What is an online presence?

Consumers don't care if you've been in business for years or are just starting out, they expect (and often demand) that you have a strong online presence. As a business owner, you will enjoy many short and long-term benefits. It will allow your business to be found, attract new customers, encourage them to become loyal advocates and offer them an exceptional customer experience. It should build your brand awareness, establish credibility and ultimately increase your revenue.

However, there are many factors that are necessary to achieve the results you want. All are important and inter-connected. It doesn't happen overnight. It requires careful planning, good design, a willingness to learn something new, and a little patience. In this Learning Lab Lesson, we will explore what you'll need to establish a successful online presence.

You may exist online but that doesn't mean you have an effective "presence." Your presence paints a picture of your business because it is tied to your visibility, credibility, and reputation. It is a crowded and noisy world on the Internet. Without a strong presence, you won't get noticed.

Your presence is determined by three factors:​

1. YOU - The content you produce/distribute and the actions you take.

2. INTERNET - Where your business places in search engine and social media algorithms. In other words, can people find you easily?

3. PUBLIC PERCEPTION - What people say about your business in testimonials and online reviews.