Let’s be honest – building an online presence can feel overwhelming. Wondering if you’re doing enough online, doing it right, or maybe just wondering where to start? You’re not alone. Take a deep breath. We’re going to break this down into manageable pieces.
What Are We Really Talking About Here?
When people say “digital presence,” it’s really just about how your organization shows up online. Think of it as your digital storefront. This includes:
- Your website (your home base online)
- Social media accounts (where you chat with your community)
- Online reviews (what others say about you)
- Email newsletters (keeping in touch with your people)
- Digital content (helpful stuff you share)
- Customer relationship tools (keeping track of everyone)
- Online sales (if you’re selling products or services) and Donation systems (if you’re a nonprofit or fundraising org.)
First Things First: What’s Your Goal?
Photo by on Pexels
Before you dive into the deep end of the digital pool, let’s figure out what you’re actually trying to achieve:
- Who are you trying to reach? (And no, “everyone” isn’t a great answer!)
- What do you want them to do when they find you?
- How will you know if it’s working?
- What can you realistically handle right now?
Maybe you want more people to know about your awesome product, or you need more donations for your nonprofit, or you’re trying to get more clients for your consulting business. Whatever it is, it’s important to name it – because you can’t hit a target you can’t see.
Where Are You Now?
Time for a quick reality check. Don’t worry, this isn’t about judging – it’s about knowing your starting point:
- How’s your website doing? (Be honest!)
- Are your social media accounts collecting dust?
- What comes up when you Google yourself?
- Are you showing up where your competitors are?
Think of it like cleaning out your closet – you need to know what you’ve got before you can make it better.
Building Your Digital Foundation
Your Website: Your Online Home
Think of your website as your digital handshake. It needs to:
- Work on phones (because that’s how most people will see it)
- Load quickly (because nobody likes waiting)
- Be easy to navigate (don’t make people think too hard)
- Look legitimate (https:// is your friend)
- Make it clear what you want people to do next
Content: Sharing Your Story
This is just about helping and talking to your people:
- Answer their questions
- Share what you know
- Show them you get their challenges
- Make it easy to find on Google
- Use it in different ways (one good blog post can become five social media posts!)
Picking Your Channels
You don’t need to be everywhere – you need to be where your people are:
- Choose social platforms they actually use
- Start with email (yes, it still works!)
- Consider whether paid ads make sense
- Focus on doing a few things well
Making It Happen
Here’s the thing: you don’t have to do everything at once. Start with:
- A timeline that won’t make you cry
- Clear tasks (who’s doing what?)
- Ways to check if it’s working
- Permission to change course if needed
Common Oops Moments (We’ve All Had Them)
- Trying to be everywhere at once (spoiler: it’s exhausting)
- Forgetting about mobile users (hint: that’s most of us now)
- Looking different everywhere online (consistency is your friend)
- Chasing likes instead of real results
- Letting your content get stale
The Path Forward
Building your online presence is more marathon than sprint. Start with the basics:
- Check in on how things are going regularly
- Keep an eye on what’s new (but don’t chase every shiny object)
- Try new things when you’re ready
- Listen to what your audience tells you
- Adjust as you go
Remember: You don’t need the fanciest website or the biggest social media following. You need what works for YOUR organization and YOUR people.
Feeling a bit clearer but still not sure where to start? That’s totally normal. We’d love to chat about your specific situation and help you figure out your next steps. Let’s talk – no tech jargon, we promise. Just clear, practical advice for your organization.
