Disclaimer: The articles published here on the City of Eau Claire Economic Development Division website are meant to be a helpful starting point as you explore doing business in our community. They’re not the final word on rules, requirements, or what’s best for your unique situation. We always recommend checking in with legal, financial, or other professionals for advice tailored to your business.
Launching a business in Eau Claire comes with plenty of moving parts—permits, products, planning—and somewhere in that mix, your digital presence needs to take shape.
In today’s world, customers will search for you online long before they ever step through your door, so getting noticed there matters just as much as your sign out front. From medical offices along Clairemont Avenue and boutiques on Barstow Street to home-based startups across town, every business in Eau Claire, Wisconsin benefits from showing up where locals are already looking. The good news is you don’t need a massive budget or a marketing degree to make that happen.
Here’s how to build an online presence that helps your business stand out and grow in the community you call home.
Step #1: Claim Your Business Name Online
Before diving into building a website or setting up social media profiles, one of the smartest first moves you can make is to claim your business name across the internet. Think of it like staking your flag. It keeps your brand consistent and stops someone else from grabbing your name online before you do.
Start with your domain name, or your website’s address (the URL people will type to find you). Ideally, it should be simple, memorable, and match your business name closely. For example, if your business is “Eau Claire Handmade,” try to snag eauclairehandmade.com or a close variation. You can check domain availability on sites like GoDaddy, Google Domains, or Namecheap. These platforms offer affordable options and make registering your domain quick and easy.
Even if you’re not ready to launch a full website now, owning your domain protects your brand and lets you get your site live whenever you’re ready, whether that’s a week from now or a year.
Next up, secure your social media handles. Social platforms are often the second stop for customers looking up your business hours, location, or contact info. Claim your business name on the major channels that suit your audience—LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, etc. Consistency is key here too; try to use the same handle or username across platforms if you can. For example, @EauClaireHandmade on both Instagram and Facebook keeps things simple and professional.
This step is especially important because social media usernames are first-come, first-served. If someone else takes your name, you might have to settle for a longer or confusing handle with punctuation, which makes it harder for customers to find you.
Even if you don’t plan to post regularly yet, grabbing these accounts early reserves your spot on the digital map. Plus, once your domain and social accounts are secured, you can start shaping your brand identity—creating a logo, choosing colors, and writing your business story—all aligned with your name.
Step #2: Build a Simple, Clear Website
Building a website might sound intimidating or expensive, but it doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. For most new Eau Claire businesses, a straightforward site with the essentials is a perfect place to start.
What should your website include? Think of it as your digital storefront, sharing the basics every potential customer wants right away:
- What You Offer: Clearly explain your products or services. Whether you sell handmade jewelry, offer landscaping, or run a cozy café, make it easy for visitors to see what makes your business unique.
- Where You’re Located: Include your physical address if you have a storefront or office, and highlight if you serve the Eau Claire community. If you operate virtually or offer services around town, let customers know your service area or how they can connect locally.
- How Customers Can Contact You: Display your phone number, email, and social media links prominently. Adding a simple contact form also lets visitors reach out directly through your site.
- Your Hours or Availability: List your regular business hours clearly so customers know when to stop by or expect a response.
Wondering how to get your website up and running without coding skills or a big budget? Thankfully, plenty of user-friendly tools exist for small businesses now.
Platforms like Squarespace and Wix offer easy drag-and-drop editors and modern templates designed for shops, restaurants, and more. You don’t have to be tech-savvy to use them because their tools guide you step-by-step. Most templates are also mobile-friendly, which is key since many people now browse on their phones. A website that looks great on desktop but not on mobile could drive potential customers away.
If you want something more custom or lack time to build your own site, consider working with local web developers or designers in Eau Claire. Hiring local talent supports our community and gives you access to experts who understand the Eau Claire market and can help your site reflect the city’s vibe.
Your website often forms the first impression of your business online, so aim for a professional, welcoming feel that represents your brand well. Remember, you can always start small and expand your site as your business grows.
Step #3: Set Up Google My Business
Want your business to show up when someone nearby searches “coffee shop near me” or “best boutique in Eau Claire”? Then, setting up Google Business is a must, and it’s free!
Google Business is the platform that offers you a profile on Google Search and Google Maps. When you create and verify your listing, you control what customers see when they find you online.
Here’s what you can do with it:
- List your business details: Add your name, address, phone number, website, hours, and services or menu items. The more accurate your info, the easier it is for customers to decide to visit or contact you.
- Share photos: People love visuals, so upload photos of your storefront, team, products, or even your Eau Claire location. Authentic pictures give customers a feel for your business and boost interest.
- Collect and respond to customer reviews: Reviews build trust. Encourage happy customers to leave reviews on your listing, and thoughtfully respond to both positive and negative feedback. It shows you care and helps build strong community ties.
- Show your location on Google Maps: When customers search for businesses “near me,” your profile appears with a pin on the map—great for driving foot traffic or helping locals find you.
Setting up Google My Business is quick and easy. Head to the Google Business website, sign in with a Google account, and follow the steps to claim your listing. Google usually sends a postcard with a verification code to your address, so watch for that. Then, once you’re verified, you’ll have access to a dashboard where you can update info, post news or offers, check insights on how customers find you, and engage with reviews.
For Eau Claire entrepreneurs, this tool is a game-changer. It puts your business right in front of local customers searching online, exactly where you want to be.
Step #4: Get Social (But Pick the Right Platforms)
Social media is a powerful way to connect with customers, share your story, and build community. But here’s the thing: you don’t need to be everywhere at once. Trying to do it all can get overwhelming fast.
Start by thinking about where your ideal customers spend their time online. Different platforms serve different audiences and purposes, so focusing your efforts where it counts is key.
- LinkedIn: Perfect if your business serves other businesses or offers professional services—consultants, architects, marketing agencies, etc. LinkedIn helps you build professional relationships, share insights, and showcase expertise.
- Instagram: Great for visual businesses like restaurants, boutiques, art studios, or creative services. It’s all about sharing eye-catching photos, short videos, and stories that showcase your products, space, or behind-the-scenes moments. Instagram is popular with younger and middle-aged audiences who love discovering local businesses here.
- Facebook: Still a heavyweight for reaching a broad audience, especially in Eau Claire’s community-focused culture. Facebook works well for sharing events, promotions, and updates, and it connects you with a slightly older demographic. And local Facebook groups are great for spreading the word and engaging with community members.
- TikTok: Ideal for businesses that thrive on personality and creativity. TikTok gives you a chance to show your brand’s human side through short, authentic videos—like quick tips, “day in the life” clips, or behind-the-scenes peeks. These can reach huge audiences fast, especially younger customers in Eau Claire who love discovering local spots.
There is no true secret to social media success, but starting small on the right platforms and being consistent can help. You don’t have to post every day; even once or twice a week keeps your audience engaged. The key is sharing authentic, interesting content, like customer stories, special deals, or just your brand’s personality.
And don’t forget to engage! Social media is a two-way street. When people comment or message you, respond. Like their comments, answer questions, and thank them for their support. Building relationships over time is far more valuable than just broadcasting ads.
Step #5: Create Helpful Content
You don’t need to be a marketing expert or have a big budget to share content that connects with your customers. Often, the best content comes from simply thinking about what your audience wants or needs.
Put yourself in your customers’ shoes. What questions do they have? What problems do they want solved? Here are a few ideas to get started:
- Industry Tips & How-Tos: Share your expertise in simple, helpful ways. For example, if you run a boutique, post “How to Choose the Perfect Gift for Any Occasion” or “Styling Tips for Eau Claire’s Seasons.” If you own a café, share “Easy Coffee Drinks to Try at Home” or “The Story Behind Our Locally Sourced Beans.” These posts show you care about your customers beyond just selling.
- Behind-The-Scenes Looks: People love seeing what goes on behind the scenes. Share photos or videos of your team prepping orders, crafting products, or setting up shop. It helps customers feel connected to your story.
- Local News & Events: Since you’re part of Eau Claire’s community, keep customers in the loop on relevant happenings—festivals and neighborhood events you’re attending or partnerships with other local businesses you’re exploring. It shows you’re plugged in and invested locally.
Short, simple content—photos with thoughtful captions, quick phone videos, or easy tips—works just as well as long blog posts or fancy videos. The key is authenticity and relevance. Over time, helpful content builds trust. Customers will eventually start seeing you not just as a business, but as a valuable part of their community and daily lives.
Step #6: Monitor & Adjust
Once you’re up and running, building your online presence isn’t set-it-and-forget-it task. It’s ongoing. But you don’t have to guess what’s working because there are plenty of free tools help you see how people interact with your website and social media so you can make smart adjustments.
Tools like Google Analytics track website visitors—where they come from, which pages they visit, and how long they stay. It’s free and easy to set up on most website platforms.
When you’re diving into this data, ask yourself:
- Are people visiting your website or social pages? If traffic is low, maybe it’s time to tweak your content or promotion. Perhaps your website isn’t showing up well in search results or your posts aren’t reaching the right audience yet.
- Are customers leaving reviews or sending messages? Feedback is gold. Positive reviews boost credibility, and messages reveal questions or concerns. If you’re not getting many, encourage customers to share their experiences or respond quickly when they do.
- What posts get the most likes, comments, or shares? Notice patterns. Maybe behind-the-scenes photos, how-to tips, or promotions resonate most. When you see what works, do more of it!
If something isn’t working, try new content types, switch up posting times, or explore different ways to engage your audience. Online marketing is part science, part creativity, and a bit of trial and error is normal. Just remember, growing your online presence takes time. Celebrate small wins, keep learning, and adjust as you go, and soon enough, you’ll see your Eau Claire business gaining the digital attention it deserves.
To Wrap It Up
Starting a business is a big adventure, but building your online presence doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With thoughtful planning and steady effort, you’ll make it easier than ever for Eau Claire customers to discover, connect with, and cheer on your new venture.
So, ready to take that first step? Your digital storefront is waiting!
Source: Article Cover Illustration by Freepik
About The Author
Kendall Williams
City of Eau Claire Economic Development Division
Kendall’s role is to champion local businesses at every stage of their journey. Whether it’s helping new entrepreneurs find the right location, supporting existing businesses as they grow, managing the City’s loan programs, or providing data to guide smart decisions, she’s all about making Eau Claire a place where businesses can thrive.
