The internet as we know it
The internet has levelled the playing field in an almost literal and tangible way for everyone who has access to it. Despite the many risks and dangers of being present in cyberspace, there are so many positive things that have emerged with the evolution of the internet.
Anyone with internet access can acquire unlimited information and skills, as well as connect with anyone, anywhere in the world at any time. The internet has improved communication and created many opportunities for users, including making money online. Cyberspace is also home for easy banking, mapping, shopping etc.
To use the internet effectively you need digital skills. What are digital skills? In basic terms these enable you to use digital platforms and technologies to create, communicate, manage and share information.
Essential digital skills
1. Social Media Marketing
Social media allows marketers to connect and engage potential customers where they are at: LinkedIn, Twitter, Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, and even some of the younger platforms like TikTok. With a strong social media strategy and the ability to create engaging content, social media marketers can effectively engage their audience.
2. Copywriting
Copywriting has one mission; to persuade people to buy a product or service, or even an idea. A copywriter’s job is to use relatable and enticing words and phrases to capture the attention of a potential customer and convince them to buy into a concept. The aim of the copy (any published text) is to show potential customers how a product or service can improve their lives.
3. Graphics Design
Good graphic design will help a business to gain high visibility which in turn can lead to increased sales. Attractive visuals, effective communication of ideas, higher visibility and enhanced credibility push traffic to your brand. Increased traffic leads to more opportunity. In the digital world, visibility is everything, attracting leads which in turn increases sales. Great visuals are an influential tool in effecting communication of ideas, products and services.
4. Web Design
A website helps create brand awareness and showcases your brand to prospective customers. It helps to establish your image by letting the audience know who you are and what you represent. A website provides reliable information to consumers, which helps in setting your business apart from competitors.
5. Content Marketing
Your mission should be to persuade people to buy your product or service. Content marketing helps you feed your audience with content that is entertaining, humorous, educative and tailor-made in a way that touches their everyday life-styles. This strategy is best used to attract and keep an audience by creating videos, articles, podcasts and other ‘rich media’*. This digital skill is effective when your company is promoting brand awareness, keeping your business/brand in the mind of your audience ready for when it's time for them to buy what you sell.
Why should you learn a digital skill?
Digital skills have so many advantages that can help your business as well as help you on a personal level. Consider your improvement in understanding technology without having to delve too much into research or having to memorise a device’s manual, word for word. Many jobs today need digital skills as we are in an inevitably evolving industrial world. Having a digital skill can even earn you an income for jobs that do not ask for high levels of qualifications or experience.