Having an online presence is becoming more important but many business owners do not know how important it is to have an online presence. There is still a belief that word by mouth is how businesses will spread the word about their services and getting more clients. The Consumer Digital Index 2021 conference raised a good point that inspired us to write this blog post about businesses – such as cleaning companies – that provide services for many other organisations but have not yet an online presence. On other hand, sometimes these businesses owners do have an online presence but lack the ability to manage them effectively not realising that are digital training organisations like us providing the necessary tools so these businesses can develop their digital skills in order to keep up with the demand. 

So why should a business have a digital presence? We selected a list of 5 reasons explaining why we believe that a digital presence would benefit any business that decides to embark on this journey but first, what is an online presence?

According to Digital Trolls, an “online presence is the collective existence of a business or an individual that is found online via searches. A business’s online presence can come via its website, social media channels, publications in online journals, memberships to associations listed online, and so on.”

As you can see there are many different channels and platforms where you can advertise your services to help you grow as a business.

The 5 reasons:

Accessibility

Having a website or social media presence can help your customers find you much quicker. Being easy to search on google can make things easier for you when it comes to advertising your brand and will help you reach a vast number of people that you probably wouldn’t if you weren’t online. People can share your details with only one click through email, social media, shareable links so it is important to understand what a click can do to create awareness around your brand.

Credibility

Everything is digital now like we mentioned before, and people are getting more used to searching for services online. Having an updated website or social media posts with your recent offers can help customers to get to know you as a brand and it will make your business more reliable. People tend to feel more comfortable when they can recognise a brand and see the reviews and a website or newsletter, some type of digital proof that can make a business more attractive and trustworthy.

Let them know what you are offering

The Digital channels give businesses the opportunity to showcase what they are offering.  This allows your products to be available 24/7 for display and for purchase as well. There is the possibility of automating social media posts or offers while you are sleeping so people have access to the necessary content of your business. Digital marketing is a phenomenal way of making your brand noticeable and your products desired. So having a good digital marketing strategy is important to be more visible.

Creating durable relationships with customers

This one is straightforward. Being online gives you the possibility to get to know your audience, their needs, and their views of your business. Engaging with people can give you the necessary insights to help you improve in different areas of your business. Sometimes people don’t have the courage to critique face-to-face so the digital world gives them the opportunity to help you by writing a review or giving a suggestion or by simply by criticising negatively something that they think could be improved.  As we mentioned before, reviews are good to help new customers decide whether they want or want not to buy your products. This trade is a very good reason to go there and start building your online presence.

Build a strong Brand

All these reasons will help you build a strong brand identity. There are many ways to start building your online presence, but you must start.

We aim to help those who are struggling to take this first step by providing the necessary mentoring and training to help you be up-to-date with the digital demands and benefits of having an online presence and how to digitally upskill to do that.