Why an active online presence is a necessity for entrepreneurs
Lately there have been influencers and “coaches” online who claim that they built a 6 or 7 figure business without using social media.
Yet you’re seeing their ads on social media.
Which got me thinking.
Nearly every business these days is online in some form. Not because it’s fun (it’s really not most days) but because it’s necessary.
When you go out to networking events, or you’re out and about and you overhear someone saying they’re looking for a product or service that you happen to sell, or you’re at a conference and meet someone you know you could help, what’s the first thing you do?
You strike up a conversation. You give them your business card.
Then what do they do?
They look you up online.
Every. Time.
People research the companies they want to work with. If you’re asking someone to pay you thousands of dollars for a coaching service, or to switch to your company after working with a different company for years, they’re going to need to see a reason why they should.
And your online presence – or lack thereof – will make or break that decision.
It doesn’t have to be social media. It doesn’t have to be silly dancing reels or fancy promo videos every week. It simply needs to be a professional presence that showcases what you do, why you do it, and gives real proof of your expertise.
And it should be visually appealing.
Here’s what does NOT convert lurkers into buyers:
A hard to navigate website
A basic website that doesn’t really give any information
Social media pages full of blurry or grainy pictures
Having a phone number as the only way to contact you
Here’s what DOES convert:
Professional website, easy to understand menu, option to opt into the newsletter!
A website that looks professional and gives a lot of information
Testimonials in all the places you exist online
Professionally created media – both videos and photos
An active presence on at least one social media platform (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc)
A blog (if you have one) that gets regularly updated – at least once a month
You know I’m extra.
So instead of telling you what works and what doesn’t and sending you on your way, I’m going to give you the why behind it.
Here’s why having an active and professional presence online works:
Builds authority
Showing up online with professionalism and personality, and sharing your wins, testimonials, and how you serve your clients, helps show that you are the authority in your field. It shows that you’re already trusted by others, you know what you’re talking about, and you’re a great choice for the product or service you sell.
Builds reliability
When you’re sharing your client stories and investing in your business, it shows potential customers that you’re serious about your work. It shows that you’re already producing high quality work for other people. And it tells them that you’re going to follow through on the things you’re promising because you’re in it for the long haul.
Takes your work from a hobby to a business
When your website and socials are done well, it shows followers that this isn’t just a hobby for you, it’s a real, legitimate business that is to be trusted and taken seriously. It levels up your credibility as a business owner, and makes your offer much more appealing.
Showcases your recent work
This is a big one, because the more you do your job the better you get at it. So having regular updates on projects you’re working on or new products you’re selling helps show that improvement. People want to know that they’re spending their hard earned money with someone who’s so serious about their work that they’re constantly improving. Plus it shows that other people are trusting you, too.
While you don’t need to go out and hire a high end web designer and social media guru and spend tens of thousands on a brand new website and social media presence, you DO need to invest in your marketing in a way that feels strategic for the level you’re at and the level you want to get to.
My branding photography clients get more than a photoshoot.
They get a strategy session beforehand that walks us both through their:
Brand identity
Vision for pictures
Dream clients and what they want to see
The problems being solved with the product or service
Growth plans
How they’re going to use the photos
Ways to use the pictures they haven’t thought about
Where they’re showing up and how to create pictures that are best for that platform
So that your branding pictures are both gorgeous and strategic. And your marketing is easier.
If you’re in the Tri-Cities, WA or surrounding areas, and you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or simply building a personal brand as an influencer or creative, I can help you. Book a discovery call with me today and let’s talk about your brand, your vision, and how I can bring it all together.
Branding photography for heart-centered women.
Radiance branding experiences: helping your business shine.