Although the internet offers an incredible platform of visibility for businesses, too many people are still unclear about how to use the medium to its best effect and to receive a tangible return on the money spent on marketing their products and services.

ReConnect Africa spoke to the 'online genius' Julian Hall about his new book 'Entrepreneur to Ultrapreneur – 100 Ways to Up Your Game' and about how digital marketing can help create healthy returns for businesses.

ReConnect Africa:   What was the inspiration behind writing 'Entrepreneur to Ultrapreneur- 100 Ways to Up Your Game'?

Julian Hall:   I wanted to share my experiences, good bad and ugly, with entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs. I also realized that it was time for the sayings we've been recycling for 100 years to be updated a little.

ReConnect Africa:   What are some of the main challenges that digital marketing presents to business owners?

Julian Hall:   Most of them still don't understand it fully and miss out on the amazing opportunity the internet presents.

One of the sayings in my book is "Tame…Technology" because business owners tend to let technology overwhelm them into inaction.

ReConnect Africa:   How do you approach your role in helping entrepreneurs to navigate the world of digital marketing?

Julian Hall:   Firstly, I talk to them in terms they can understand but, more importantly, explain very quickly how it can help them commercially. Showing them examples of how it's helped other businesses like theirs and how easy it can sometimes be, helps to demystify things.

ReConnect Africa:   How did you develop your own expertise in this area and how do you stay abreast of so many new technological developments?

Julian Hall:   I am 100% self taught; many long evenings and weekends when I had my 9-5. What kept me going was not just my passion for what I was doing, but the opportunity I had to work for myself and to become an entrepreneur.

ReConnect Africa:  What do you hope people will gain as a result of reading your new book?

Julian Hall:   A new perspective on their life, their business and their approach to the challenges they face every day. The sayings and images will impact everyone in a different way, but it will create the impetus necessary for them to take action

ReConnect Africa:  What would be your top 3 tips on digital marketing for entrepreneurs and businesses?

Julian Hall:    No.1 – Think about the value you can add to your audience. What is it you can share with them from your area of expertise that they can benefit from for free?

No.2 – Be yourself

No.3 – Be consistent and be there to engage with your audience

ReConnect Africa:  How can readers buy a copy of 'Entrepreneur to Ultrapreneur- 100 Ways to Up Your Game'?

Julian Hall:   Amazon.co.uk - http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B008OAIG6S, Amazon.com - http://amzn.com/B008OAIG6S