All aboard! Free digital tools, real-life examples you can relate to, and endless resources to watch and read.
Digital Boost is an entry-level helping hand for smaller businesses getting into digital. It’s funded by Govt so free to use and accessible for all levels - whether you're a digital "n00b" as my 10-year-old cousin would say, or you're a digital vet that wants to upscale their team on new marketing tools and have no capacity to provide training. (OK - a refresher wouldn't hurt).
It’s important to note that this really is entry-level and focused on smaller businesses. This isn't a replacement for a digital strategy or a qualified digital expert, but more to get you comfortable with the idea of moving your company into the future using digital. At CIO Studio, we work with mostly larger SMEs, but it's perfect for small businesses like the local cafe or entrepreneurs.
Here's my take on Digital Boost and my favourite resources!
The lowdown on Digital Boost
The New Zealand government has funded this initiative to help businesses get digitised - but it's a BOOST, not a strategy. Nothing can replace or compare to having a tailored strategy and roadmap crafted specifically for your business and industry.
Each business will have different strengths and weaknesses, so it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. But that’s where this is good for those at the start of their digital journey or who just need a hand.
The goal is to give Kiwis training and support surrounding digital topics that enable them to improve their websites, grow their knowledge of digital tools, and improve sales online. Overall, you should be able to streamline your business and be more efficient.
Anyone can sign up for free with their business information and get started within minutes. Their support team is lovely and only an email or call away.
I liken it to adding a few new tools to your belt in order to do your job better as a business owner. It isn’t the answer to everything but is certainly a great tool.
Deep dive into Creative Tools
No, you don't need to be an Adobe Creative Suite expert to get your digital marketing going.
Complicated tools can slow you down instead of getting you going. If you're newer to design aspects, there are entry-level classes on Canva and graphic design modules. The Q&A sessions are about an hour long and can be watched in your own time.
In a few hours from now, you could be comfortable crafting your own designs for social media or your next newsletter. I promise – it's not complicated!
Video, video, video - TikTok training, Video business storytelling techniques, and creating a video marketing strategy. Sorry, you can't ignore video any longer! It’s compelling and important.
If we look at TikTok alone, it has more than 1 billion active users monthly as of January this year, and it’s the second most popular overall app downloaded globally the last two years. Instagram is pushing short-form video with Reels – hard (Facebook and YouTube, too), and I am even seeing TV ads take on the TikTok-esque format.
Choose your platform. Pick your poison. Jump in and start trying it out. Remember that each platform has its own “culture”, and you really do need to be real and authentic to catch the attention of the masses. The videos from Digital Boost... about videos... can help you get started. It’s scary (I know!) but will be worth it so you don’t get left behind in this video revolution.
Talk nerdy to me
Okay stats, security and data nerds, we didn't forget about you. This isn't always the exciting front-page stuff that people talk about but is SO important. I found this section a bit lacking in a few parts. For something that can be difficult to understand and execute for newbies, I was disappointed at the brevity and selection.
The Business Insights area only scratches the surface of the topics it covers, but it is enough to get you started.
You've heard us go on and on about how important password security is, but if all that stuff makes your head spin, don't worry! You can check out their module on how to keep your passwords safe or what to do if you’ve been scammed.
You should also be monitoring your website and keeping it healthy. How much traffic are you getting? How fast are your pages loading? The Checkable tool will scan your site and give you instant feedback (although it’s basically Google’s free PageSpeed Insights plus a bit of extra stuff).
I was a little underwhelmed by the Data & Analytics section to be honest - four modules only a few minutes long each just isn't enough. Consider also that Google Analytics is moving to "GA4" next year and they are retiring the model of Google Analytics seen in the videos. (No, as a marketing person I am not happy about this, but alas...)
Luckily most websites come with basic data and reports that should offer minimum statistics. If you want more information to get robust reporting through Google Analytics or Google Data Studio, here's a guy that knows what he's talking about on YouTube. He breaks it down and makes it easy to understand and has heaps of other videos: Google Analytics 4 Tutorial for Beginners.
Live sessions and events
This isn’t for a particular category, but the live events are great to give variety to learners. Some people cannot sit in front of a screen and watch pre-recorded videos in order to learn. Having the interaction of a panel, or an interviewer and guest is much more engaging and real.
Plus, the topics are out of the box sometimes and a bit different. Ranging from tips and tricks to deep dives, you’ll find something that piques your interest.
Oh, and it’s in our time zone (anyone else feel me with the 4am webinars from the other side of the world?)
There are regular sessions scheduled through to late September as of now, so RSVP and get going!
Starting from scratch
If you’re running a small business and it all just seems too much, and you have no idea where to start, I really think Digital Boost will help you (if only to get your feet wet).
Their first category of videos is Digital Starter. It’s the basics. Super easy stuff, perfect for a complete beginner. It answers questions like “What is Zoom?” or “How do I remove apps from my phone?”
You can choose which areas you need help in and skip around the modules as you need. You’re in total control of your learning.
There are also some great videos of success stories that might be just what you need, especially if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by tech.
Others have been through digital change and come out for the better, but we know there is risk involved. If you’re feeling like you don’t want to go it alone in digital, there’s always help available.
Conclusion
Digital Boost is really made more for beginners that feel a bit lost when traversing through the world of digital. It might be the solo entrepreneur or small business that doesn’t quite have the resources for a full digital strategy quite yet.
I can see how a small bookshop might dig into the website videos and then ask another supporting staff member to review the marketing materials so they can start an online presence where there wasn’t one before. That’s fantastic!
A lot of what is shared is readily available on YouTube, but Digital Boost brings it together and comes at it from the New Zealand perspective with the live webinars, speakers and stories etc., so it hits closer to home. Plus, it’s all in one place so you don’t need to go searching for multiple different types of learning.
Personally, I don’t see Digital Boost as being right for the business that truly wants to harness the power of digital and tech in order to create significant change in their processes or strategy. For example, it won’t solve efficiency problems in the enterprise that pays thousands for software that isn’t integrated correctly.
And it certainly won’t replace a proper roadmap, tailored to align digital and tech with a strategy for a business growing or changing. But that’s not really what it’s for, either.
Where to from here?
Small business wanting to dip toes into digital? Digital Boost (free)
Larger SME wanting to figure out where you stand at a glance? Our Digital Strategy Assessment (free)
Full strategic review of digital and tech? Contact us
Danika Ciullo is CIO Studio’s marketing executive and works to combine strategy with real results through marketing.
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