Beyond the 'Gram: Building Your Digital Footprint on Solid Ground (Where Faith Meets Online Presence)

Hey Y'all, and Happy Thursday!

Your Business Auntie is back with another dose of Faith-Fueled Tech goodness! Last week, we kicked things off by talking about where faith meets tech, and today, we're exploring something very practical but sometimes a little scary for us entrepreneurs: building your digital footprint.

Now, I know some of y'all might be thinking, "Digital footprint? What is that, like breadcrumbs online?" (Laughs) Well, kinda! Your digital footprint is basically your online presence – everything from your website to your social media profiles, and anywhere else you show up in the digital space.

In today's market, honey, if you ain't got a digital footprint, your business is practically invisible! Consider this – where do you go when you want to check out a new business? The internet, right? Your potential customers are doing the same thing.

According to a recent study by Visual Objects, 87% of consumers used online channels to evaluate local businesses in 2022. [Source: Visual Objects] This means if they can't find you online, you're missing out on a significant opportunity to connect with them!

So, where do we start building this digital house?

Your Website: This is your home base online. It's where you have the most control over your brand message and how you present yourself. Your website is where you can share your story, your services, and even a little bit about the faith that fuels your journey. It doesn't have to be a fancy, expensive mansion – a clean, clear, and professional site is a great place to start!

Social Media: This is the digital town square! Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest – that's where people gather. You don't need to be on all of them, but you need to be where your ideal customers are. Social media offers a chance to build community, share valuable content, and let your unique personality shine through.

Online Directories & More: Don't forget about places like Google My Business (it's free and essential!), Yelp, or industry-specific directories. These help people find you when they're actively searching for businesses like yours.

Now, let's get real for a minute. Building an online presence can bring up some things for us, especially us sista-friends. Maybe it's that sneaky imposter syndrome whispering, "Are you even good enough to be online?" Or the comparison trap – looking through perfectly curated feeds and feeling like your own journey isn't 'sparkly' enough. And let's not forget the old wives' tale about keeping your blessings secret so nobody can 'pray against you.'

Well, let's address that with truth! God has not given us a spirit of fear! "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7) If God has called you to this business, He has equipped you and given you the power and the sound mind to be visible online. Don't let those doubts dim your light!

And as for negative prayers? Honey, the prayers of the righteous carry great power! "The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." (James 5:16) If you are walking in your calling and your business is aligned with God's purpose, who can be against you? "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31) Your online presence, when done with integrity and purpose, extends your witness!

Being a good steward of your online presence means presenting your business in a way that is truthful and reflects your values. "Moreover, it is required in stewards that one be found faithful." (1 Corinthians 4:2) Being faithful in how you manage your online home is a form of good stewardship, showcasing your business authentically.

Specifically for our community, while Black entrepreneurs are utilizing social media platforms for business at high rates, there's still a gap in leveraging other digital tools and having comprehensive online strategies. [Source: Various reports on Black-owned businesses and digital adoption]. This means there's a significant opportunity for you to stand out by building a complete and solid digital footprint!

Building your digital footprint on solid ground – grounded in your values, your purpose, and your faith – is crucial for growth. It's about showing up authentically and letting your light shine in this digital space. "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16) Your online presence is a powerful way to do just that!

What's one step you can take this week to strengthen your digital footprint? Share in the comments below!

Come back next Thursday for more Faith-Fueled Tech insights!

Blessings,

Shennice Cleckley (Auntie NeNe)

Founder/CEO, Melanin Innovations