What does the term digital presence mean?
As a small business owner, you are probably well aware that the world has gone almost completely digital and that most of what we do is online or related to the internet in one way or another.
The internet is also the first place where potential customers start looking when they are in need of a specific product or service. This means that whether you are selling baked goods or providing a professional service, you also need to be on the internet. This is called “having a digital presence” and it is essential for every modern business, big or small to have one because not having a digital presence can cause businesses to miss out on potential sales. Although it is clear to most small business owners that they need a digital presence, many are unsure as to what exactly the term digital presence implies. In this blog post, we will be taking a closer look at just that, so read on if you want to know more about how you can use the internet to promote your business.
What does the term digital presence mean?
Generally speaking, the term digital presence refers to a combination of different online marketing channels and methods, including websites, social media, pay-per-click advertising (PPC), search engine optimisation and online business directories. While all of these can be grouped under the umbrella of digital marketing, each one is unique and requires its own marketing strategy. Let’s break down each of these elements a bit further:
Websites for small business
A good website is one of the most valuable assets that any small business can have. Your website is not just a website, it is also the first impression that most of your clients will have of your business. This is why it is important that a website should quickly and effectively communicate the most important elements of your business to potential customers who visit the site. This means that what your business does, what makes you stand out from the rest (your unique selling point) and how you can be reached should all be easy to find. While it is tempting and very easy to build a website on the cheap, it might be worth considering using a professional to help you build a website that is as unique as your business.
Social Media
Social media started as a space for people to connect with friends and family but it has since evolved to become a space where businesses and customers can also connect with each other. In fact, many small businesses sell their products exclusively via social media sites like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Having caught on to this trend, social media platforms have introduced several tools that business owners can use to promote their goods and services, including targeted advertising and promotion. Social media is a particularly important tool in the marketing arsenal of every small business and business owners should aim to use it to their maximum advantage.
Google PPC
Google pay per click advertising is another great tool that small businesses can use to increase their web traffic and enhance their digital presence. Setting up a Google Ads campaign to promote a specific service or product lets businesses rank higher in search results which leads to more web traffic and eventually, more sales. Although great results can be obtained with Google PPC campaigns, it is important that campaigns are set up correctly so that the campaign yields optimal results. While the interface for setting up ads is relatively easy to use, it is always a good idea to ask for professional help if you are unsure of how to go about setting an ad campaign up. In addition to using Google PPC advertising, small businesses can also look at using Google My Business to promote themselves.
In Conclusion
The business landscape has evolved significantly in the last few years and assets like a digital presence have become very important to businesses large and small. By putting in the effort to cultivate your business's digital presence and using services like directory listings, you can increase your online audience and boost your sales and earnings. However, it is always a good idea to make use of a professional marketing agency that can help you with the development of your digital presence without breaking the bank.
