It’s 2020 and unfortunately, the social media giants still haven’t given the Caribbean the full versions of the social media platforms that they have given to other markets. Key features are missing for us to really push e-commerce on social media and this is why Caribbean businesses need to be relevant on Google.

Simple things like being able to tag our products on IG, so that clients can begin the buyer journey, without having to read a paragraph of your sales info or clicking a link in bio. That feature alone is one of the key reasons why social media marketers, swear up and down by social commerce and yet, we don’t have access to it.

So why must Caribbean businesses focus on building their Google presence? We have everything we need need to build e-commerce on platforms like WordPress and now with payment processors like Wipay, it is the big push that we need to build online.

We made it folks, we got through Christmas, New Years and now finally, Carnival. I don’t know about you but I am relieved because we can finally focus on what is going to be one of the most important years for us here in Trinidad and also the Caribbean. We are in the midst of our e-commerce revolution here in Trinidad & Tobago and it really hit me in one of the unlikeliest places, a fete.

Specifically, Kes Tuesday. While relaxing with my cousins and enjoying the energy inside the Queens Park Savannah, I decided to purchase a beverage and was a bit shocked when they asked me “how would I be paying?”. I was shocked because I didn’t know I had a choice, it has always been cash only at every single event since I moved to Trinidad a few years ago. Heck, I even ensured to take out enough money so that I didn’t run out of drinking money and have to be sober for the night.

It’s 2020 and here in the Caribbean, the conversation is still being had about whether your focus should be on digital assets or social media. Many people still believe they do not need assets like having your website, email list, notification list, etc and that all they need to do is have a popular social media.

The biggest misconception for this is that people associate building these assets as too expensive and since social media is free, it is the better option. Social media may be free to sign up and free to use but don’t get twisted, social media is expensive.

Organic reach is dead and this is why TikTok is being highly touted right now because of its insane organic reach, which is something we haven’t enjoyed in years. Remember when you would post things and your list would actually see it? No, me neither, it’s been so long.

Have you heard about Google Business? Here in the Caribbean, one of the biggest mistakes we are making is not building our Digital Assets. The focus has generally been on trying to succeed on social media but many have not taken the time to understand what actually works on social media in order to find that success. A better strategy for businesses is to start investing in their digital assets and begin truly building their online presence.

That said, I am going to start talking about the digital assets that businesses in the Caribbean need to start building. First up, here are 5 reasons to set up Google Business and I’ll break down its significance in 2020.