How I Analyse Online Presence

Analyse Online PresenceI am often required to analyse online presence for a business.  That is, I need to look carefully at what the business is doing online, and give an opinion on how it could be improved.

Sometimes these improvements can be done by the business owner, but quite often the business owner will contact me and ask me to assist with some or all of this.

Note that there are many more areas I can help with, for example video marketing, email newsletters and so on, but in terms of evaluating the business’ current online presence, here is my checklist.  I will expand on some of these in other posts, and add links…

Website (if you have one)

In my opinion, most businesses should have a website.  Ideally, this should be built with a tool such as WordPress, so that the business owner can update it themselves.

Here are the minimum features I look for in a website:

  • mobile friendly, ideally with AMP pages
  • security certificate
  • Using Google Analytics and Google Search Central (formerly Google Webmaster Tools)
  • Facebook tracking pixel
  • contact information present, correct and easy to find
  • business hours present, correct and easy to find
  • visually appealing, current-looking
  • recently updated
  • plenty of keyword-rich content
  • link to Facebook or other social media, preferably on every page in an obvious position
  • updated COVID-19 information
  • invitation to join email mailing list to get newsletter

Google Presence

Some of this will only apply for “local” businesses – that is, those that do in-person sales or services within a local area, and have a street address. 

  • website (if present) ranks at top of Google for query on business name
  • Google My Business (GMB) entry claimed
  • business name, contact information and business hours on GMB consistent with website
  • 10+ photos relevant to business on GMB
  • 20+ reviews on GMB, at least 10 in the last year, with replies
  • questions on GMB, if present, have been answered
  • links on GMB to website if present, Facebook if present
  • at least 1 Google Post in last 7 days; ideally several over last 2 months
  • updated COVID-19 information on GMB

Facebook Presence

  • Facebook page present and easy to find in Facebook search
  • business name, contact information and business hours consistent with website
  • link to website
  • 20+ reviews, at least 10 in the last year, with replies
  • at least 1 Facebook Post in last 7 days; ideally several over last 2 months
  • updated COVID-19 information

Summary - How to Analyse Online Presence

If you would like some help to analyse online presence for your business, please get in touch.  All of the above are things I can help you with.  I look forward to working with you!