular part of the world. And part of running a small business is being able to market yourself. It's often where small business owners get stuck.
Digital marketing is a key consideration in getting your business noticed. You might have the best coffee in the Hinterland, be the coolest art gallery in Eumandi, or be the most affordable and reliable plumber on the coast, but if no one knows about you, you’re not going to make it as a small business.
Here’s the good news! Digital marketing is a pretty affordable way to get noticed, especially when you’re starting out on a small scale. And with a bit of love and effort, you should be able to get your name out there. And we’re here to help! We’ve put together our top 6 digital marketing tips for small businesses on the Sunshine Coast
1. Keep Your Google Business Profile Up to Date
A Google Business profile is FREE - that’s right, Google gives you a free space to list your business online, add images, updates, your address- it literally puts you on the map. So keeping it up to date is a no-brainer for small businesses. All you need to do is:
2. Work on Your SEO
Appearing in local search results is crucial for Sunshine Coast businesses. Search Engine Optimisation ( SEO) is really important, but it’s one for the long game. Don’t expect results overnight. We’ve been running our business for 18 months, and we’re only appearing in organic searches recently.
Make sure your website has the relevant Meta tags, titles, descriptions, and headers
Incorporate location-specific keywords (e.g., "plumber Sunshine Coast") into your website content.
Create locally relevant content, such as blog posts about community events or local guides.
Ensure your website is mobile-friendly, as many local searches are conducted on mobile devices.
List your business in as many local directories as you can.
3. Use Social Media in Your Marketing Efforts
Social media continues to be a powerful digital marketing tool for promoting small business. Regularly posting engaging content, like behind-the-scenes looks, customer testimonials, and special promotions keeps you in front of your customers and your potential customers.
Engaging with your audience on social media also fosters community and brand loyalty.The cost per click (CPC) on Meta is also very cost efficient, and creates a personable environment for local businesses. Utilise targeted ads to reach specific demographics within the Sunshine Coast area. The reasonable CPC on Meta paid campaigns also means you’ll get more traffic to your website = the more potential customers see your brand. Website traffic is also a factor in SEO, so the more ‘feet through the door’ , the higher Google ranks you.
4. Invest in Search Advertising
Google Search Ads gets those customers to your website that are actually in the market for your product or service. We call it ‘the bottom of the funnel’ in marketing land. If you’re typing ‘ plumber near me’ into Google, you’re most likely looking for a plumber that’s located nearby.
You know, because your toilet’s broken, and you need a plumber. It’s unlikely you want to find out more info about all the plumbers that are in your area, so that you know more about them for later down the track. So, if you’re a plumber, you’ll most likely want to target the keywords ‘ plumber near me’ in a Google Search campaign. The cost per click can be high, but with a good budget, and a clear Return on Investment (ROI), Google Ads is a must for small Sunshine Coast businesses.
5. Create a Good Website
Your website serves as your digital storefront. We know they can be pricey, but they are WELL worth the investment. Rather invest in a good website initially, than try and save a bit of money and have issues down the track. No matter how good your Google Ads or your Facebook campaign is, if someone clicks through to a sh*t website, they’re gone.
Ensure it's well-designed, easy to navigate, and optimised for conversions. Include a clear calls-to-action
( not too many, making customers confused as to what they should be doing), fast loading times, and mobile responsiveness. This is also a BIG factor in how your website ranks for SEO. A professional website enhances user experience and encourages visitors to take desired actions.
6. Monitor and Analyse Your Performance
Lastly, utilise tools like Google Analytics and social media insights ( which are all free, by the way) to track the performance of your digital marketing efforts. Regularly review metrics such as website traffic, conversion rates, and social media engagement to understand what's working and where improvements are needed.
At Von Black Studios, we're passionate about helping Sunshine Coast businesses succeed online. Whether you're looking to enhance your digital presence, improve your website's performance, or develop a comprehensive marketing strategy, we're here to assist. Contact us today to learn how we can support your business's growth.
Want some help doing that? Get in touch!
