Why Your Business Needs a Digital Presence in 2025 (And How to Build One)

Introduction: The Digital Revolution is Here

Let’s take a moment to think about how we, as consumers, behave today.

You need a plumber—do you walk around asking neighbors for recommendations, or do you search on Google?
You want to buy a book—do you visit multiple bookstores, or do you browse Amazon?

The way we interact with businesses has changed drastically in the past decade. Having an online presence is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. If your business doesn’t exist online, for many potential customers, it doesn’t exist at all.

Even local businesses are rapidly digitizing. In India, Zomato and Swiggy revolutionized food delivery by bringing even small, unknown restaurants into the digital economy. Similarly, companies like Dunzo and Urban Company have helped small businesses thrive by giving them an online storefront.

If you’re still skeptical about going digital, let’s break down why it’s crucial and how businesses—big and small—are leveraging it for growth.

1. Visibility: If You’re Not Online, You’re Invisible

The most fundamental reason for having a digital presence is visibility. According to a study by Google India, 97% of internet users search online for local businesses. If your business doesn’t have a Google listing, a website, or social media, potential customers won’t find you—they’ll find your competitors instead.

How Small Businesses Gained Visibility

Take Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar (LMB), a heritage sweet shop in Jaipur. For decades, it relied on local foot traffic and word-of-mouth marketing. But when travel influencers and food bloggers started featuring them online, their popularity exploded.

Their online visibility attracted tourists, and they adapted by launching a website and partnering with food delivery platforms. Now, LMB gets orders from across India. Their digital presence not only helped retain loyal customers but also expanded their reach.

For businesses today, being online isn’t just an option—it’s the difference between being found or being forgotten.

2. Credibility: Customers Trust Businesses With a Strong Online Presence

Imagine you’re looking for a wedding photographer. You find one with a professional website, clear pricing, glowing customer testimonials, and a portfolio of past work. The other photographer has only a phone number and no online reviews. Who would you trust more?

A well-maintained online presence—whether through a website, social media, or online reviews—builds credibility.

The Trust Factor in Online Business

When Mamaearth, a D2C (Direct-to-Consumer) brand, started selling skincare products online, they faced tough competition from big players like Himalaya and Nivea. But they built trust through digital channels. They encouraged customer reviews on Amazon and Nykaa.
They shared testimonials and behind-the-scenes content on Instagram. They built a blog that educated users about skincare ingredients.

Today, Mamaearth is one of the fastest-growing skincare brands in India, all thanks to its strong digital credibility. If you want your business to be seen as trustworthy, investing in a digital presence is non-negotiable.

3. Customer Engagement: Digital Presence Opens Two-Way Conversations

Traditional marketing (newspaper ads, billboards, TV) is one-sided—businesses talk, customers listen. Digital marketing is interactive—businesses talk, customers respond. Social media, blogs, and chat support enable businesses to engage directly with their audience. This builds brand loyalty and strengthens customer relationships.

Engaging with Customers Digitally

Take Zerodha, India’s leading stock brokerage firm. Unlike traditional brokers that rely on call centers, Zerodha built a thriving online presence. Their Varsity platform provides free stock market education, and their CEO actively responds to users on Twitter. By engaging with their audience through informative content and direct interactions, Zerodha has built a community of loyal investors—without spending crores on advertising. For any business, engaging with customers online can be a game-changer.

4. Sales & Growth: A Digital Presence Converts Interest into Revenue

A strong digital presence doesn’t just attract visitors—it converts them into customers. Online stores, booking systems, and digital payment options have made business transactions seamless. Whether it’s a retail store, a consultant, or a restaurant, digital tools help turn inquiries into sales.

From Small Business to Global Brand

Chumbak, an Indian lifestyle brand, started as a small venture selling souvenirs. Initially, they had only a few retail outlets, but their major breakthrough came when they expanded their digital presence. They built a user-friendly e-commerce website, optimized their Instagram shop, and leveraged influencer marketing. The result? Chumbak is now a well-recognized brand with a global customer base—all thanks to digital expansion. Whether you sell products or services, an online presence amplifies your reach and revenue potential.

5. Adaptability: Businesses Without Digital Presence Struggle to Survive

The COVID-19 pandemic showed us how vulnerable businesses without digital presence can be. Many traditional businesses shut down because they lacked an online presence, while digital-first businesses thrived.

Digital Adaptation During COVID-19

Before the pandemic, Sarojini Nagar Market, a popular street market in Delhi, relied entirely on footfall. When lockdowns hit, shopkeepers faced heavy losses—until some of them adapted. Many vendors started selling via Instagram and WhatsApp catalogs, offering home deliveries.

Today, some of these businesses have permanent e-commerce stores, allowing them to earn beyond physical store limitations.
The lesson? Businesses that embrace digital transformation are better prepared for the future.

Going Digital is No Longer Optional

In 2025, not having a digital presence is like not having a signboard for your shop—people won’t know you exist. If you want more visibility? Go digital. If you want customers to trust you? Go digital. If you want to engage, grow, and future-proof your business? Go digital.

The best part? You don’t have to do everything at once. Start with a Google Business listing, create a website, engage on social media, and scale gradually. The businesses that thrive today are the ones that embraced digital yesterday. Will yours be one of them?

What to Do Next?

Need help building your business’s digital presence? Urban Orbits specializes in helping businesses go digital effortlessly.
Subscribe to our blog for more business growth tips. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for daily insights.