In the most recent Federal Budget announcement, the government pledged $18.6 million for a Digital Solutions program aimed at small businesses. The program will provide affordable, high-calibre advisory services in five crucial areas of digitalisation: establishing an online presence, websites and online sales, social media and digital marketing, business software proficiency, and online security and data privacy.
For those small businesses who are venturing into the digital world and building their online presence for the first time, fear not! Here are four tips on how to compete and connect with your audience in a unique and authentic way.
Tip 1: Keep your branding consistent
When you’re creating a brand, it’s important to build an identity that resonates with your target audience to cut through the noise. It’s common to think of branding as being synonymous with logo design, but a logo is just one part of creating a successful brand. You must create a clear and unified message that resonates across your various platforms. Small businesses that are just getting started online should look for all-in-one solutions that give you all the tools you need to grow and monetise your business. All-in-one platforms also enable you to unify your online and offline presence, bringing your brand to life across your website, email marketing and social media, all while consistently communicating who you help, the problems you solve, and the value you deliver.
Tip 2: Speak in a language your audience understands
The content you add to your site and how you present it plays a big role in not only getting traffic to your site, but keeping them there and engaged by your offering. The Digital Solutions initiative funded by the government can offer business owners practical SEO tips and branding advice which teaches businesses an authentic way to foster connections with consumers, captivating visitors in seconds with clear, concise messaging. When considering your SEO, it’s important to speak in a language your audience understands and ensure you use keywords strategically, including text that matches the search terms people use to find businesses like yours.
Tip 3: Identify and capitalise on the right brand touchpoints
It’s important to stay active in the same spaces as your target audience so you can raise and maintain brand awareness for your business. These spaces are called customer touchpoints or brand touchpoints and can include online spaces like social media, in-person, or both. It’s important to deliver a consistent and positive experience at every stage of the journey – catching someone’s interest in stage one, providing useful information at stage two, and finally making browsing and buying a seamless process for customers. I personally love Squarespace as it enables you to build, sell and grow from one place.
Tip 4: Integrate your social media within your website
Leverage the synergy between your website and social media. Social media platforms provide an invaluable opportunity for direct engagement with your audience, fostering real-time communication, sharing important updates, and expanding your reach to a global network. Consider automating the sharing of your latest blog posts to Facebook and LinkedIn, or embedding your dynamic Instagram feed directly on your website to further enhance this interconnected ecosystem.
Australian SMEs now have a powerful tool at their disposal: the $18.6 million Digital Solutions program grant. This initiative empowers business leaders to cultivate a robust online presence, a critical step in today’s digital landscape. To maximise the impact of this grant, consider these tips alongside the funding. By following these strategies, you can forge authentic connections with your audience and propel your business towards sustainable growth.
