There is no doubt we live in a digital world. People are on their phones wherever they go, babies are entertained by iPads, and grandparents creating Instagram accounts to connect with family and friends; digital is everywhere. So, whether you are trying to improve the digital footprint you already have or starting fresh, keep in mind these ten digital tips and techniques to help you and your business flourish in the digital world. You can listen to my podcast here.
1. Create a website. Having a website will help build your business’s following, customer database, and credibility. Having a website is essential as it is the center of your business’s digital footprint. You can use tools like WordPress and Squarespace to build your website easily.
2. Establish the three main social media platforms, Instagram, Twitter, and a Facebook Like Page for your business. You want to cover all your bases when you are entering the world of social media. Though there are a bunch of different social networking platforms, the three main platforms are key. It is important to keep the names of these accounts similar to ensure consistency as well for your consumers. On social media, the goal is to get your followers above 10,000 on Instagram and you can include URL links in your Instagram stories. This will drive your social media traffic up even higher.
3. Set up an email address for your business. This is simple yes, but essential. There have been tons of businesses I have seen online that have failed to do this and immediately I lose interest. Having an email account associated with your business makes you more digitally accessible and there is nothing worse than a lack of communication in today’s world. Once you have an email account, make sure to include it on your website, maybe under the “Contact Us” section and on your socials.
4. Develop and grow your email marketing. A digital strategy that is fundamental for businesses is email marketing. Your newsletter is a way to showcase your brand. At times, sending an email to your database can be more effective than using social media. You can target, customize, and create great digital content for your consumers that fits their interests. This is a big way to keep loyal consumers and is an important digital tool.
5. Don’t pass on basic information with your accounts. Sometimes we rush to get things up and running online that we forget about the information outside the digital world. Including your physical business address, company history, contact numbers, and hours of operation is essential to your digital platform. Consumers want easy access and a quick Google search should be able to pull up these basics for them at any time.
6. Content is key to improving your digital footprint. In a world filled with digital advertising, using content marketing can create an organic following and ultimately a digital community around your brand. But what is it? Simply, having a blog associated with your business or video content that is not “selling” the consumer something is a way to create content digitally. If you aren’t the best writer, you can always reach out to bloggers or influencers who fit your brand to contribute posts.
7. Manage your online reviews and encourage consumers to give them. When you have a Facebook Like page, visitors can post reviews and ratings. These should always be monitored as well as sites like Yelp and Google. By responding to these digital platforms you will positively influence the behavior of your consumers and organically grow your business.
8. Digital advertising can help your digital footprint tremendously if you use it the right way. Launching an online advertising campaign is something businesses should 100% consider once a goal is set. Once you have all your ducks in a row, try using Facebook ads and a digitally targeted ad campaign to widen your audience reach.
9. Work on improving your business SEO to make your digital presence pop! SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization which simply improves the visibility of your website and socials in online search engines. Investing in SEO will help your business not to get “lost” in the digital universe. Your SEO is something you can control and it works.
10. Stay active on ALL your digital platforms. Going dead is one of the worst things you can do to your digital footprint as a business. Make sure to stay active by updating and posting on your website, social media accounts, and emails. Even if posting every day is not something you can do, make yourself a note to at least share a consumable type of media weekly to help drive more traffic digitally to your brand.
With Love,
Lex Paige
