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Why your digital presence matters more than ever

The way people discover businesses has changed dramatically. Gone are the days when customers relied solely on TV ads, word-of-mouth, or walking into a store to make a purchase. Today, the majority of discovery happens online. If your business is not showing up where your customers are searching, engaging, and consuming content, you are invisible to them. Having a strong digital presence is no longer optional, it is a necessity for survival and growth. The customer journey has changed, have you? In 2025, the customer journey is spread across multiple platforms. People do not simply see an ad and make a purchase. They research, engage, and seek trust signals before deciding where to spend their money. Here is how discovery looks today: • A potential customer searches for a solution on Google and lands on a blog post that explains how your product or service solves their problem. • They watch a YouTube video to see an in-depth explanation of your expertise. • They hear you as a guest on a podcast or see your content being shared in an online community. • They check online reviews and testimonials before deciding to trust your brand. • Finally, they might follow you on social media to learn more before making a purchase. If your digital presence is limited to only posting on social media, you are missing out on massive opportunities to attract and convert new customers. To stay competitive, you need a multi-channel digital presence that aligns with how modern customers discover, research, and trust brands. Key elements of a strong digital presence 1. Build a digital home base (website and content hub) • Your website is your most valuable digital asset; you own it. • A blog or resource section helps rank your site on Google and establishes authority. • Landing pages guide customers directly to your products or services. 2. Optimise for search and AI discovery • Search engines, AI-driven search, and voice search are now primary ways customers find businesses. • SEO is about more than just keywords, it is about context, authority, and delivering useful content. 3. Use YouTube and video content • YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world. • Educational and demonstration videos build credibility and trust. • Short-form videos on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts help with quick discovery. 4. Build authority through podcasts, guest features • People listen to podcasts while commuting, working out, and doing daily tasks. • Being a guest on established podcasts builds credibility and expands reach. 5. Expand beyond social media while using it strategically • Social media should drive traffic to your website, e-mail list, and offers. • Focus on building relationships instead of just growing follower numbers. 6. Use e-mail and direct communication to maintain control • E-mail marketing lets you nurture leads with valuable content and offers. • SMS and private communities like WhatsApp and Slack provide direct engagement. 7. Monetise your digital presence Your digital presence should not just be about visibility, it should generate revenue. Businesses can monetise through: • E-commerce and digital products • Online courses and memberships • Affiliate marketing and sponsorships • Consulting and service-based offerings Your digital presence needs a strategy – not just social media posts Many businesses assume that posting on social media is enough. In 2025, that is no longer the case. A structured strategy helps businesses: • Get discovered across multiple platforms where customers are searching • Create content that builds trust and supports the customer journey • Convert attention into revenue and long-term business growth If this sounds overwhelming, you do not have to figure it out alone. I will be breaking all of this down in a live four-hour workshop, this weekend. If you want to build a brand that attracts, converts, and generates revenue online, this workshop will provide the blueprint you need. Join the Building and monetising your digital presence in 2025 workshop. Dates: February 22, 9 am; February 23, 5 pm AST Location: Live on Zoom Register at: KeronRose.com, look for the workshop tab to get more details. Use the code “newsday” for a 30 per cent discount.   The post Why your digital presence matters more than ever appeared first on Trinidad and Tobago Newsday.