s or Making money online isn’t always easy – especially when you are competing with the whole of the online world, which is why you need to make sure that you stand out from the crowd. Most people spend more time online now than they do asleep, and it’s important you spend your online time (for the most part) creating content that feeds into your online presence.
It doesn’t matter if you are selling services or products; having plenty of online content will drive people towards what you do. You will cement yourself as an expert in the field and are likely to see an increase in sales.
I wouldn’t have been able to make make a difference in the public sector or even the proffessional sector without the presence I have managed to build online but it’s not just my efforts; I have my followers to thank as well.
In this collaborative blog post we will explore if an online presence really matters and what you can do to improve your presence in the digital world.
Let’s get into it…
Does an online presence matter?
In short, yes. But why? When you put content out, you are making what you do (and you) more discoverable by people who are looking for those products and services. You are more likely to be seen as legitimate and authentic when you create content that supports your business. I have been very open with my story and I started right at the beginning by sharing my writing process alongside the challenging and exhausting reality of a domestic abuse survivor. Online content is the best way you can market yourself (and what you sell) 24/7 – because the internet never sleeps.
It also supports the buyer’s journey because the content you make on different platforms offers different starting points that point towards the same place. You are meeting your potential customers where they are.
So, what can you do to improve your online presence?
Think about what your customers do and where they spend time online. Do you have a profile that is active and up-to-date there? Any profile that you have should be something that you take care of and post regular updates for. Setting time aside to create for each platform is important and keeps users and fans engaged.
Website
Your website is the window to your products and services; a bad website will give users the impression that your business is likely conducted in the same way. Since most shoppers prefer to shop online, not having a website puts you at a disadvantage.
Blog
A blog isn’t something of the past; it is the best way to deliver valuable content on your website. Regular updates and a lot of value will give Google and other search engines that your website is relevant, and it is more likely to come up in searches. For those who don’t have time to write it themselves, hire a copywriter or hire skilled blog writers to keep your website producing regular content
My blog is a source of information and educates people about coercive control, trauma, recovery, healing, support, lived experiences and more. It has helped my SEO which has led to some fantastic opportunities including winning awards and press interviews.
Podcast
Not everyone has the time to read long-form articles, but an increasing amount of people choose to listen to podcasts and audiobooks as they go about their day. #AbuseTalk podcast put my name in the professional sector and it gave me the opportunity to connect with key people within different organisations which made a made my name known in the field. You can create a podcast that covers topics that make sense to your product – or something unrelated entirely. With a little podcast editing and some scripted episodes, you’ll have a new platform to share.
Audience over followers
Don’t confuse followers for your audience, but keep in mind your audience is likely mingled in with your followers. An audience is engaged, while followers aren’t but can look like on metrics. An audience is engaged, while followers don’t. Create all content with the audience in mind, and avoid producing high-volume content just for follower count.
If you want to work on your website but are not sure where to start, check this: Essential Characteristics Your Website Should Have.
Social Media
These days having a presence online includes social media platforms and perhaps it doesn’t even need it’s own section because it’s woven throughout the above.
I spend a lot of time on social media and I have enjoyed it for what it is but also for campaigns. Social media is instrumental in strengthening your online presence by providing an expansive platform to connect with potential customers. With strategic use of social media, you can increase brand visibility, drive website traffic, and cultivate meaningful relationships with your target audience. By leveraging social media, you can effectively communicate your message, stand out from the competition, and establish credibility in a digital landscape where people spend significant time.
Are you following me? All my social media links are in the header bar of my website to make it accessible for website readers to find. I hope to see you on your favourite platform.
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