Why you need to build a digital footprint for your business

Your digital footprint refers to your ability to take your small business or venture onto the internet; thus you maintain an online presence. The world has become a global village and one of the reasons is the internet. If you get on the internet with your business, then it becomes part of the small world that we find ourselves so that people of all walks of life can access your products. As an entrepreneur, you have two ways thinking, to think local and global at the same time.

 Digital footprint Reasons

The Search for information; before people buy anything they often visit companies’ website. I have had people attend my remedial classes this way. They call me for inquiries and I ask them ‘how did you get to know us?’ then they tell me it is through the internet. Sometimes they googled or they found me on Facebook or other platforms.

·         Increase in devices; because of the increase in devices like mobile phones, tables, laptops and so on, more people are having access to the internet. It is easier and more convenient for them to check for simple information from their phones while on the go. When you are on the internet, it means you are on their devices and they carry you with them. People who you might not have access to would now be now available to you.

·         Your brand image; I don’t know about you but any business that does not have a simple website or a social media page makes me think they are not serious with business. A good business man or woman would go where the customers are, the internet. Your company must be represented there in their best clothes creating a good image for you. A good image or reputation comes before the sales follow; you reputation goes before you. If you don’t have any image at all, to the customer you don’t exist. The internet is a cheaper way to build your brand image. In this present age, even when consumers see a poster they don’t take time to read it; they take your web address and use it instead.

Competitors are there; your competitors are going where the people are and you are not there. They would take all the businesses.

·         It is cheaper than traditional media; social media levels the ground for small businesses to compete with the big guys. They present their offer while you present yours and if you are smart enough you win the deal. It is not easy to advertise on radio and TV these days, as a starter, the internet is your savior.

What they look out 

• Social media content; customers look for what you have for them, thus a very good content. Are you making them good offers? Are you sharing something that is of value to them? You have to share videos and articles about your products that would benefit the customer. When customers need information about your business they shouldn’t suffer to get it.

          Your website and pages on all social media platforms should speak for your brand.

• Reach, shares, likes; they also look out for qualitative and quantitative aspect of your digital persona. What are customers saying about your brand? Is it positive or negative?  Quantitatively, they look at the number of shares and likes, though they don’t count so much but they still matter. Four thousand likes and two thousand people talking about your page are very impressive.

• Multiple social media platforms; customers look out for you on the social media platforms. For instance, if the person is on Facebook he or she would look for you on Facebook. There are business pages for Facebook, LinkedIn and so on.