Are you keeping ahead or just keeping up?Growing Your Digital Footprint Every business in our Industry is facing the challenge to be present and highly effective in the digital space.We are extremely fortunate to be experiencing a time in business where our customers have never been more accessible.Through the University of Google and at basically no cost, you can teach yourself how to set up an Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, You tube and Snap Chat account, all in a fairly short period of time.This means as a business owner, whether you are a designer, retailer, wholesaler, buyer, stylist, or blogger, you have multiple tools in your hand to immediately start locating and engaging your target market and building your brand community.It's not totally for free though as you must invest your time and often other resources and you must develop quality brand assets, quality creative, interesting content and you must have a strategy. You may need to incentivise a fashion influencer or two to embrace, wear and post your product or service. You may also need to enter into key collaborations with complementary brands, so that you can scale your message and continually reach markets that historically would not have been accessible to you as a business owner without spending thousands of dollars on traditional media. There is a lot to be learnt, but believe me it's doable.So if you really wanted to be, you too could essentially be “insta" famous!..and you could create a digital footprint that leads to brand greatness.If you are a business in our industry today who is not utilising the digital tools available including e-commerce to build your business and create direct engagement with your consumer then unfortunately your competition is most likely already way ahead of the game you are playing.For those who do not have a strong digital presence right now this is equal to a bricks and mortar store being located down a dimly lit back laneway with no signage hoping for the best. Poor visibility of a brand equals poor trading.In our market there are major Australian retailers, small business owners and numerous other fashion industry sectors that are still playing catch up in this space today.Don’t let this be you!Attend Fashion Equipped's next event, Fashion Business Masterclass on Saturday 10th October. 
About the Author:Elizabeth Formosa
Fashion Business ConsultantSupporting Startups, Emerging Designers and Small Business.
Fashion Equipped is a consultancy agency, founded by Elizabeth Formosa, an industry professional with over 20 years of experience. Elizabeth is adedicated, driven individual, passionate about supporting those in business. With extensive experience in various areas of the apparel and fashion industries, and a love of all aspects of the business, Elizabeth is committed to sharing with others her knowledge acquired over a long-term career.
Contact:Elizabeth Formosam: 0402 850 430e: elizabeth@fashionequipped.com.aufb: www.facebook.com/fashionequppedfashionequipped.com.au