How to Succeed Online
In the next 30 minutes, you’ll learn the essential best practices for your website, Google Business Profile, social media, and digital ads—so you can spend less time guessing and more time getting results.
Presented by:
Cody Clifton
Owner-operator
What Does “Online Success” Actually Mean Today?
Visibility → Trust → Conversion
Online success isn’t about going viral—it’s about getting in front of the right people, building enough trust for them to take action, and turning that attention into real business.
Every tool you use online—your website, Google listing, social media, or ads—should support one of three goals: helping people find you, believe in you, and choose you.
Visibility
Being the best at what you do doesn’t matter if people can’t find you. Visibility is about showing up where your ideal customers are already looking—Google, social media, and local directories. A strong online presence puts you in front of the right people at the right time.
97% of people learn more about a local company online than anywhere else.
—Source: BrightLocal
Trust
Once people find you, they need a reason to believe you’re the right choice. That’s where trust comes in. Reviews, testimonials, clear information, and an authentic online voice build the credibility that turns casual visitors into confident customers.
88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
—Source: BrightLocal
Conversion
Visibility and trust mean nothing without action. Conversion is about making the next step effortless—whether it’s calling you, booking a service, or filling out a form. A fast, user-friendly experience with clear calls to action makes it easy for people to choose you.
A 1-second delay in page load time can reduce conversions by 7%.
—Source: Neil Patel
Your Website Is the Foundation of Everything You Do Online
Think of your website as your digital storefront—it’s often the first impression people get of your business. Whether someone finds you through Google, social media, or an ad, they’ll likely end up on your website. A fast, mobile-friendly site with clear messaging builds confidence and turns visitors into customers.
Key Points:
Must be fast, mobile-friendly, and easy to use
Clear headline, services, and call to action above the fold
Core Pages: Home, Services, About, Contact
Bonus: Trust elements (testimonials, reviews, certifications, before/after)
SEO basics: page titles, headers, local keywords
Mini Checklist
Loads in under 3 seconds
Works on mobile
Calls to action are obvious
Clear contact info
Google Business Profile Is Your Secret Weapon for Local Visibility
When someone searches for your services nearby, your Google Business Profile is often the first thing they see—sometimes even before your website. It’s one of the most powerful (and free!) tools for local businesses to show up, stand out, and earn trust quickly. Optimizing it regularly can drive calls, clicks, and foot traffic without spending a dime.
See Squeak Media's Google Business ProfileMini Checklist
Claimed and verified
Updated hours and info
Weekly posts or updates
5+ new reviews in the last 3 months
Accurate Business Info
Make sure your name, address, phone number, hours, and website are always up to date. Even small errors can lead to confusion or lost customers.
Add Services and Categories
Tell Google exactly what you offer by selecting the right business categories and listing your services. This helps you show up for more relevant searches.
Photos and Updates
Upload high-quality photos of your business, team, and work. Regular updates show Google—and your customers—that you’re active and engaged.
Weekly Posts
Use the “Posts” feature to share updates, offers, events, or tips. It keeps your listing fresh and gives people a reason to visit your profile (and your business).
Ask for and Respond to Reviews
Customer reviews are gold. Ask happy clients to leave reviews, and always respond—good or bad. It shows you care and builds trust with future customers.
Social Media Keeps You Visible, Relatable, and Top-of-Mind
People don’t just buy from businesses—they buy from brands they connect with. Social media gives you a chance to show the human side of what you do, build trust over time, and stay in front of your audience without needing a big budget. The key isn’t going viral—it’s showing up consistently with content that educates, entertains, or inspires.
Key Points:
Pick 1–2 platforms and show up consistently
Use behind-the-scenes content, stories, FAQs, tips, and testimonials
Engage with comments and messages
Post 3–5x/week if possible
Post Ideas:
Before & after photos
Customer shout-outs
Tips, how-to’s, and quick wins
Team features / day-in-the-life
Mini Checklist
You post regularly
Profile photo + bio are complete
Posts reflect your personality
You respond to comments and DMs
Advertising
Digital Advertising Helps You Get Found—Fast
If you want to drive traffic, promote an offer, or boost visibility quickly, digital ads are your shortcut. With just a small daily budget, you can reach the right people at the right time—whether they’re searching on Google or scrolling on social media. The best part? You can track exactly what’s working and adjust on the fly.
Key Points:
Boost visibility instantly with Google Ads & Meta Ads
Ideal for promoting new services, offers, or events
Start small with $5–10/day
Target based on location, age, interest
Mini Checklist
Clear goal (calls, visits, bookings)
Ad copy matches your offer
You’re tracking results (clicks, leads, etc.)
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers.
Digital marketing can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some of the most common questions local business owners ask about getting started and succeeding online.
What’s the most important place to focus first?
Start with your website and your Google Business Profile. These are the foundation of your online presence and where most customers go before reaching out.
How often should I post on social media?
Aim for 3–5 times per week if possible. Consistency matters more than perfection—just show up, share helpful content, and be authentic.
How do I get more Google reviews?
Ask! Follow up with happy customers by text, email, or in person. Make it easy by sending them the direct link to your review page.
Do I need to spend a lot on ads to see results?
Not at all. Even $5–10/day on Google or Meta ads can help you get noticed. The key is targeting the right audience with a clear offer.
How long does it take to see results online?
Some things (like ads and Google Business Profile updates) can show results quickly. Others (like SEO and social media growth) take consistent effort over time—but they’re worth it.
