When Internet Relay Chat (IRC) entered our lives in the ‘90s, who would have guessed that it was a sign of things to come? The ability to connect with others over the internet has become a defining characteristic of the last two decades. As technology moved out of desktop computers and into our hands, the impact that it has had on our lifestyle is staggering.

These days, most companies worth their salt maintain an online presence. Individuals from all over the world have profile pages on Facebook. For millennials and those who came after them, technology is a natural part of life. However, for those who did not grow up with the internet, the digital world can be a confusing place. While it may be somewhat edgy to brand yourself a Luddite by choice, there are negative consequences from not comprehending technology. Often, those with poor tech skills are left in the dust as the tech savvy race ahead.

Hello World

Imagine having the skills to design and build your own website as well as write the search engine optimized content required. One of the big advantages of tech literacy is the ability to generate a successful online presence without having to outsource, thus saving a tidy sum. Even without a personal website, tech savvy users can still establish a strong virtual presence by making full use of mobile social apps such as TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.

You’re Hired

With the global online shopping market bringing in almost 4 trillion in 2020, it is vital to be able to promote products and connect with customers digitally. A compelling online presence equates to more audience engagement and better sales outcomes.

Considering this, most companies want staff with a strong grasp of technology. Tech literate users are more likely to be hired as they have the skills to operate social media accounts, publish blog posts, and manage digital advertising campaigns. Even if companies in the vicinity are not hiring, tech literate users can find remote work from online agencies across the world.

More Side Hustles

Besides having more conventional job prospects, the tech literate can also choose to partake in various side hustles. They can also easily start their own online business. If they have an idea for a kooky shirt, they can set up a Printful account and start selling immediately. If they have a talent for sound effects, vector design, or motion graphics, they can sell their creations through design asset management websites. From working as user experience (UX) design testers to cryptocurrency trading, there are many options for those who are adept at navigating the digital world that simply aren’t available to the rest of society.

Closing the Gap

With digital innovation evolving daily, the gap between the tech literate and the non-tech savvy continues to widen. This is especially relevant in the sales and marketing industry. Therefore, if you want to remain competitive, you must consider upgrading your skills.

There are many paths to success for those who want to improve their knowledge of technology.
Sites like edX and Udemy provide a selection of free and paid online computer science courses. These courses range from introductory to bona fide master’s degrees. The flexible study schedule is perfect for those with existing work or caregiving commitments. Of course, if you (like me) prefer pursuing education in the conventional school system, there are many sites available to help you choose the most suitable college and course.

Do It Yourself

What if you just want an online presence without having to commit to a course of study? There are plenty of resources on the internet that can help you achieve your goal. If you are not sure whether to use WordPress, Drupal, or another content management system (CMS) to build your website, turn to Google for a quick search. Many tech companies maintain active blogs with articles covering a myriad of topics. These experts have hands-on experience but can explain pros and cons in layperson terms, for example which is better for marketers to learn WordPress or Drupal difficulty.

Once you have chosen a CMS, bookmark any useful blogs that you found. This will help you to return to them later should you need to learn more about similar topics.

Trial and Error

Curious about that dance thing everyone is doing on TikTok? Wondering if anybody would be interested in your travel diary? Have an impossibly cute cat that you want to share with the world? Just take the plunge! Create an Instagram account or sign up for a free hosted blog. Experience is an excellent way to learn. Each time you familiarize yourself with various apps and digital media platforms, you lower the hurdle for further explorations.

So what if you accidentally upload an image of a dog instead of your face? The beauty of making mistakes is that you can learn to avoid them in the future. And, who knows, with memes and viral content being so unpredictable, you might just be the next big thing!

Technology is a continuously evolving smorgasbord of innovation. Do not worry if you have come late to the table as new dishes are constantly being served up. There are a multitude of free training resources available online, so why not help yourself to them?