Stroll through any street in Kochi, and you’ll see something quietly powerful unfolding. The aroma of fresh biryani from a home kitchen is now just an Instagram DM away. Your neighborhood tailor? Taking custom orders on WhatsApp. From tea stalls to beauty salons, local businesses are going digital, transforming our everyday lives.
What Does ‘Going Digital’ Mean for Local Businesses?
For SMEs(Small & Medium Enterprises), going digital no longer means building an attractive website or burning a corporate budget. Today, it means being where your customers are—on mobile phones. Listing on Google Business Profile so people can find you on Maps. Accepting UPI/QR payments at roadside stalls. Running Instagram pages to display products. Using WhatsApp Business for order taking, catalogs, and customer chats.
Kerala’s Real-Life Stories:
1. Anju: Bakes and Reels:
Instagram Baker from Kochi: Say hello to Anju, a domestic baker at Panampilly Nagar. Something that began as a lockdown test has now turned into a popular cake business, courtesy of her Instagram reels and WhatsApp status. She now pre-books orders, accepts online payments, and even delivers upstate Kerala.
2. Majitha: Art in Every Swipe:
With Digital Twist, Majitha Farzana, a Thrissur-based mehendi artist, has her work listed on Facebook and reels on Instagram. Bookings are received through DMs, and clients pick designs from her digital inventory—no physical storefront needed.
3. The QR Code Thattukada:
Thattukada with QR Code A street food vendor near Edappally now has a printed QR code on his cart. The convenience is much appreciated, and it instills trust, especially with young customers.
Why This Digital Shift Matters?
Greater Reach: No longer relying solely on walk-ins or word-of-mouth.
Improved Customer Service: Quick responses, feedback, and customized updates.
Building Brand: Even a local vendor can now build a community online.
Affordable: The majority of tools are free or extremely low-cost, ideal for small budgets.
Digital Tools Assisting Local Entrepreneurs: Google My Business – for search visibility and Maps visibility.
WhatsApp Business – for orders, catalogs, and auto-messages.
Instagram/Facebook – for product display, reels, and engagement.
Canva – to design posters and reels with no prior design skills.
Razorpay/Paytm – for online digital payments within a jiff.
Many entrepreneurs still face a few hurdles on their digital journey:
- Limited tech know-how
- Language barriers
- Concerns over online scams and payment fraud
But the smart ones are finding creative ways around these challenges—adding Malayalam captions, asking their tech-savvy kids to set up accounts, or learning through YouTube tutorials.
How You Can Support Local Digital Entrepreneurs. Want to be part of this silent digital revolution?
Here’s how:
Follow and share local business pages, leave a Google review after a good experience, buy directly through Instagram or WhatsApp recommend them in your social circles.
What we’re witnessing is greater than a trend. It’s a movement. It’s digital empowerment, where passion, creativity, and technology converge to provide new avenues for everyday entrepreneurs. Whether it’s your corner chai stand or a home-run fashion boutique, the digital door is now wide open. Did you recently support a local digital business? Tag them, share the love, and be part of this stunning change.
Best, Christina Rose.