In today’s digital world, businesses that embrace online tools and technology have a significant competitive advantage. Whether you’re a small startup or an established business, having a strong digital presence is essential for attracting customers, increasing revenue, and streamlining operations.
Scott Perry’s Going Digital workshop explored how businesses can leverage digital tools to improve efficiency, enhance customer experience, and build a brand online. This blog will guide you through the key takeaways, including website creation, social media strategies, and online marketing essentials.
What Does It Mean to “Go Digital”?
Going digital means adopting technology-driven strategies to improve business efficiency, communication, and customer engagement. This includes:
💡 Digital marketing – Using social media, email marketing, and online advertising to reach your audience.
💡 E-commerce solutions – Selling products and services online.
💡 Cloud-based tools – Automating business processes with accounting, CRM, and project management software.
💡 Data-driven decision-making – Using analytics to optimize sales, marketing, and operations.
Businesses that go digital can improve productivity, reduce costs, and increase customer engagement.
✅ McKinsey & Company reports that businesses that embrace digital transformation see higher efficiency and revenue growth.
Why Should Businesses Go Digital?
🚀 Reduce Operating Costs – Automate manual processes, cut paperwork, and use cloud-based systems.
📊 Improve Decision-Making – Use digital analytics to track customer behaviour and business performance.
🛒 Enhance Customer Experience – Offer seamless online shopping, faster communication, and better service.
🌍 Expand Reach & Accessibility – Sell to customers 24/7, regardless of location.
💰 Increase Revenue Growth – Reach a larger audience through digital marketing and e-commerce.
💡 According to Deloitte, businesses with strong digital capabilities grow faster and outperform their competitors.
What Makes an Effective Online Presence?
An online presence refers to how your business appears on the internet, including your website, social media, and search engine results.
A strong online presence requires:
✔️ A Clear Business Vision – What do you want to achieve online?
✔️ Knowledge of Your Target Market – Who are your ideal customers?
✔️ Consistent Branding – Cohesive messaging across all digital channels.
✔️ Engaging Content – Regular updates, blogs, videos, and customer interactions.
💡 Nearly 70% of consumers research businesses online before making a purchase—having a digital presence is non-negotiable!
How to Build an Effective Online Presence
- Create a Professional Website
Your website is your digital storefront, and it should:
🌐 Be mobile-friendly and easy to navigate.
📜 Clearly showcase products/services and contact details.
🚀 Load fast to reduce bounce rates.
🔍 Be search engine optimised (SEO) to rank in Google.
💡 Use platforms like WordPress, Wix, or Shopify to build your site easily.
🔗 Register domain name/s.
- Optimise Social Media Presence
✅ Choose the right platforms – Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or TikTok, depending on your audience.
✅ Post regularly – Share valuable content, promotions, and customer testimonials.
✅ Engage with followers – Reply to comments, messages, and reviews.
✅ Use paid advertising – Run Facebook and Google Ads to boost visibility.
💡 96% of consumers interact with brands on social media—make sure you’re visible!
- Set Up an Online Store (E-Commerce)
If you plan to sell online, you’ll need an e-commerce platform like:
🛍 Shopify – Best for online stores with easy payment integration.
🛍 WooCommerce – A WordPress plugin for selling products.
🛍 Etsy – Ideal for handmade or creative businesses.
🛍 BigCommerce – A scalable platform for growing businesses.
💡 Offer secure payment options like PayPal, Stripe, and Afterpay to increase sales.
- Get Listed in Online Directories
Having your business listed in directories boosts credibility and improves local SEO.
📌 Google My Business – Claim your free business profile.
📌 Yellow Pages & True Local – Popular Australian directories.
📌 Industry-Specific Directories – Join listings relevant to your field.
💡 Businesses with updated Google My Business profiles are 2.7x more likely to be considered reputable by customers!
- Use Retargeting Ads to Convert Customers
Not all customers buy on the first visit. Retargeting ads remind visitors about your business after they leave your site.
🔄 Display ads to visitors who didn’t complete a purchase.
🔄 Offer discount codes to encourage sales.
🔄 Retarget using Facebook Pixel and Google Ads.
💡 Retargeting can boost conversion rates by up to 70%!
- Create Content to Build Brand Awareness
A great content strategy can help customers find and trust your business.
📝 Publish Blog Posts – Share industry insights and tips.
📹 Create Videos – Tutorials, behind-the-scenes, or customer testimonials.
📧 Use Email Marketing – Send promotions and updates.
💡 The more content you create, the more opportunities people have to discover your business!
Going digital is no longer optional—it’s essential for business growth. Whether you’re launching a startup or looking to expand, leveraging digital tools will help you:
✔️ Reach more customers and increase sales.
✔️ Reduce costs with automation and online tools.
✔️ Build credibility and establish a strong online presence.
✔️ Improve efficiency through data-driven decision-making.
💡 Take Action Today!
📌 Set up your website and Google My Business listing.
📌 Optimise social media and create a content strategy.
📌 Explore e-commerce and advertising options.
Stay tuned for our next session recap, where we’ll cover marketing strategies for small businesses! 🎯