For most of your business's life, it has probably thrived in an offline environment, convincing you that the need for online options is low. Recent events have shown us that having an online presence is essential to keep your business at the forefront of your customers or clients minds, whether this is through online consultations or simply remaining engaged with your audience through social media. To help you get started on broadening your businesses reach, we have some tips on entering the modern world!

"It's certainly not business as usual and for those who have been putting off moving fully into the digital space, this is a wake-up call" -Trish Barry 

Get a website
If you don't already have a website how are your customers or clients finding you? This is the platform where you get to present all of the information your audience might need on their purchase journey, in one easy to find place. Having a website also broadens your brands reach and awareness. There are many easy to set up options available for people from all technological backgrounds, but if you aren't tech-savvy you're not alone! Many digital marketing or website building businesses offer site options that won't break the bank.

Once you've got your website with all that vital information in one place, make sure to share it around and show off what you offer! This brings us to our next vital step getting on social media.

Get on social media
Right now everyone is on social media, absorbing all the advertising efforts of Australian businesses whether they know it or not. While consumers aren't able to leave their houses to browse, having online options are more important than ever. No matter what business you hold, reminding your audience that you still exist can be the determining factor that either has them coming to you when we're set free or going to a competitor.

If you don't already have any social media accounts, get them! Facebook is probably a good place to start as it fosters strong engagement and can reach a wider audience quickly, more than 140 million businesses utilise Facebook to connect with their audiences. If you already have social media accounts, now is the time to be super active and communicate with your target audience, building trust and sharing content of value.

Offer your services from home

Hard times are a catalyst for innovation! Right now businesses are coming up with out of the box ideas that continue to offer their community something of value. Cafes are coming out with breakfast boxes, personal trainers are offering one on one zoom sessions, you can even get wine kits delivered to your door and follow along with tastings online. Think of a unique offering that aligns with your business and can help you stand out.

Now is the time to get creative! What can you offer online that keeps your customers coming back for value or your followers tuning in? It may be beneficial to offer paid and free resources to your community. That way you can continue to trade as normally as possible and make a profit but you'll also boost your awareness and engagement, building a loyal following.

Those impacted by social isolation can minimise the influence of their business with a smart online communication plan. Moving your business online may sound like a big job but it is an inevitable step. With the way we're going, if you're not online, you may not even exist to a big group of people. Brands are noticing that the online world is an essential tool for running a business and will only grow into the future. To see more specific examples of how different industries have made the move, have a look here.

If you want to take the step into the online community but don't know where to start, get in contact with us at Helix Planning. We utilise our experience in financial and strategic succession planning to offer businesses advisory services that help them achieve their goals. We can work with you to tailor a plan that will get your business running online, recommending next steps and resources that will make the transition easy and beneficial.