Today, almost everything happens online. They Google before they shop, read reviews before they buy, and visit social media to find new brands. If you’re not online, it’s as if your business doesn’t exist.
In the digital era, building an online presence is just as important — if not more so — than getting your name out there through print publications or on TV and radio broadcasts. The good news? You don’t have to be a techy. A small shop owner or a Town Crier can do the same as a Tech-enabled Smart City councillor can do.
- Establishing Yourself: Who Are You and Who Do You Serve?
Before you go online, you need to focus:
- What is your business about?
- Who are your customers?
Example: If you sell homemade cakes, possibly your goal is “to sweeten celebrations for local families.” Realizing this can help inform your content creation and platform selection.
- Create a Professional Website
The website is your online shop window. Even when you run a small business, people will search for your website.
- Use easy-to-use website builders like WordPress, Wix, or even Shopify.
- Some of the very basic information considered includes: About Us, Products/Services, and Contact Information.
- Just make sure it does not look ridiculous on a phone.
For example, A salon’s website might include services, prices, booking options, and pictures of satisfied customers.
- Set Up Social Media Profiles
Social media is the place where people socialize. It depends on your business, but the appropriate platforms are:
- Instagram → Ideal for photos, fashion, foodies, and lifestyle.
- Facebook→ Good for local business, communities, events.
- LinkedIn → Perfect for professional services.
- YouTube → Best for how-tos, reviews and storytelling.
Tip: Don’t try to be all things to all people. Begin with 1–2 platforms and do them well.
- Make use of your Google Business Profile
This is essential if your business is local. Customers can find you on Google Maps and search for you.
- Add your company’s name, address, and phone number.
- Add pictures of your store or offerings.
- Request reviews from clients.
For instance, a restaurant that has received good Google reviews will rank higher in local searches.
- Distribute Useful Content
People find and trust you through your content. Blogs, reels, videos, and even brief posts can be included. Helping or entertaining your audience is the aim.
- Quick fitness advice can be posted by a gym.
- Style ideas can be shared by a clothing brand.
- Recipes or customer celebration stories can be posted by a bakery.
People view you as a helper rather than just a seller when you have content.
- Demonstrate Consistency
It won’t succeed to post today, and will take no action for two months. Consistency builds trust.
- Create a simple content calendar.
- Although you might only post two or three times a week, do so regularly.
- Consistently keep your color, tone, and brand style the same across all media.
For example, a travel company that posts weekly travel tips will remain in touch with customers when the time to book their travel comes.
- Speak to Your Audience
Don’t simply post, communicate.
- Respond to comments.
- Answer questions via messages.
- Thank people when they share your post.
Example: If a fashion brand asks, “Do you prefer this color or that color for our new tee?” and responds to comments, customers feel special.
- Collect Emails and Build a List
The directness of email marketing makes it effective. Your email list remains with you, but your social media followers may come and go.
- Provide something basic, such as updates, a free guide, or a discount.
- Don’t just send promotional emails; send helpful ones.
For instance, to keep students interested, an online tutor can provide weekly study advice.
- Track and Enhance
Utilize free resources to monitor what is effective:
- Website traffic as measured by Google Analytics
- Facebook/Insights → Post performance on Instagram
- Email tools: Click-through and open rates
For instance, make more reels if you notice that they receive more views than static posts.
- Remain Patient and Constantly Learn
Online presence does not grow overnight. It is time-consuming, similar to the development of friendships. Remain patient, continue posting, and learn from your audience.
Conclusion
Creating a digital identity is like raising a tree. At first, you nurture it, give it water, give it food, and care for it. Ultimately, it will grow taller, provide shade, grow fruit, and flower to spread the sunlight.
Once again, here it is in the thorough version of how to do it step-by-step in the previous section:
- Know who you serve and, more importantly, know who you are.
- Build a professional website.
- Establish your social media profiles.
- Claim your Google Business Profile.
- Create relevant content and share it.
- Be consistent.
- Engage with your audience.
- Assemble your email list.
- Observe and improve.
- Lastly, have some patience and keep learning.
No matter whether you are a storefront, a freelancer, or if this is the first time you are in business, this will help you be visible, trustworthy, and connected on the internet.
Because we all know that in the world we live in today, if you are not on the internet, you won’t be seen. And potential customers are already looking for you. Will they find you?