Part 1: The Awakening – My First Steps into Social Media & Web Design

💡 Questions Answered:

• What is social media?

• What are the most popular platforms?

• How do I create a social media account?

• What is a website and why does every business need one?

• How do I choose a domain name?

📝 My Journey Begins in a Coffee Shop with Wi-Fi and a Dream

I still remember the smell of roasted beans and the hum of quiet conversations around me. It was 2013, and I was sitting in a small coffee shop in Johannesburg with nothing but a second-hand laptop, a sketchpad full of ideas, and a burning desire to build something online.

I had just left a corporate job that drained me creatively. I didn’t have a business plan—just a concept: helping small businesses get online through websites and social media. I Googled “how to build a website” and landed on WordPress. That moment was the beginning of everything.

🌐 What Is Social Media?

Back then, I thought social media was just a place to post selfies and food pics. But as I dove deeper, I realized it was a digital ecosystem—a place where brands could build relationships, share stories, and drive real business.

Social media is essentially a set of platforms that allow people and businesses to connect, share, and engage with content. It’s where conversations happen, reputations are built, and communities are formed.

📱 The Most Popular Platforms (Then and Now)

I started with Facebook and Instagram—the giants of the time. Facebook was perfect for storytelling and community building, while Instagram was visual and aspirational. Today, platforms like TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter) have joined the ranks, each serving a unique purpose.

I created my first Instagram account to promote my new web design service. I posted a photo of my laptop and a caption that read: “Building dreams one pixel at a time.” It got 3 likes—two from friends and one from my mom. But it was a start.

🖥️ What Is a Website and Why Does Every Business Need One?

A website is your digital storefront. It’s where people go to learn about you, trust you, and decide whether to do business with you. Unlike social media, which is rented space, your website is owned real estate.

I built my first site using a free WordPress theme. It was clunky, slow, and had way too many pages. But it taught me the fundamentals: navigation, branding, and user experience. I quickly learned that a clean, fast, and mobile-friendly site was far more effective than a flashy one.

🔤 Choosing a Domain Name – My First Mistake

I named my first website “DigitalSolutionsForSmallBusinessesSouthAfrica.com”. Yes, that was the actual domain. I thought it was descriptive. Turns out, it was a nightmare to type, remember, and share.

Lesson learned: Keep it short, memorable, and brandable. Today, I help clients choose domain names that reflect their identity and are easy to spell. Think: “PixelNest.co” or “BrandBloom.io”—names that stick.

💬 Final Thoughts

Starting out, I didn’t have a mentor or a roadmap. I learned by doing, failing, and trying again. Social media and websites aren’t just tools—they’re platforms for storytelling, connection, and growth.

If you’re just starting, don’t worry about perfection. Focus on clarity, consistency, and authenticity. Your first post might get 3 likes, but your 300th could change your business forever.