Digital Presence
Your digital presence is how your business shows up online. It’s essential to have a strong digital presence because it lays the groundwork for your business and helps with marketing.
Before customers decide to reach out, make a purchase, or trust your business, they will look for you online. They’ll check your website, social media profiles, and read reviews from other customers. If they can’t find you, they might assume your business doesn’t exist or isn’t trustworthy.
A digital presence includes much more than just a website. It covers your social media accounts (such as Facebook and Instagram), your email, your domain, your contact information, and your online reviews. All these elements work together to help customers find you and decide whether to choose your business over others.
Having a good digital presence can make your business look more professional and credible while encouraging customer engagement. For Indigenous and community-focused companies, a strong digital presence can also help you connect beyond your local area, creating opportunities for funding and partnerships and allowing you to share your story more widely.
On the other hand, if your business doesn’t have a digital presence or isn’t managing it well, it can create a confusing or outdated image, making your business seem unreliable.
If you want to boost your online presence, download the Digital Strategy Template. This resource will help you create a targeted online marketing strategy, define your digital goals and marketing budget, and maintain focus across social media and your website.
Websites
While social media, emails, reviews, and your domain all contribute to your online presence, your website is a key element of your digital identity. For many potential customers, your website is often the first place they visit, especially if your business is primarily online. Even customers who interact with you in person may check your website for details about your services, hours of operation, products, contact information, and to understand better what your business offers.
It’s important that your website clearly explains what you do, how you operate, and who your services are for. It should be easy to navigate and be friendly on mobile devices to ensure a positive experience for all users.
For more information on how to build a website, visit Set up a business website | business.gov.au
Domains
To create a website, you first need a domain name, which serves as your website’s address. Having a domain also allows you to set up a professional email address.
Domains are typically affordable, and some providers may offer them for free for the first year or two. Many website builders, such as Squarespace and Wix, allow you to purchase a domain and build your website simultaneously. Or if you are not ready for a website, you can buy a domain without setting up a website right away.
Domain availability can vary, so check beforehand.
Domains are important because they give you ownership of a specific digital space, ensuring that no one else can use it. This helps create a clear destination for your customers by linking your website and social media accounts.
In Australia, registering a domain requires you to have an Australian Business Number (ABN), which is another reason to ensure your business is properly registered. You can purchase domains through various verified providers.
You can register your domain name here and set up domain email addresses for your business.
In today’s business world, having a professional email address is crucial. Using generic emails like yourbusiness@gmail.com or yourbusiness@outlook.com may come across as unprofessional, as they can seem temporary or less trustworthy. When you purchase a domain name, you receive a custom email address, such as yourname@yourbusiness.com. These email addresses help establish your credibility.
Google Business Profiles
Google Business Profiles let you share important information about your business, such as contact details, website links, and social media pages, making it easy for customers to find you online. You don’t need a website to set up a Google profile, but you do need to verify your business.
Having a Google Business Profile helps you appear on Google Maps, displays your contact information, allows customers to write reviews, and lets you showcase photos and descriptions of your services. It can also help improve your visibility in local search results.
To get started with a Google Business Profile, Get started with Google Business Profile - Google Business Profile Help.
Social Media
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok are free tools that can help you connect with your customers. They allow you to share your story, showcase your products and services, promote cultural events, and build trust in your business.
By creating a free account, you can add important information about your business, making it easier for people to find you. Platforms that can be powerful to market your business and tell your story include:
- LinkedIn (a platform for professionals)
- TikTok
- YouTube
Using one or more of these platforms helps you display your products, services, and company culture. You can share posts, videos, updates, and statements about your work. Additionally, you can recruit employees and gather customer testimonials. Engaging with the community is important, and social media is a great way to do that.
When you post on social media, make sure your content reflects your brand and values. Consistency is crucial for a successful social media presence. Posting regular updates and announcements keeps your audience involved and informed about what’s going on and encourages them to connect with your business.
When you post on social media, keep track using a Marketing Channel Review Template so that you can identify what platforms are working well and what ones need boosting.