Google MyBusiness. Make it easy for people to find you online by setting up a free Google MyBusiness page. You’ll add your business information, photos and hours of operation. You can enable messages, but the reviews section is required (remember to monitor both of these and respond kindly - potential customers are reading your replies to help determine if they want to do business with your and/or your organization). It only takes a few moments to set up and will go live rather quickly. If you are opening a brand-new address that is not yet recognized by Google Search, then it will take longer to confirm it and you may need to verify the location using their postcard process.

Social media. The most important factor to leveraging the organic reach of social media is knowing which channels your customers and business targets are on (and their industries). Some B2B companies still think social is just for B2C but that is not true. Strategic and planned use of the tool help create brand awareness, market products and service, influence buying and donating decisions, and can be a lucrative point of sale. Consistent presence on your channel(s) of choice is key; as is responding to every comment.

Public Relations. Your business or organization has a unique story to tell and public and media relations can influence your image and customer behaviors. When you have an experienced PR representative, she can obtain free press for your business through her contacts with media in print, TV, and radio locally, regionally and nationally. A great local media relationship or the perfect pitch with a national outlet can be a big boost for your bottom line.

Employees. All employees should be trained to be Brand Ambassadors. A Brand Ambassador knows your business and how it should be presented to the public. This will lead to a consistent brand image and endear trust in your brand. This works when employees are at networking events, external training seminars and webinars or out with family/friends. It is a missed opportunity when your employee is asked about the company’s new project and your accountant doesn’t know the details. That does not reflect well on the employee or the culture of the company/organization.