Published February 18th, 2025
Do Not Make These Mistakes...
Do Not Make These Mistakes...
Many small business owners try to establish an online presence but unknowingly make mistakes that cost them customers and revenue. Simply having a website or social media page isn’t enough. If your online presence isn’t optimized, you could be driving potential customers away without realizing it.
Below, we’ll break down the biggest mistakes small businesses make online and how to fix them.
A website is the foundation of your online presence. Without one, potential customers may not take your business seriously.
If your business only relies on social media, you’re missing out on customers who search for businesses through Google. A well-designed professional website provides credibility, builds trust, and helps convert visitors into paying customers.
What Your Website Should Include
Your online presence is one of the most powerful tools for attracting customers. By avoiding these common mistakes and investing in professional website creation, social media management, and reputation management, your business can stand out and thrive online.
Below, we’ll break down the biggest mistakes small businesses make online and how to fix them.
Not Having a Professional Website
A website is the foundation of your online presence. Without one, potential customers may not take your business seriously.
- 70% of consumers won’t trust a business without a website
- 81% of people research online before making a purchase
If your business only relies on social media, you’re missing out on customers who search for businesses through Google. A well-designed professional website provides credibility, builds trust, and helps convert visitors into paying customers.
What Your Website Should Include
To maximize results, your website should have:
A mobile-friendly design for users on all device
Clear contact information and a call-to-action
Fast load times to prevent visitors from leaving
SEO optimization for better Google rankings
Integrated lead capture forms to generate inquiries
Learn more about getting a website for your business here.
Ignoring Google Business Profile Optimization
Many small businesses claim their Google Business Profile (GBP) but don’t manage it properly. An incomplete or outdated profile can hurt your visibility on Google.
46% of all Google searches are looking for local businesses
Optimized GBPs get 7x more clicks than unoptimized ones
A well-managed Google Business Profile improves your search rankings, helps customers find you easily, and drives more calls and visits to your business.
Key Elements of a Fully Optimized Google Business Profile
To get the most out of GBP, make sure you:
Use high-quality images of your business
Keep your hours and contact details up to date
Respond to customer reviews promptly
Add posts and promotions regularly
Use accurate categories and keywords
See how GBP management can help.
Poor Social Media Management
Many business owners make the mistake of treating social media as an afterthought. Posting randomly, using low-quality images, or failing to engage with followers can make your brand look unprofessional.
79% of consumers expect businesses to respond on social media
Businesses that post consistently see higher engagement and brand awareness
A strong Social Media Management strategy includes high-quality content, engagement, and targeted growth techniques to attract new customers.
What Makes a Strong Social Media Strategy?
To build a successful presence, your social media should:
Be consistent with brand messaging and tone
Post engaging content that encourages interaction
Include professional images and videos
Utilize hashtags and location tags for visibility
Monitor insights and adjust strategies based on performance
Need help with social media? We’ve got you covered.
Not Managing Online Reviews and Reputation
Online reviews can make or break a business. If you’re not actively managing your reputation, you’re allowing negative reviews to damage your brand.
87% of consumers read reviews before choosing a business
Businesses with more positive reviews rank higher in search results
With Reputation Management, you can monitor and respond to reviews, encourage positive feedback, and protect your brand’s image.
How to Improve Your Online Reputation
To maintain a strong reputation, make sure to:
Request reviews from happy customers
Address negative reviews professionally and promptly
Display positive testimonials on your website
Monitor and respond to all feedback
Use automation tools to streamline review management
Find out how Reputation Management can help your business.
Failing to Keep Business Information Updated
One of the biggest mistakes small businesses make is having outdated or inconsistent information online. If your phone number, address, or hours of operation are incorrect, you’ll frustrate customers and lose sales.
73% of consumers lose trust in businesses with inconsistent information
Incorrect business details can cause missed calls, lost visits, and customer frustration