Seven reasons your business needs an online presence
I am no longer comfortable with the term “online business”. As far as I am concerned, every business should be online! If your business is not online, you are simply not in business!!
It’s a digital age, it is absolutely essential for your business to have an online presence (even if you don’t want to scale-up), whether it’s a website, an e-commerce platform, a social media page or a combination of all.
You must overcome your fears of the internet. I have observed many small business owners are scared of the exposure the internet could bring to their business. They just want to do small, whatever that means. While others erroneously still think that having a strategic online presence and website is for the big guys.
The online world has come in peace and with plenty goodies too. It is not waiting somewhere to harm you or your business. Learn and understand how it works.
Even if you think your company does not do business online, let’s say you sell fish and you are not ready to start home delivery. You still need a very visible online presence. And truth is, sooner than you think, your neighbour will prefer to order fish online, than buy from you next door. Or stressing out to go to the market. Don’t wait until you are completely pushed out of business.
Are you a business owner or would like to build a brand around you, your knowledge or skills? See why you must leverage the digital space.
- Digital is the new global economy!
The digital world is a real world and is here to stay. More importantly, digital is the new global economy. This means for your business to be sustained in the long and even short term, you need to understand and embrace this new economy – The Digital Economy. Three things make this very important; “The world has moved online, the internet is global, it’s quick and easy to access”. Customers always prefer the quickest and easiest way.
- You need to stay visible
If your business is not on the Internet, it is nowhere. If the new global economy has firmly shifted online, it is only wise and profiting for your business to be found and seen online. When customers make simple searches on Google, they should find you.
- Be Accessible. All day, all night.
The Internet never sleeps. Having an online presence simply means all round and all day customers accessibility for your business. An online presence is an extension of your brand that never sleeps. Having an online presence is the easiest way to earn while you sleep. Imagine waking up every time to a sales request or purchase.
- For authenticity and Branding
The easiest way to build a brand in today’s digital world is by applying the KLT factor. KLT is an acronym for Know, Like and Trust. The digital platforms helps you show up and be known, your content help your targeted audience like you which ultimately help you build trust for your brand and business.
What’s most exciting? The higher percentage of customers today do business with a brand they trust. The Internet is one way customers verify an authentic and trusted brand. Having a website has a big role to play here, in helping you strengthen your business cooperate image.
- For Marketing. I call this; “Reach a million more persons”
Digital and Content Marketing is the real deal! There are no limits to your customer’s potential reach. Anyone of the over 4.7 billion internet users can find you and do business with you online.
The world wide web via its electronic format allows for a wider, more cost-effective distribution as opposed to traditional marketing with its limited reach capacity. If you could reach a thousand persons via sign post, prints or TV commercials, you could reach a million more persons online!
Check out Caroline’s content on creating a custom and professional email address using your own domain name.
- Take the lead in your industry
Build Authority. Like to be an authority in your niche or industry? Don’t be selfish. Teach people what they don’t know. The internet has made this easier. Let’s say you have a small farm. Anybody can have that. But creating content (whether a YouTube video, a blog post or a podcast) that teach people about farming, pests control and the different uses and importance of your farm produce makes you an expert and “a go to brand” for not just purchase but consulting. Are you an artist, a singer, painter or instrumentalist, teach people what they don’t know and establish your brand’s authority.
- Make more money!
The result of good marketing is making more sales. More sales means more money, which is every business goal. Except you are a charity organization, your business need more money to grow and remain in business. Even NGOs make profits.
Just like the “reach a million more persons” I mention earlier, If you could make a million from your business offline, you could make an extra million and more online online! So get on the internet.
Gone are the days where having an online presence puts you ahead of your competitors. Truth is, your competitors are already here, if you are not here, to them and to rest of the world who make searches online, you are not in business!
Get a revamp of your digital and social media presence. Create a visible and formidable online presence. Build trust. Help potential customers find and reach you online.
The best time to go digital was perhaps 50 years ago. The second best time is NOW!
Need us to help build and manage your digital and social media presence, send a DM!
Online Business Consultant
Content Strategist, Author.
Missed our previous post on “Generating Content Ideas for your Online Audience” See NOW.