Do It Digital is an independent, not-for-profit campaign that looks to highlight resources around the UK, online and off, that can help small businesses take the next step in digital, whatever their current level of skill and engagement may be.
Their #100DaysOfDigital social media campaign runs from 22nd December 2016 to March 31st 2017 and will champion a different digital opportunity every day, creating a UK-wide pool of resources for small business.
The campaign coincides with new research published from Development Economics, and commissioned by eBay, that found small businesses in Britain without digital infrastructure including a website, social media channels or an online marketplace presence are missing out on £20.2bn in revenue each year. This equates to £20,000 in increased revenue or efficiency savings per business across all sectors.
According to YouGov, a quarter (23%) of SMEs surveyed have no website, four in ten (40%) no social media channels and nearly three quarters (72%) lack a presence on an online marketplace.
Shockingly, of those surveyed, over half (57%) without a website said they had no plans to change this in 2017, citing a lack of time and expertise as well as security concerns as barriers.
Vizulate Director Scott Brant said: “We believe digital, in all its forms, represents the single biggest opportunity for businesses to target new customers, generate leads, and engage with their existing customers.
“We’re proud to be taking part in Do it Digital’s #100DaysOfDigital Campaign as we continue to help small and medium sized businesses in Yorkshire and beyond take the digital plunge”.
Minister of State for Digital and Culture Matt Hancock said: “Digital knowhow can help firms save money, increase profits and improve productivity, yet too many firms still do not use websites, trading platforms or social media channels.
“It is essential we take every opportunity to create the world-leading businesses of tomorrow, so I welcome Do It Digital’s campaign and pledges from other organisations to increase digital skills in small businesses.”
Michelle Ovens MBE, director at Do It Digital, said: “All evidence supports the belief that there are clear financial benefits for small businesses embracing digital. But we also know that many don’t have the time or access to the expertise to take advantage of what’s available to them. We want to help change that, one step at a time, by showing that digital needn’t mean a leap into the unknown by giving them access to support and guidance on how to engage in a way that is best for their particular business.”
The Do It Digital campaign not only aims to help people take their first steps online but also encourages those already online to engage further and expand their digital horizons. This could include anything from a simple web presence and social media to being able to access a wider market for selling online.
Vizulate Digital was featured in Do It Digital’s #100DaysOfDigital social media campaign on Sunday 5th March. You can follow Do It Digital’s social media channels below for tips and advice each day throughout #100DaysOfDigital or visit https://doitdigital.co.uk/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DoItDigitalUK
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doitdigitaluk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doitdigitaluk/