The food and drink industries are one of the most competitive out there; just ask anyone who’s been involved in it for confirmation. New products are being introduced to the market place all the time, in quick succession, making it very hard for new businesses to secure a foothold. Like most industries, there has been a surge of interest in the food and drink sector thanks to the internet. Although it might not seemingly be compatible with digital trends at first, the internet has given the industry a platform for variety, allowing their customers a huge amount of choice outside of the supermarket shelves. Despite these advantages, the sector remains aggressive, so it’s important for food and drink companies to boost their online presence however they can.
1 – Blogging
To the untrained eye, blogging might seem a little outdated, especially in the era of mass video content. However, there is probably no tool as important to your online arsenal as your blog. A high-quality blog which ticks all the right SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) boxes can see you climb higher in search engine rankings, positioning your business for maximum customer interaction. On top of that, a blog can help present a friendly, knowledgable face to your potential customer base, while making sure you stay current and contemporary in an ever-changing market.
2 – Social Media Management & Growth
There are large amounts of social media channels out there, and streamlining them all under one plan is crucial to expanding your online business. Your Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels are the core three; managing them as one, so you convey the same message, is vital. Keep posting and updating regularly, so you maintain a constant front to your brand. It can be well worth hiring a social media manager in order to keep on top of this, as investing in digital can consume a lot of resources, especially with all the other demands of running a functioning business. However, neglecting this critical area is one of the worst things you can do as company in 2019.
3 – Newsletters
Newsletters are a great way of keeping your customers informed about new products or developments within your business. They also serve as a reminder to customers that you exist; jogging the right memory at the right time can lead to great rewards. Unlike blogs and social media, where people have to seek you out, newsletters are delivered straight into the inboxes of your mailing list. They are another great tool in your customer-acquisition/retention arsenal.
4 – Guest Posts on Other Sites
Guest posts on other sites are perfect for expanding your brand. Not only do they allow you to speak knowledgeably on a topic of your choice, but they also allow your site to trade off the views of the site for which you are guest posting. This is fantastic for SEO, as the more your link appears in external sites, the higher you’ll rank. Also, if the site is related to your product or business, it puts you in a perfect position to benefit; it stands to reason that many people visiting the site will be interested in you too. Returning the favour and allowing guest posts on your own blog will make you seem more legitimate, and potentially expand your customer base even further.
