The shift in how consumers discover and interact with businesses is forcing SMEs to rethink how they present themselves online. BusinessDay’s September SME Clinic will examine the strategies, choices and practical considerations that can help small businesses build an online presence and connect more effectively with their target audience.
As more consumers use the internet and social media to discover businesses, products and services, having an online presence has become an important part of how SMEs reach and engage potential customers. Social media platforms, websites and other digital channels can help businesses showcase what they offer and reach customers beyond their immediate locations.
For many small businesses, however, being online is only the first step. Businesses still have to consider how to present their brand, what platforms are right for them, what type of content to share, how to engage their audience and how to remain consistent in an increasingly crowded digital space.
The September SME Clinic will examine these issues while considering the practical steps SMEs can take to establish an online presence that supports their business goals. The discussion will also look at how businesses can identify the right digital platforms, understand their target audience and create content that keeps their businesses visible and relevant.
Linda Ochugbua, Digital Sales Manager at BusinessDay, said the webinar was designed to address some of the practical questions SMEs face when trying to build their businesses online.
‘Having a social media page is not the same as having a strong online presence. For many SMEs, the challenge is knowing what to say, where to say it and how to consistently put their business in front of the right people,’ Ochugbua said.
She said the session would focus on helping business owners understand that building an online presence goes beyond simply posting on social media.
‘Your online presence is often the first place people encounter your business. It affects how they see your brand, what they know about what you offer and whether they decide to engage with you. We want to have a practical conversation around what SMEs can do differently and how they can make their online presence work for their business,’ she said.
The webinar will feature Tomi Wale, Creative Director, Getup Inc.; Blessing C. Emmanuel-Macaulay, Lead Consultant, PR Fusions Africa; Oluwatosin Femi Obembe, Group Managing Director, Luova Group; and Edward Israel-Ayide, Founder/CEO, Carpe Diem Solutions.
Deborah Ezeh, broadcast journalist at BusinessDay Television, will moderate the session.
The speakers bring perspectives from creative direction, public relations, business management and digital solutions, providing participants with an opportunity to examine online presence from different aspects of building and growing a business.
For SMEs, a strong online presence can also help create opportunities to introduce their businesses to new audiences, communicate directly with customers and build awareness around their products and services. At the same time, businesses have to contend with increasing competition for attention online, making consistency, clear communication and an understanding of their audience important considerations.
The changing digital environment also means that SMEs need to be intentional about the platforms they use and the way they communicate with their audience. Understanding what customers respond to, the type of content that generates engagement and how people interact with a business online can help entrepreneurs make better decisions about their digital activities.
The September edition is expected to be particularly relevant to entrepreneurs looking to establish their businesses online, SMEs seeking to improve their existing digital presence, and business owners who want to better understand how digital platforms can support their growth.
As more customers discover and engage with businesses online, the question for many SMEs is no longer simply whether they should have an online presence, but whether they are building one that clearly represents their business, reaches the right audience and supports their overall business goals.
The discussion will form the focus of the September edition of BusinessDay’s SME Clinic webinar series, themed ‘How to Build a Strong Online Presence for SMEs.’ The webinar is scheduled for Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. (WAT) and will be streamed on the BusinessDay Television YouTube Channel.
BusinessDay’s SME Clinic is designed to provide a platform for practical conversations around the issues affecting the day-to-day running and growth of SMEs, bringing business owners and professionals together to discuss relevant business challenges and opportunities. Participation and sponsorship enquiries can be made through BusinessDay’s digital sales team.