Five Steps to Building a Strong Digital Presence
Riseholme College business student and jewellery entrepreneur Meghan Barnard has just spent a week getting some work experience with us. In this guest blog she shares some top tips on making the most of the internet to boost your business. You can follow Meghan’s business on Instagram @handmade_jewellery_by_meghan.
As the world of social media continues to embed itself in our lives, having an online presence is no longer an option for small businesses – it’s a must. A strong digital presence will allow you to reach new customers and market your products effectively at little cost.
There are five key steps to achieving a strong digital presence:
- Start with the basics
- Be consistent across platforms
- Create valuable content
- Engage with your audience
- Use digital tools wisely
- Start with the basics
Having a professional website and active social media profiles creates the foundations for a strong digital presence. When creating your website, make sure that it explains clearly what your business is and what it offers, who you are and how customers can contact you. Check that your website is mobile friendly, fast and easy to navigate.
- Be consistent across media platforms
It’s important to make sure that you use the same logo, brand colours and tone of voice on all platforms online. Consistency helps customers recognise your business, and it also helps to build credibility over time.
- Create valuable content
Creating content will help to support your marketing by improving your online presence and visibility as it gives potential customers a chance to engage with your brand. Sharing helpful and relevant content across all social media platforms will present your business as trustworthy and knowledgeable. This will give you a competitive edge within your sector.
- Engage with your audience
Engaging with your audience and customers online will present your business as active and customer focused. It also allows you to further build relationships with your customers by replying to their comments, messages and reviews promptly.
- Use digital tools wisely
There are several free or low-cost digital tools that are ideal for helping small businesses to build a stronger online presence, such as Google Business Profile, email marketing platforms like MailChimp and social media scheduling apps. These will all help to increase your outreach without stretching your budget.
Small businesses can market themselves efficiently, grow sustainably and reach new customers by building a clear, consistent and engaging digital presence. The internet is a great place to communicate with your existing customers and engage with potential new customers at the same time.
Starting with media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and Facebook is a sustainable way to reach a wider audience to begin with, as these are free and effective platforms which makes them perfect for a small business just starting out.
If you want to grow your business, don’t ignore the power of online. Just make sure you follow the five key steps! MB
