Digital presence is a necessity in modern business. For years, having a strong digital footprint was a luxury for a business, with only the savviest business owners investing in creating a strong digital brand. Now, it’s highly likely that a business that operates solely offline could be seen as archaic and missing a very obvious trick. But with the right approach to digitalisation, it can be a genuine goldmine of opportunities.
Does my business really need a digital presence?
Consumers are increasingly reliant on the internet for everything from shopping to research. According to Gartner’s research, 91% of businesses worldwide are engaged with some sort kind digital initiative, with 87% of business owners stating that digitalisation is a priority. Crucially, a digital presence allows for business to be where their customers are, always. A consumer has all the information they need at their fingertips, and if you are not maximising your digital presence, you’ll quickly begin to fall behind your digi-focused competitors.
But digitalisation isn’t just about sales, it’s about having a hub for the consumer to access. It’s about providing information, answering questions, solving problems quickly, and being a part of a customer’s decision-making process. So yes, your business really really needs a digital presence, more now than ever before!
Establishing an online presence
Establishing a strong online presence begins with a website. Think of it as the cornerstone of your digital identity. It should be user-friendly, mobile-optimised, and contain relevant content about your offerings.
A website is just the first step to broadening your digital footprint. For over two decades, the world has been enveloped by social media, making it one of, if not, the most important digital marketing tool for businesses far and wide. Social media engages with the personal side of the consumer; it allows for business to share updates, stories, and testimonials, with a specific tone that can be used to target a particular audience. Social media isn’t just a tool for business to communicate to customers, it’s pivotal for understanding how others see your business. Social Media provides customer sentiment via comments, likes and interactions, something which is difficult to achieve via a website. You should be using your social channels to attract, grow, build loyalty and engage with new and existing customers.
I’ve got a great website, and my business is active on Social Media… Why am I still struggling to build my digital presence?
Don’t overlook the importance of local search. A great website and active Social media accounts are great for building traction for your business, but tools like Google My Business ensure you are discoverable when local customers search for products and services that you offer. A combination of these elements creates a comprehensive digital footprint that is accessible for all types of customer, putting your business at the front of mind of your customers.
Navigating SEO
Simply put, SEO is the process of improving the visibility of your website on search engines such as Google, or Bing. SEO is a vital component of digitalisation, with most reputable businesses investing in ensuring their website is visible to as many eyes as possible. If the technical aspects of SEO seem overwhelming, there are plenty of experts available to help guide you through the process… try Googling them!
SEO experts are on hand to guide you through the nuances of keyword research, meta tags, and content optimisation. Platforms like WordPress also offer SEO-friendly plugins that can simplify the process for beginners.
Remember, the key to SEO is not just about technical tweaks but also about regularly updating your website with fresh, relevant content that provides value to your audience.
Navigating the online world can be tricky, but the benefits for your business are worth it, now more than ever. If you’re unsure about where to start or need some guidance, we’re here to help. Get in touch, and let’s make your business shine online together.