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Digital Footprint: Your Trail From All The Online Activities You Do

Digital Footprint: Your Trail From All The Online Activities You Do

Have you ever seen one of those many movies where the hackers got a hold of the good guys’ information through their online activity history while using computers, devices, and all that cyber wizardry?

Then they used what they got to do some nasty stuff, such as blackmail. Now such a concept might sound ridiculous – nothing but La-La-Land doing movie magic to make a quick buck or two.

However, it is an actual scenario that can happen to anyone, including you. Hackers are the least of your problems as you leave digital information behind while surfing the internet.

What you leave behind is what we call a digital footprint. We will delve deep to learn about the concept in today’s piece.

So What Exactly Is A Digital Footprint?

It is a trail of information and data you leave behind while utilizing the World Wide Web. In each activity you do, from purchasing goods from an online shop to subscribing to your favorite Twitch streamer, your digital footprint grows.

Regardless of what you do and how you do it, it will leave behind countless things about you and your behavior online.

We can classify a digital footprint into two categories.

Active Digital Footprint

An active digital footprint is where an internet user shares information and data on purpose. One form of this digital footprint is posting videos and images on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. Your posts online will add up to your digital track.

Another form of active digital footprint is when you fill up those forms on most sites. They will retain your information as you entirely subscribe to a newsletter, blog, podcast, or something else.

Even the mere act of accepting cookies while you browse will leave a trail behind.

Passive Digital Footprint

A passive digital footprint is the complete antithesis of the first one. Numerous entities and websites will collect a user’s information without their consent. Such an aspect happens all the time. However, not many people know of it.

A neat example of this aspect is when you log in to your Youtube channel. You have recently watched various videos about horror and ghost hunters roaming around abandoned places. You check back later to find numerous video suggestions about horror and ghost-hunting adventures.

In this scenario, the site has gathered information about your recent activities and used it to suggest videos and media you might be interested in watching later.  

Some sites and entities even take more than just video and media activity. They also take into account how many visits you make to specific websites. In addition, some organizations even take your computer’s IP address.

Some Examples Of How Digital Footprint Works

Digital footprint works in almost all fields of interest and industry today. The more activities you do while online, the more your footprint grows. Here are some of the aspects where you add to your digital trail.

In social media, your footprint grows by connecting with friends and family. The mere fact of logging on to a device or unit adds to your footprint already. Even joining a dating site, such as Tinder, contributes to your tracks.

Banking also has to do something with your digital footprint. It grows when you conduct online bank transfers and transactions, open a bank account, purchase stocks, etc.

The same goes for purchasing things online once you add items to your cart at an online shop, that alone contributes to your digital footprint.

Playing video games is another factor in the digital footprint aspect. Playing games alone does the trick. The same goes for buying items directly from a shop or the developer’s website. Subscribing to game blogs, articles, and other features will also affect your digital trail.

The Benefits Of Digital Footprints

The Benefits Of Digital Footprints

It might all sound negative, but there are advantages and benefits when considering your digital footprint. By now, you are aware that websites, organizations, and other entities can track your digital trail, and what you can do is use that information to your advantage.

A decent digital footprint is one of the best ways to market yourself and the services you can offer to employers and industries. More companies are looking into the digital trail of potential employees and other job-hunters.

You can keep your digital footprint clean, active, and involved in numerous interests. Employers will find what they can when checking your profile, for they will check if you have been into industry-related blogs, articles, and media.

They will also look at the videos and images you have recently reviewed. Employers will get back to you once they find your digital footprint, along with your profile and resume are what they are looking for later.

How To Manage Your Digital Footprint

It is always a decent idea to check up on your digital activities as each day passes. You might not know when it might come in handy. Doing so also benefits you should you look for a job. The same goes for any financial opportunity you might get.

More and more entities, industries, and organizations are checking digital footprints before making a final decision. It only goes to show you need to track the breadcrumbs before heading deeper into the forest.

Here are some ways you can manage your digital footprint.

The first thing you can do is perform a quick Google search of yourself. Doing so allows you to check which sites have your name. Searching also reveals various relevant links, images, and other relevant media to your name and identity.

But that does not mean you have to stay at the first search result page alone. It is also a neat idea to check the following pages. You might not know when a site or platform has your name or something related to you they can use.

Another thing you can do is to think before you post something online. We get that it is intriguing to post your most recent trip to the Maldives or that special someone’s birthday celebration.

But do keep in mind that organizations and even malicious entities can get hold of your videos and images. They can use these assets to track your location, IP address, personal information, and other sensitive data.

What happens is they might sell your information to the highest bidder or to corporate businesses. In addition, they can use your information to do undesirable and immoral things.

You don’t want your name to be suddenly involved in a fatal drive-by at a location halfway across the globe. So avoiding sharing too much on social media platforms can do a lot to keep your information safe.

You can also double-check and update your privacy settings. Most websites, including social media platforms, have privacy settings. Tweak these settings. Doing so allows you to know what information a site obtains from you, and you can even deny them from getting any completely.

The next step is to avoid suspicious websites. This step is one everyone knows. However, not too many of them choose to do so. You can notice when a site is suspicious or not with ease. But the best thing you can do is check the website URL.

Any secure and safe website must include the HTTPS:// characters. The most critical of these characters is the S. It is proof that the website is safe, as the letter proves the site has a security certificate.

It also showcases the site is legitimate with its operations and activities.

Another method is to check your profile settings once in a while. More and more websites change their settings and conditions without mentioning them to you, and you have to check their terms and conditions at least once every two weeks to find any changes.

Avoid logging into other sites using Facebook. Unfortunately, the social media giant is notorious for tracking and keeping information without you knowing anything. That is not even the worst part.

Logging into a third-party website with your Facebook details allows companies and organizations to gather the information.

You also have the option to utilize a VPN or virtual private network. What happens is that these service providers will mask your IP address with a fake one. This aspect makes it hard for entities to get your information, and it is because what they have in hand is not factual.

The best part about using a VPN is that it will keep your details safe and private. They will not sell your details and other data like how other companies and platforms do.

The last thing you can do is secure a strong password. A capable password will not only protect your account. But it keeps everything in your account safe and sound from cyber criminals.

Do not use contemporary things, such as your pet’s name or birthday for your password. Entities can easily decode such keywords using applications and software. A capable password must include several characters, numbers, and other digits.

Be Careful

Keeping track of your digital activities can save your life and reputation. Many cyber criminals and organizations can utilize your digital footprint and information to steal your identity. Not only that, but they can also use your details to create false accounts for illegal transactions.

Another thing is that you have no idea what or who has access to your digital footprint. You need to be wary of the sites you visit, even if it means only reading an interesting article. Be sure to check their privacy terms and conditions.

The most crucial thing you have to do is double-check all of these conditions. Reading through all those words and blocks of text might sound boring or dull. But doing so can save you from a lot of trouble.

A Constant Battle

Technology keeps on evolving, mandating us to keep up with the pace. The more systems and methods develop, the more you will utilize the internet. That means you will shop online more, message and video call loved ones, and play games.

Each of these activities will leave a part that makes up your overall digital footprint. So it is up to you to be on guard and do what you can to keep your information safe. But that does not mean you have to stick to the earlier steps.

You also have to find new ways how you can reduce and mitigate the effects of your digital footprint. Playing it safe is the best bet you can take.

Tech 101: Digital Presence

Tech 101: Digital Presence

We are positive you are aware of the thousands and thousands of commercials and advertisements for products, services, and goods online. They are out to market what they have to offer to customers regardless of the time and trend.

Plus, let’s face it, the ads and videos can sometimes be annoying, but some stand out with their marketing tactics and business methods. Once you check your Google home page, you can see dozens and dozens of these businesses and services.

You can also find them once you log into your Facebook or Twitter account. That is what we call digital presence, and we will be delving into this concept in today’s piece.

Some Fundamentals First 

So what exactly is digital presence? Coining the term itself, you might think it means how one presents themselves once in the digital realm, right? That means how you post your images, videos, and thoughts online make up your digital presence.

You are correct, but only for a certain point. The only difference is that digital presence is related to the business and marketing professions. How a business appears on online platforms is what makes up its online presence.

It answers any existing enterprise online’s what, how, how, why, and when.

But the thing is, it is not only about social media platforms, such as Facebook or Instagram, which make up a business’s digital presence.

It is also about how or what people find once they search for a business online. In addition, digital presence means what a business can and cannot control over the internet. This aspect includes online reviews from previous clients and social media profiles, and personal websites.

Why Does It Matter?

Digital presence means a lot for any growing or pre-existing business. They cannot continue their operation smoothly without it. Since more and more individuals are opting online for solutions to their problems, they want services and goods that can be delivered.

How To Boost Your Digital Presence

How To Boost Your Digital Presence

Clarity With Your Goals

It is a must that you keep your goals clear and concise. Any customer visiting your sites and platforms must immediately recognize what you offer and to who you offer it to. But that also means you need to show the fundamentals of your enterprise.

Tell them who you are, your services, location, and even work hours.

Place all of this information on your primary website. Doing so will help customers find out more about what you can give them. The thing with websites and platforms is you cannot tell where or when a customer might pay a visit. So showcasing all of these details will be beneficial for you and them.

SEO

SEO or search engine optimization is another way to boost your digital presence. As a matter of fact, it is one of the best ways to stand out on any online platform nowadays.

Search engine optimization is the process of improving your digital presence by better search engine results on websites. It is a process where specialists and entities utilize applications, systems, and methods to increase the traffic your website gathers.

What happens is they use these methods and approaches. That way, your industry ranks higher in search engine results.

A quick example of this aspect is when you search for anything using Google. You get numerous results in the form of links on a page, right? But what usually happens is you only have a look at the first few links at the top of each result page.

You rarely check the rest of the results. That is unless you need to dig deeper. The result links at the top of the search results are the product of decent SEO work, business marketing, and other factors.

But it is not all about being on top for SEO specialists. They also provide other means for your industry to grow. SEO services include installing analytics tools for your business, quality content, research improvement, internal link networks, etc.

More Social Media Utility

As we all know, Facebook and Twitter work well to make your business stand out above the rest. The platforms have several features allowing you to do so. They also have business-oriented perks you can obtain for a fair price.

Sticking to these two platforms will not make the cut. Expanding on other social media platforms will improve your digital presence a lot. The thing is, other platforms have better means to connect to potential customers and interested parties.

Being in the social media scene tells your customers you are up to the times and are willing to socialize more with them. In addition, having more social media presence lets you cater to more and more customers from all walks of life.

Email Marketing

Email marketing works neatly to improve your business’s online presence. You can get in touch with customers directly through email. Doing so allows them to respond to your goods and services as well. But that does not mean sending an email will do the job.

You need to invest some time polishing your email content. Keep in mind customers get tons and tons of emails each day. They might end up thinking your email is nothing but spam. Being concise and direct with your content helps it stand out from the rest of their inbox’s contents.

Go Mobile

That does not mean you must go from one place to another to market your goods.  You have to adapt your strategies and methods to mobile devices. Almost everyone today has a mobile device for their daily tasks.

You might not know when they might lo at your website and other platforms using these devices and gadgets. It pays off a lot once you optimize your operation for the mobile community.

Not only do you get to adapt to how they interact in the digital community. You also let them access what you can offer faster and more efficiently.

Video Marketing

Video marketing allows you to demonstrate your services and things to sell. Customers can have a first-glance look at your wares and goods without paying a dime. In addition, people get convinced that your goods are the real deal since you have video proof.

You can still edit the videos to add some flair to your content. Your audiences and potential clients will see that your goods and services are legitimate and factual.

Marketing Applications And Software

The internet offers several options to improve your digital business game. You can check out digital marketing applications and software that do more than make life easier for you. These apps and tools have various utilities and functions catering to all kinds of business needs.

A lot of these tools and apps are free for anyone to use. But the ones with better options and utilities do not come as free. You will pay an amount to access them. But that does not mean you have to commit thousands and thousands of dollars for the service.

The Advantages Of Having A Digital Presence For Your Business

The Advantages Of Having A Digital Presence For Your Business

Representing your brand and services online boasts several advantages. Here are some of them:

Better Traffic

With SEO and other marketing methods up your sleeve, expect to have better traffic in the following days. Search engine optimization will take care of placing you higher up the search ladder.

You now have more social media platforms you can use. That means more and more people using these sites will know of you and what you can offer them. 

Improved Market Reach

Now that you can reach anyone with online methods, you can reach out to a global audience. You do not have to worry about physical borders and limits. Plus, reaching out to people from across the world allows you to find out what’s new from their end.

People and their communities will find out about your brand and what you can offer. There is a chance they will prefer your services over others.

Better Communication

Most businesses take communication with their customers for granted. The same aspect happens even with a digital presence on their side. But utilizing the concept allows you to do the exact opposite.

With the technology, you can converse with customers better and more efficiently than before. Applications and other software offer new and better means to get in touch with potential clients from miles and miles away.

Perhaps the best part about this aspect is you do not have to leave the comfort of your facility, office, or setting to discuss things with clientele. 

Revenue

Digital presence not only improves your brand’s reputation online, and it also paves the way for better revenue. More and more people will check out your goods and services. That means they will choose you over others in the market. Once that happens, expect the cash to flow like water.

Are There Risks To Having Digital Presence?

The answer is yes. Having an active digital presence means more and more people find out about you and your business. Cybercriminals and malicious entities will gather what they can and utilize things against you.

They might even make up stories, articles, and other things, such as fraudulent transactions under a name mimicking yours.

You must secure your digital presence even as you try to improve it. You must be wary of what you post and how you showcase your goods and services. BeingBeing on the safe side with things saves you from a lot of legal and financial trouble.

See to it that the new technology and systems you utilize will not compromise any of your assets. A lot of these applications today mask themselves as legit ways to make things better for your industry. You have to double-check them before giving them a shot.

You have many options to do so. You can either get in touch with the technology’s owner or administrative bodies. There is also the alternative of checking review sites and platforms for a second opinion.

The Takeaway

Having a digital presence is one of the sure-fire ways to scale that marketing and business ladder. After all, it is one of the steps that will put you on customers’ online radars. The more contemporary methods, such as radio and television, ads and pamphlets, and word of mouth, can still work.

However, going digital proves to be a better solution. Building your brand’s digital presence is something you can do with little effort. But you can get in touch with one of our specialists should you want to take things one step further.

Our busy bees will assist in improving your brand’s digital presence and create a market leading to better opportunities for profit and growth.

Bridging The Digital Divide

Bridging The Digital Divide

Have you ever noticed some places that do not have that much access to technology and the internet? You might have also seen some individuals who have no idea what the internet is, regardless of today’s modern age and progress.

People in far-out locations still use traditional means to communicate, such as visiting friends and family by being there physically. It might sound like another episode of a Netflix post-apocalyptic series where there is no more internet and electricity.

However, it is more than science fiction and La-La Land magic. It is something that happens in the real world. This scenario is the concept of the digital divide. 

Some sources state that the digital divide stands as a type of separation. This gap involves individuals, organizations, locations, and entities that have access to the internet, computers, gadgets, and other technologies and those that do not.

That means you might have all the technology and modern systems that make life faster, better, and more efficient. Other people in places do not even know the existence of social media, video games, gadgets, and the internet. 

The digital divide does not limit to technology and modern systems, and it also encompasses an individual’s lack of financial assets to purchase and rent these commodities. It also involves a person’s skills that allow them to utilize modern applications, devices, etc. 

The Types Of Digital Divide

Mentioning the digital divide might splash your conversation with pals into a debate. Putting it as one term alone is not an easy task, and we can separate the concept of the digital divide into different types. 

Access Divide

People need to face challenges and other issues before accessing technology and modern tools. A country’s socio-economic differences contribute that much to this type of digital divide. That is due to the fact that utilizing modern tools and technology requires finance and additional resources.

You need a lot of money to digitize a specific place or region. That, in turn, also requires more resources and infrastructure before you can accomplish it. 

Use Divide

Handling modern technology and applications requires skill and information. This type of divide happens to individuals who do not have the necessary skills and know-how to operate these systems and technologies. 

More and more countries have inhabitants who do not have information regarding new technological systems and devices. A percentage of the population might still know how to run a computer’s basic operations.

But they do not know how to attach a file to an email. Such a similar problem is uploading a photo to an online platform. 

This type of divide also involves a generation difference. People from older groups have less knowledge regarding smartphones, computers, etc. It comes as a challenge to teach them about a concept many consider alien or foreign. 

But the neat part is people from many age groups are becoming adaptable to the changes in everyday technology. Many are showing interest and passion in learning about these methods and systems.

Quality-Of-Use Difference

A portion of the population might have the skills and information to utilize phones and computers. But that does not mean they have what it takes to make the most of these technologies.

Many people are content to open their social media accounts, watch YouTube videos, and play online games. Nothing is wrong with such a manner of living. However, they are missing out on other features the internet has to offer. 

Such an issue is becoming more and more challenging to resolve. It takes resources to lecture people from varying backgrounds, cultures, and educational prowess.

The learning curve also affects teaching. You might find it stressful to teach someone about computer programs and how to install them when the individual has learning difficulties.

The Effects Of The Digital Divide

Perhaps the worst effect of the digital divide is the lack of communication between people, businesses, organizations, and other institutions. This aspect affects the people living in rural areas where internet services are but a myth.

They are not receiving the service and means to learn more things and generate profit. Disconnection also leads to isolation.

We have seen what the recent COVID-19 pandemic has done to businesses, industries, and people. The threat has caused disconnection and isolation for more than a year. People have become isolated from the outside world due to the pandemic.

As a result, they have lost numerous opportunities to make a profit for daily needs and other expenses. They have missed countless chances to socialize with friends and family.

Many people who use phones and computers can still do so. But it paints a different picture for those with no such access and amenities. 

Another crippling consequence is the challenges to education. Most of today’s learning tools and facilities utilize digital media and online platforms. It becomes harder and harder for students in far-out areas to gain knowledge for their future career paths since internet access proves hard to come by in their location. 

This lack of internet connection and digital accommodation also affects adults in such areas. They miss out on career opportunities that might aid them in providing for their families. 

As more people suffer from digital illiteracy, institutions might not provide these individuals with quality employment. These organizations and businesses require people with basic educational backgrounds. But they need digital capabilities and skills as well. 

It snowballs from there. To have fewer workers in a specific field means fewer goods to produce and services to offer. Institutions and companies have no chi professionals from different countries to do the tasks and projects.

They do not want to spend money and time to locate and train people for the projects ahead. Since hiring a digital assistant proves to be the cheaper option. Freelance workers are their ideal alternative. 

The digital divide contributes to gender inequality. The aspect affects a portion of women more than men. A stereotype that the female population cannot handle technical tasks affects women’s rights and opportunities for growth.

Some groups and organizations believe that men can handle tech-related tasks. The same goes for utilizing new technologies better and more efficiently. 

Bridging The Digital Divide

Bridging The Digital Divide

With the rise of better and more efficient technology comes solutions to handle such an issue. 

The first method is to improve digital literacy campaigns and programs. Governments and authorities should create programs that will aid people from all backgrounds. They have to prioritize the people and locations far from urban areas.

Producing these campaigns requires organization and resources from numerous affiliates. However, the aspect becomes easier to accomplish since many requirements are present, and organizations are willing to participate.

Next is the prospect of better affordability. Obtaining many digital amenities and the internet is another issue for some due to higher costs. They do not have additional funds to purchase or rent these technologies and systems. They are busy working to pay bills and food needs. 

A standard smartphone costs at least thirty to fifty dollars. Meanwhile, a laptop or desktop computer costs triple or quadruple that price. In addition, tax, transportation, and electricity contribute to this overall cost.

Financial services and deals can help people who do not earn that much money to obtain such technology and gadgets. 

Another alternative to financial assistance is government subsidies on computers, phones, etc. This move will encourage more and more people to look at and obtain such digital peripherals.

Internet providers and companies must provide decent internet service at a fair cost. Many companies have a knack for reducing internet performance for many users without them knowing it. Providing the appropriate internet access and bandwidth helps in the process. 

It does not stop there. It is time to empower and educate the masses once they have the tools and gadgets. Agencies can now connect people to online learning platforms. Teaching students will become faster and more efficient, and they can learn additional information from the safety of their homes. 

The more companies and organizations can develop better and more relevant internet content. They can create and improve online services, content, goods and products, and applications.

Furthermore, this aspect allows them to bring to life all this content and services in a location’s primary language. Setting programs and applications in a primary language lets people understand and learn faster not, like before. 

Besides all of these, one more point stands out in bridging the digital divide. Companies, agencies, and individuals can help put an end to gender discrimination against women. Studies show that men are more active online than women.

The solution rests with the government and non-government agencies to stand united to solve this issue. These agencies and institutions can also band to address other matters, such as poverty, corruption, and lack of public awareness and involvement. 

Bridging One Step At A Time

It might sound as if you alone cannot contribute to solving the problem of the digital divide. While government agencies, institutions, and other organizations can go above and beyond, you can make a change. 

The first thing you can do is to assist individuals and students who have a challenging time with modern facilities. That does not mean you have to spend cash to purchase goods and gadgets for them. The mere act of teaching someone how to attach a file to an email goes a long way. 

You can also contribute to support groups and other agencies by sharing some time with their cause. 

There is also the option of trying out new gadgets and applications. You can integrate the new things you learn into the existing technology and systems and share the experience with others. This action teaches them one new thing each time you do so. 

Doing all of these actions is a noble thing to do. Not only do you help make people connect more with the digital platform. You also contribute to the effectiveness and flow of all things digital. 

To Make Things Sweet And Short

The digital divide is one more thing we have to overcome. It is an issue that evolves as new technologies grow and develop. The more people and places are left behind, the more effort and resources it takes to help bring them in line. It appears the problem will take some time to eliminate.

But you can be part of the solution rather than the problem. You don’t have to do much to make the world digital divide-free, one small step at a time. The tools and applications are at your disposal.

WE R Solutions provides comprehensive business operations support and lifelong digital education services. We are dedicated to helping individuals and organizations thrive in today's rapidly changing business and digital landscape. We work closely with our clients to provide tailored solutions to achieve their goals.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you transform your business or digital learning experience!

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