1. Mindset: Your Presence is Your Influence
To grow your business’s influence in today’s digital world, you must recognize that your personal presence as a leader matters online. People aren’t just drawn to a company because of its products or services; they’re also influenced by the trust and connection they feel with the person (or people) behind the brand. Handing off your social media entirely to an employee or intern may seem convenient, but your face, voice, and leadership are among the most powerful tools you have. The more you show up—through video, written content, and visuals—the more trust you build. Influence begins with presence, and in the digital space, you must be present to be influential.

2. Social Media: The New Town Square
Social media is no longer just about entertainment; it’s where people conduct business, share their lives, and build relationships. As a business owner, you can’t afford to ignore the platforms where your customers and prospects spend their time. Whether you personally enjoy social media isn’t the point—your audience is there. Companies that show up consistently on social platforms are the ones most likely to grow, connect, and thrive. If you want to expand your reach, you have to go where your customers already are.

3. Content: The Key to Digital Growth
Content is the new currency of influence in the digital world. For your business to be successful, you need to regularly create engaging content—videos, graphics, blog posts, and social updates that tell your story and communicate your value proposition. Great businesses “meet” their customers wherever they are, and in 2025, that means appearing in their social media feeds. The companies that grow online are the ones that prioritize consistent content creation. If you’re not producing content, you’re essentially invisible. Start sharing your brand story, customer testimonials, and behind-the-scenes culture so people can get to know you before they ever become paying customers.

4. Attention: The Currency of the Internet
Before you can sell a product or service, you have to earn people’s attention. Even if you have the most amazing offering in the world, it doesn’t matter if no one notices it. Attention is the currency of the internet, and it’s earned by delivering value. When your content educates, inspires, entertains, or solves a real problem, people will pay attention. Remember, great content isn’t just about what you want to say; it’s about what your audience wants to watch, read, or learn. The businesses that grasp this principle dominate online. Attention first—then the message.

5. Advertising: Speed Up Your Reach
Organic growth can be powerful, but paid advertising is the accelerator. You can spend years trying to grow your audience for free, or you can invest in well-targeted ads and get in front of your ideal customers more quickly. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Google allow you to put your business directly in front of the people who are most likely to buy. You don’t have to guess; you can use demographic and interest targeting to reach exactly the audience you want. Treat advertising not as an expense, but as an investment in faster, more reliable growth. If your business is serious about expanding, paid ads should be part of your strategy.

6. Your Website: More Than a Digital Billboard
Your company’s website is not just a digital brochure; it should act as a bridge between you and your prospective customers. It must do more than look appealing—it has to answer questions, resolve concerns, and give people compelling reasons to choose your business. Many potential customers will decide whether or not to engage with you based solely on your website. Is the site clear and easy to navigate? Does it reassure visitors that they’re in the right place? Does it present a clear path to taking the next step? Your website should work like your hardest-working team member, converting visitors into leads and, ultimately, into customers. It’s not just for show; it’s a practical tool that drives connection and growth.