Growing a business digitally is difficult without the right tools and strategies. An even bigger challenge for entrepreneurs is understanding how to establish trust and communication with consumers.
Mary Rabago, Grow with Google coach and founder of Mary Rabago Productions, teaches her clients that the best way to grow their business is to use a variety of tools to build a digital presence. A digital presence helps organize information about your business, attracts customers, and gives you a platform to tell your entrepreneurial story.
“We have a digital presence and can use it as a business platform, a social media platform. [and] It's to get new customers,” Rabago said.
Here are four ways businesses can establish and grow their digital presence while capturing consumer attention.
[Read: 4 Ways to Consistently Build Your Business with Digital Tools]
Educate and invest in yourself
The first step to running a successful business is to invest in yourself as an entrepreneur, and Rabago emphasizes the importance of attending workshops to learn about the digital business world, the digital skills you need to succeed, and how to manage your business with online tools.
“I've been blessed and my business is doing really well right now, but I definitely would not be at a different level if I hadn't invested in myself first,” Rabago said. “I spent about two years desperately trying to figure things out and making mistakes… but if I could set those two years aside for a new entrepreneur, I would gladly do it. [so] By sharing my advice: Invest. [yourself] beginning.
There are countless grants and loans available to help your business, and Rabago recommends learning about where to find them, how to apply, and how to best put those funds to use.
[Read more: Grants, Loans and Programs to Benefit Your Small Business]
I think [entrepreneurs] … We tend to undervalue ourselves in many ways, and once you know your worth, people will start to respect and appreciate what you bring to the table.
Mary Rabago, Grow with Google Coach and Founder, Mary Rabago Productions
Find out what's valuable to your customers
When building your digital presence, it's important to find what sets you apart and what customers value. For Rabago, that means being bilingual and bicultural.
“[Clients] “We're not just getting the digital information that Google provides, we're also bringing in cultural, linguistic and strategic knowledge because communication is key in every aspect of life,” she noted.
Rabago's skills and experience allow him to better communicate with his customers. As a business owner, consider how you can personalize your consumers' experience and earn their trust. Identify what parts of yourself and your business help you connect with your audience and use that to find long-term customers who are loyal to your services and products.
Tell your story
According to Rabago, one of the best ways to connect with your target audience is to be authentic and share your “why.” Every entrepreneur has a reason for starting a business, and telling consumers your story will help you engage them on a more personal level.
“Your history is “Your story is powerful,” Rabago says. “People buy your product or service because of your 'why' — your story.”
That's why it's so important to include your story in your marketing content, she says: spread your message and share the lessons that only you can deliver.
[Read: 5 Inspiring Reasons to Start a Business]
Don’t sell yourself short
“Know your worth and don't settle for less,” Rabago says. “Not everyone will love what you do or who you are as a brand, but that doesn't mean you can't 'dumb down' yourself or your business to appeal to them.”
“You may not be everyone's cup of tea, but the right person will come along. [if you are] “Be true to yourself and don't underestimate your own worth,” she explained. “I [entrepreneurs] … We tend to undervalue ourselves in many ways. Once you know your worth, people will start to respect and appreciate what you bring to the table.”
Find out more about the Grow with Google digital coaching program here.
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