Before spending on adverts, set up six free things: a Google Business Profile so you appear on Google Maps, a complete Facebook page, WhatsApp Business with quick replies and a catalogue, a habit of asking for Google reviews, one sentence that says what you do, and a way of asking customers for referrals. Together they make sure that people who look for you find you and can reach you.
1. Google Business Profile
This is the listing that appears on Google Search and Google Maps with your hours, phone number, photos and reviews. Google does not charge for it.
- Go to Google's Business Profile page and sign in.
- Search for your business name. Claim it if it exists, or add it.
- Choose the category that best describes what you do.
- Place the map pin exactly, and add hours and a phone number.
- Verify it by the method Google offers you.
- Add at least five real photos: outside, inside, products, people.
2. A complete Facebook page
- A clear profile picture, normally the logo, and a cover photo that shows what you sell.
- Address, hours, phone number and a WhatsApp button.
- A pinned post that says what you do, what it costs from, and how to order.
- The same business name as on the sign and on Google.
3. WhatsApp Business
The business version of the app is free and adds tools the ordinary one lacks:
- A business profile with hours, address and description.
- Quick replies for the questions you answer every day.
- A catalogue of products or services with prices.
- Labels to mark chats as new, quoted, paid or follow up.
- An away message that says when you will reply.
4. Reviews
People read reviews before they call. Copy the review link from your Google Business Profile and send it by WhatsApp to each happy customer, the same day. Reply to every review, including the bad ones, politely and briefly. Never write or buy fake reviews.
5. One sentence
Write down what you do, for whom, and where, in one sentence a stranger would understand. Use it on the page, the profile, the WhatsApp description and the sign. If you cannot write it, customers cannot repeat it to their friends.
6. Ask for referrals
Most small businesses already live on word of mouth and leave it to chance. Ask every satisfied customer one question: “Do you know anyone else who needs this?” Thank the ones who send someone.
When to start paying
When these are in place and you want more people than they bring. From N$1,499.99, a two-week test will show what an enquiry costs you. Put a budget into the planner.