Our world is turning more and more digital by the minute. Every business has gone into the digital world, and quite frankly, without a social media presence, it would be a struggle for your business to be known by many. The battle is now digital and how aesthetically pleasing your feed looks to the audience. If you do not make an effort to adapt to the digital world, you really will not go far as much as you would want.

So, I have a few tips that might help your business become a success through your online presence. Before that, let me tell you a little more about online presence. Having an online presence has dramatically changed since business websites became a thing. Back then, having your own business website was enough, which was already a big deal for many businesses. However, having an online presence has now become more than just having your own website. It is about having social media platforms and engaging with your customers and your audience.

We can move into talking about a few helpful tips for your online presence to grow and potentially help your business from what we know now. First things first, set SMART goals. Basically, SMART goals mean Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This is a way to make sure that the goals you set are realistic.

As a business, you should always make sure that your posts are not aimless. So, assigning your social media efforts a concrete purpose can help you avoid the cycle of aimless posting. This also helps decrease the risk of you feeling overwhelmed and anxious about whether you are doing the right things.

When you already have your goals, it is time to figure out who your audience is. Your audience is basically your market, the people you think will go into your store and actually buy from you. Let me be clear: not every person in this world is your audience. It is understandable to feel overwhelmed by this. Of course, not everyone is mentally healthy enough to create something, post it, and not feel anxious or scared.

Some things are meant for others, and some things are not. Identifying your audience will eventually help you figure out things like when you are supposed to post, what you post, your brand’s voice – the things you stand for, and which platforms you are active on. These are big things that you will need to think about, which will lead you to a higher engagement and online presence.

Another thing is that you will still have to be human. No matter what platform, no matter what you are posting, you will have to make sure that you are not an emotionless robot. You have to remember that the people you meet online might also be going through a difficult time in their life. Try to put yourself in their shoes and see whether or not if you were in that situation where your mental health is not at its best, would you react the same way?

Right now, businesses must have a dive into the digital world, but it is much more important that you remain in touch with your humanity. This helps with your connection to your audience, and you become a much friendlier face to your audience. Once you create that connection, you are now a support system for your audience and their favorite brand.

To also back up on that, make sure that you talk to your audience. It does not matter if it is in your comment sections or your messages. You have to make sure that you can talk to your audience, give them advice, tell them about your products, respond to their questions, and accept criticism. It is important that as a brand, you listen to the people who are giving their hard-earned money to your business.

Never take criticism as an offense. Remember that anything that the audience says to you can be used to grow your business. This will show your audience that you are listening and willing to improve your business.

Lastly, make sure that you are visual. No matter where you post it or when you post it, pictures and videos are the most trendings. This is the easiest way to engage with your audience, and it is the fastest way to get your point across. Going visual does not mean that you have to have expensive equipment or a full-blown production budget. You should consider photos of customers, events, scene photos or videos, or infographics.

In the end, your goal is not just to create a business and be successful online. Your goal is also to create a change. Use your voice for the things that matter; for issues like mental health or racism, it is your choice to be part of that change.