Out of Sight, Out of Business? The Digital Divide Holding Entrepreneurs Back

South Africa’s high unemployment rate has driven many individuals into entrepreneurship. According to the 2024 FinScope survey, South Africa has approximately 3 million medium, small, and micro-entrepreneurs, with 72% of micro-enterprises operating informally.

With an estimated turnover of R5 trillion, the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector provides a much-needed income to this vital workforce. However, substantial financial growth remains untapped, as many businesses are invisible to potential clients due to a lack of online marketing.

“Picture a builder holding a cardboard sign outside of a hardware store, hoping for a passerby in need of his services, or a car mechanic handing out flyers at a busy traffic circle, unsure if they’ll lead to bookings. These traditional methods rely on luck and foot traffic, offering no guarantee of steady income,” says David Jenkins, Co-Founder of SEO digital marketing agency Mickey Llew.

“As search engines, particularly Google, refine their algorithms to prioritise location-based results, having an online presence is more important than ever before,” David explains. “A single Google search has the power to connect entrepreneurs with customers actively looking for their services.”

Despite the availability of free tools to expand online visibility, many business owners lack the digital marketing knowledge to leverage them, leaving them waiting for work instead of securing it. Companies like Kandua, recently acquired by Santam, aim to bridge this gap by connecting service providers with consumers. However, David emphasises that relying on one platform isn’t enough. “Successful online visibility requires a combination of digital tools working together to build brand strength, loyalty, and equity – also known as the ‘halo effect’.”

David shares the most effective and budget-friendly ways MSMEs can grow their businesses and build local online authority:

Building a Basic Website: Using a simple website builder like Wix or Canva can help create a digital storefront, giving entrepreneurs full control over their online presence while building trust with potential clients actively searching for their services. Keeping a website fresh with recent work and service updates improves rankings and engagement.

Creating a Google Business Profile (GBP): Many South Africans search Google using location-specific terms like “Plumber near me.” This free tool helps businesses appear in search results increasing reach and visibility. Business owners are also able to showcase their services, provide their contact details, and display customer reviews which helps to build credibility.

Utilising Social Media and Community Forums: Engaging in local Facebook groups, setting up WhatsApp Business profiles, and listing services on free directories like Yellow Pages are effective ways to increase a business’s visibility. The more business listings secured on credible online platforms, the better, as Google uses these references to determine a business’s local authority and relevance. The stronger your local authority, the higher your chances of being seen. Doing this daily can help build an invaluable online presence over time.

Leveraging Free Training and AI Tools: Digital marketing doesn’t require expensive training. Free courses from Google’s Grow with Google and Meta’s Facebook Blueprint provide step-by-step guidance. AI tools like ChatGPT can assist with answering any questions that pop up along the way, and can help with SEO strategies, marketing ideas, and website content creation.

“By understanding and embracing digital marketing, the MSME market has the potential to create sustainable work opportunities and achieve long-term economic growth,” concludes David.

Ends

For PR enquiries please contact:

Debbie Halliday, Debbie@mickeyllew.co.za, +27 72 175 5036.

About Mickey Llew:

Founded in 2015 by David Jenkins and Christopher Avery, Mickey Llew is an award-winning Google Search agency that specialises in Paid and Organic Search. The agency has a wealth of experience in strategically implementing Technical SEO, Digital PR, Content Creation and Paid Search tactics to drive meaningful and measurable results for its clients, both locally and internationally. Mickey Llew currently services brands in South Africa, the United Kingdom and Australia.

We work with

Banking Retail Manufacturing Automotive IT & Telecoms Agencies Hospitality

Mickey Llew is lucky to have an incredibly diverse client base which has given us valuable experience in different industries across continents and markets. Depending on our clients’ needs, we’re able to take the lead on projects and accounts when needed, or to complement other agencies, organisations, or internal teams.

What
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Chris has vast experience within SEO. He single-handedly set up the SEO on the newly designed Cell C website, ensuring optimal ranking and tracking. Chris is always keen to share his knowledge and is a pleasure to work with.

Excellent company to partner with. They’ve given us exceptional results. A great group of guys who never commit without delivering.

David and the team at Mickey Llew have a way of distilling the complex and endless intricacies of SEO into a series of simple, and actionable steps. Steps that lead to results. Case in point, the Pizza Hut account, which the team single-handedly took from zero to hero, driving massive returns for the client. Reliable, personable, and honest, Mickey Llew are as good as they get.

David and his team are awesome and a pleasure to work with. Switched on and results-focused. No need to look any further.

Working with Chris has been an absolute pleasure. He’s always willing to go the extra mile for clients. A work ethic like his is hard to find. Any business would be lucky to work with him.

We have had great success working with the team from Mickey Llew. They are dynamic and they deliver.