Digital Real Estate: Don't Just Rent It, Own It!

The recent world-wide Facebook outage was a timely reminder of the risky nature of our digital world. In an era where social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok dominate, it's easy to overlook the importance of owning your digital space.

Renting VS Owning in a Digital Space

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok are ‘rented’ spaces. Users have a place to create and share content, build followings, and even monetise their presence, however, this asset is owned by the platform, not by the user. If the platform decides to change rules or shut down, your digital presence can disappear without warning.

This issue is not just theoretical. The challenges currently facing TikTok in the United States highlight the disadvantage of relying solely on rented digital space. Thousands of creators are at risk of losing a significant source of income and all their digital assets if the platform is forced to close.

Compare this with ‘owning’ digital real estate, such as a website. Your website is considered your own property, unaffected by the whims of third-party platforms, allowing for the creation of a more sustainable and reliable digital presence. Additionally, it's a powerful tool for building a database of client information, which is an invaluable asset for any digital marketing strategy.   

Why Does it Matter?

In our increasingly digital world, the importance of a secure, privately owned space can’t be overstated. For businesses and content creators, diversification is key. While social media can be a powerful tool for growth and engagement, relying solely on rented digital real estate is a risky strategy.

The nature of these rented spaces highlights the importance of investing in owned digital real estate, such as a website or email database, which provides a safer and smarter foundation for your digital presence. 

What Do I do?

Use social media platforms, but also invest in something you own. Building and maintaining your own digital real estate not only safeguards your digital future, but also provides a reliable home base regardless of the turbulent landscape of social media. 

Don't wait for the next social media outage to reassess your digital strategy. Start building your own online real estate today and secure your digital future.