For many small businesses, making the switch from traditional “in-person” marketing methods to digital marketing can seem daunting. It’s a common misconception that online marketing is reserved for the young, and that many small businesses, especially those that have been around for a long time, have nothing to gain by moving their marketing efforts online. However, while it is true that not all companies in the world can benefit from the use of social networks and other forms of digital marketing, can’t hurt to try. Here are four simple strategies you can implement in your business to help grow your customer base, spread awareness of your brand, and ultimately generate more revenue.

1. Build a community from the customers you already have.

One of the smartest tactics any type of business can implement, whether it’s a dry cleaner, pet store, or small restaurant, is to recognize the clientele you already have. Once you’ve created several social media accounts for your business on sites like Facebook, Twitter, Yelp!, Flickr and more, start by telling your most loyal customers to visit you on these accounts. You can then interact with these customers and even feature them on these websites; maybe try a “Customer of the Month” campaign or something similar. Showing prospective customers that you have real relationships with your customers is a great way to add a personal touch to your business and build a positive social reputation.

2. Start a blog.

Heard a lot about blogging but don’t know what it is and how your business can use it? It’s simple: blogs are essentially journals that your business can maintain on the Internet and share with the public. Why is it useful? Blogs allow you to keep your customers up to date on the latest developments in your business and offer promotions and giveaways. Blogs are especially useful for businesses that have invested money in building a website but don’t want to spend the extra money constantly updating it; Usually, blogging platforms are very easy to use and designed for people who don’t know how to create or edit a website. Ask your web designer to set up a blog for you and show you how to post to it, or simply create an account on popular blogging platforms like wordpress.com, tumblr.com, or blogger.com.

3. Get a handle on Twitter.

Many business owners who have been around for a long time hear the word “Twitter” and immediately refuse to have anything to do with the site. Because Twitter is so new and most of its users are young, in the eyes of many, Twitter has developed a reputation as a “kid-friendly” site. However, as more and more business owners are finding out, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Twitter has generated huge profits for businesses that learn a little about how the site works and find a Twitter marketing strategy that works for them. One piece of advice when it comes to Twitter marketing is to avoid using the site to sell your product directly; instead, approach it as a forum in which to participate and interact with your followers. Treat them as you would in person if they were customers who walked into your store.

4. Tell your customers to review you online.

Online review sites such as Yelp!, MenuPages, and Google Places are becoming increasingly popular. Many new customers are using these sites to learn about many types of businesses in their neighborhood. Your business may already appear on these sites without you even knowing it! That’s why it’s important to encourage your already loyal customers to go home and write a review about you. There are no rules against watering down online review sites with reviews from customers who really like your business, as long as real, unique users are the ones writing the reviews.