The Design Makeover: Transforming Your Digital Presence
It is often the lack of digital presence that makes designers struggle in their efforts to succeed.
For a long time, I was taught to stay in the shadows. As a translator and an interpreter, I was always somewhere behind the scenes. Making a difference with no one there to notice.
My ghostwriting career wasn’t much different. So much content written without my name ever being mentioned.
And, I was fine with it all. Taught to stay in the shadows, I did my job and never complained. I was indifferent.
Until I realized something. Indifference is the biggest success killer.
The Importance of a Strong Digital Presence for Designers
You work hard on your designs, you make your clients happy, you get paid. And, that’s it.
Thinking you don’t have much to show, you show nothing. You nip your digital presence in the bud, not ever giving yourself a chance to shine.
Over time, though, you realize that this just isn’t going to work anymore. In this highly competitive world, staying in the shadows is a strategy that gets you nowhere. Indifference is a sure path towards failing.
Instead of breeding indifference, it’s time to start breeding a strong digital presence. It’s time to get in the game. And this is why.
Reach a Wider Audience
Without an audience, designers (and writers for that matter) are just shouting into the void. Creating beautiful things and being proud of those, but with nobody there to witness the creations.
Online presence is the key towards reaching wider audiences and attracting the right people. The people that are interested in what you have to show and say. People that will help you stop feeling as if you were shouting into the void. The people that will become your loyal supporters and give you the motivation you need to keep going.
Extend Your Reach
The great thing about being a designer is that the whole world is your pool of opportunities. Potential clients all over the globe. Locations don’t play a role.
Plus, most industries require digital design services.
A strong digital presence is crucial for extending your reach and seizing more opportunities.
Instead of sticking to the safe bets, spread your wings and start flying. Across industries. And across the world. Without even leaving your home.
First Impressions Matter
Don’t trust the old “Don’t judge the book by its cover” saying. The sentiment behind it is nice. And, it would be great if the world operated that way.
Still, this is exactly what people do. We judge books by their covers. And the judgement is called “a first impression”.
Being “the book” in this example, you want to be judged positively. So, you need a good cover. A strong online presence.
First impressions have always mattered and they will always matter. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.
Digital Presence Builds Credibility
Being present online cultivates your professional image. It establishes you as the authority in your industry. It builds credibility and positions you as the go-to expert for all things design related.
It leads you towards building a unique and creative personal brand. A brand that will grow. A brand that will last.
Doing a Makeover: The Digital Presence Transformation You Need
Ready to reach wider audiences, make great first impressions and boost credibility? Don’t know how to do it, though?
It is time to learn. Time to step out of the shadows and give your brand a digital makeover.
Build the Perfect Website
There is no digital presence without a website. It is the place where the audience will land, checking out the designs and getting to know the designer. It is where you can show your skills off. And where you can give people a chance to relate. A chance to connect.
If you still don’t have one, go and get it. Not having a website is a sure method of killing your online presence.
If you’re not happy with the one you have, work towards improving it. The better it gets, the stronger your brand becomes.
Make It Mobile Friendly
People spend most of their time on their smartphones these days.
If your site isn’t mobile friendly, you are unlikely to reach wider audiences. And you are surely not going to make a good first impression. Nor build credibility.
Making your website mobile friendly is a must in today’s world. So, don’t take that for granted.
Learn Some SEO Tricks
Sure, building a great website is a must. But, the trick is in making it seen.
And, it is SEO that will ultimately increase its visibility. You don’t have to become an expert, but you do have to learn at least a few SEO tricks. Use them to boost visibility and to transform your digital presence.
Navigate the World of Social Media
Building a digital presence without navigating the world of social media is just, well, wrong. If not impossible.
Embrace the powers of Instagram. Leverage TikTok. Discover platforms made specifically for designers and put them to good use.
Whatever you do, don’t ignore the grasp that social media has on your audience. And don’t fail to tap into this world.
Content, Content, Content
Content is the foundation of strong online presence. If you have nothing to share, your website won’t work. Your social media won’t work. Nothing will work if the content is lacking.
Share photos of your amazing creations. Create videos to show your designing process. Start blogging to get your messages across. Connect with your audience through powerful content.
To Sum Up
Your days of being invisible are numbered. It’s time to transform your digital presence.
Build the perfect website and make it mobile friendly. Use SEO tricks to increase visibility.
Leverage social media, and put great focus on the content and its quality.
Make a difference in the design world, but also let people notice.
Stop being indifferent towards your online visibility. Step out of the shadows and show the world what you got!
