Digital media is here to stay. Despite over 1,200,000 people in Jamaica being on Facebook alone, many business owners still don’t realize the importance of this powerful media channel. Google, Facebook, Instagram are all being used by millions of people in Jamaica.
The digital media is just as relevant today as radio, television and newspapers. In fact, most digital media offers significant advantages over traditional media.
Digital media makes it easy to target specific people. On Google you can target based on search words. On Facebook you can target based on age, gender, interests, pages they like. These are things that can never be achieved as effectively with newspaper or radio.
The Channels
Google is the leader in search across the world and it is no different in Jamaica. People search for items to buy, news, tips and yes…businesses. Having you business listed with Google is crucial. People go there not only to find out where you are located and you number, but also to find out when you are open. So registering with Google Business and having all of your relevant information filled in is a major step in your digital presence.
Once you have created your business presence on Google, then it’s all about promoting your website, that is assuming you have one. Getting people to your website is still important despite all the social media channels available. Your website allows you to provide the deeper information about your business that customers are looking for in an easy to find format. Such as: technical information about products, team member qualifications, etc.
As mentioned, Facebook has over 1.2 million people in Jamaica registered. Once you have a company setup, try to treat your Facebook page like a mini-blog. So if you’re selling cell phones, don’t just post items from your store inventory, occasionally post interesting android news and and safety tips, etc.
Use the Facebook Questions feature to ask your Facebook fans questions on what inventory they’d like to see, when they typically use eBay or any other questions that can help you understand your customers better. Use their responses to fine-tune your offering.
Reply to questions with a quick, friendly comment. Engaging with your Facebook fans goes a long way toward getting them interested in visiting your business.
Make posts your page a few times a week, but think about every post properly to make it count. It is recommended to post no more than once or twice a day. Every now and then if you have something news-worthy, you can increase the number of times you post. Why only once per day? If you post too frequently, people might unlike your page.
Instagram is a simple, visual form of social media. So it is perfect for small businesses selling products that are easy to photograph. Your pictures don’t always have to be high quality. Your phone camera should be good enough for taking pictures. Just make sure the pictures are in focus and bright.
Instagram is primarily a phone app, and people are always on their phones. Because of this engagement on Instagram is fairly consistent, regardless of time or day. So post your great photos and watch the likes come rolling in.
JamDeal
JamDeal is Jamaica’s largest online marketplace where people and businesses in Jamaica can buy and sell with each other. It’s very much like newspaper classifieds except it’s online and allows buyers to view your items at any time, with pictures, long descriptions, and an actual buy button. With over 40,000 users JamDeal is a real force in the online space in Jamaica. Once buyers click buy, you receive and email with their contact information and they get one with your information. This drives sales to your business as the exchange of goods for money between seller and buyer happens offline. JamDeal merely brings sellers and buyers together.
Conclusion
There are many ways to drive people in Jamaica into your business. Whether a service business, like a restaurant, or a physical store with products, digital marketing can get your business discovered, loved and endorsed. So don’t hesitate to make that move into the digital world. It can make the difference in your business.