Digital Communications
I have a deep passion for digital communications. The internet brings people together and empowers them to build incredible things. I love the creativity, the design, and the storytelling.
But as a digital communications specialist, I am often asked to explain what I do. It is a career path that sounds unusual, but it involves very common, everyday activities.
What is digital communications?
Digital communications involves exchanging information and building relationships using digital channels, like websites, social media, messaging, email and apps.
Organisations are facing increasing pressure to publish and interact in digital spaces. The field of digital communications exists at the intersection of digital marketing, content, branding, and customer experience. It may overlap with these fields, but it's not identical to any of them.
Digital communications is broad and holistic. It involves every aspect of your web presence and every online interaction. It is the way you communicate with your audience, even after the campaigns have finished and the conversions are no longer being tracked.
It pays attention to fine details — the tiny text in your website footer, the reviews your customers are publishing, even the assumptions people make because of your Instagram colour palette.
But most importantly, digital communications brings everything together — all the content, goals, and to-do lists. It is the system that makes sense of everything you need to successfully interact and publish online.
What is a digital communications specialist?
A digital communications specialist helps organisations communicate effectively online, in a fast-paced, information-rich world. They work with organisations of all shapes and sizes and can have diverse roles and skills.
Some of my own capabilities include:
- web design and development
- information architecture
- search engine optimisation
- content strategy
- multimedia content creation
- user experience
- and online reputation management.
When to hire a digital communications specialist?
A digital communications specialist can help:
- new brands set the foundation for successful growth online
- established organisations bring messy channels and content together, for clarity and cohesion
- not-for-profits that are focused on education and advocacy, not just selling
- organisations where long-term customer relationships and reputation management are key priorities.
A digital communications specialist can collaborate with other professionals, like content creators, web designers, and marketing consultants. They can also work independently, providing holistic support to sole traders and organisations with small budgets.
Consulting is one of the most powerful ways I can support an organisation. It enables them to receive professional support while retaining ownership over their own digital presence.