Why Staying Relevant Online Matters for Small Businesses

 
When was the last time you searched for a local business online before visiting? Chances are, it was today. That’s exactly how your customers are finding you—or your competitors. If your business doesn’t show up or looks outdated, people are far more likely to click away and choose someone else.

For small businesses, an active and updated online presence isn’t about chasing trends. Rather, it’s about making sure you’re visible where your customers are already looking. Let’s dig into why SEO and social media are two of the best ways to keep your business relevant and top-of-mind.

SEO: Your Digital Front Door

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the backbone of online visibility. It’s what helps your business show up when someone nearby searches for “best electrician near me” or “yoga studio in [city name].” Without strong SEO, your website is like a store hidden in the back alley. No matter how great it is, people won’t know you’re there.

Optimizing your website with the right keywords, creating useful content, and ensuring your site is fast and mobile-friendly can dramatically increase your chances of being found online. According to Forbes, 89% of consumers in 2024 use search engines like Google to gather information about a product, business, or service, before making a purchase. That means nearly everyone is searching before they choose where to spend their money.

When your SEO is on point, you’re not just driving traffic—you’re building trust. People trust the businesses that show up at the top of Google search results.

Social Media: Building Connections in Real Time

While SEO helps people discover you, social media keeps you top-of-mind. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn allow you to showcase your brand personality, share customer stories, and engage directly with your audience.

For service-based businesses, social media is an opportunity to prove you’re more than just a name and a phone number. You can share before-and-after photos, highlight team members, or post quick tips that show off your expertise. Even a few consistent posts each week can make a big difference in building recognition and trust.

And here’s the kicker: social media activity can also boost your SEO. Fresh, engaging content and links from your posts back to your website can help improve your search rankings.

Need inspiration? HubSpot has a great guide on how small businesses can maximize social media without getting overwhelmed.

Keeping It All Connected

The real magic happens when your SEO and small business social media strategies work together. A blog post optimized with the right keywords can be repurposed into a series of social media posts. Customer reviews on Facebook can double as testimonials on your website. Every channel feeds into the other, building a consistent and credible presence that your customers can trust.

How 97Display Can Help You Stay Relevant

Managing SEO, social media, and content creation can feel overwhelming when you’re already running a business. That’s where tools like 97Display’s online presence solutions come in. Our platform helps small businesses boost visibility, connect with their local audience, and keep their online presence fresh and competitive.

Whether it’s optimizing your site for search, creating engaging content, or helping you track what’s working, we make it simple to stay ahead of your competition. Pair that with our custom website design services, and you’ll have an online presence that not only looks great but drives real results.

Get Online Presence Management From 97Display

Staying relevant online isn’t optional anymore—it’s a must. With SEO ensuring you’re discoverable and social media keeping you connected, small businesses can thrive in a crowded digital marketplace. The businesses that prioritize their online presence now are the ones customers will notice, trust, and choose tomorrow.