In today’s world, everybody and everything is digital. We are spending more time on internet-connected screens than ever before in 2023. According to DataReportal.com, the latest available data is showing that globally, the average person spends six hours and 58 minutes a day on screens that are connected to the internet.

We do almost everything digitally today, and this will continue to grow across the Caribbean as more businesses and service providers shift their offerings and services to a digital platform to improve business and efficiency.

Even though businesses in the Caribbean are realising that they must have an online presence at minimum, many are doing so without a strategy or an understanding of how to craft a successful digital strategy.

Let’s answer first what a digital strategy is. A digital strategy refers to a plan or roadmap that outlines how an individual or organisation will leverage digital technologies and channels to achieve their goals and objectives. It involves using various online and digital marketing tactics and tools to connect with target audiences, build brand awareness, generate leads, drive traffic, increase online sales, and achieve other desired outcomes. It requires ongoing monitoring, analysis, and adjustments to stay relevant and effective in the ever-changing digital landscape.

Let this article serve as a checklist for your brand or business for the key components that you need to address in your plan to find success.

Here are 17 components of a digital strategy.

1. Goals and objectives: Clearly defined goals and objectives that align with overall business objectives. Some examples are increasing brand awareness, driving website traffic, generating leads, generating online sales or conversions and enhancing customer engagement or retention.

2. Target audience: Identification of the specific target audience or customer segments.

3. Market research: Thorough research on the market, competitors, and industry trends to inform strategy.

4. Branding and messaging: Developing a consistent brand identity and messaging that resonates with the target audience.

5. Website and online presence: Creating and optimising a user-friendly website and online presence.

6. Content strategy: Developing a content strategy that includes creating and distributing relevant and engaging content.

7. Social media strategy: Developing a social media strategy that includes creating and distributing educational, entertaining, and engaging content that fosters a community for your audience. A businesses goal on social media should be to become a resource center for their niche.

8. Search engine optimisation: Optimising the website and content to improve search engine rankings and increase organic traffic. Start looking into the three pillars of SEO – on-page, off-page and technical SEO – for better understanding of what needs to be done.

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9. Paid advertising: Implementing paid advertising campaigns to d