By 2023, digitally transformed businesses are forecast to contribute to more than half of global GDP. If you want to participate in that high-performing group, you’ll need to ensure that you’re maximizing your digital presence now.
In a recent survey by Statista, 97% of respondents said that the COVID-19 pandemic sped up the digital transformation of their organizations. The masses of people who were stuck indoors spent significantly more time online, whether for pleasure, distraction, or to join the increasing remote workforce.
There are a number of areas where this digitization has come into play. From eCommerce platforms to remote collaboration for a hybrid workforce, here’s how you should be digitizing your business in 2022.
Amplify With Apps
One of the great marketing challenges is figuring out how to go beyond advertising to your customers and actually engage with them.
One of the best digital solutions is to offer an app. Business apps can have a range of functionalities — from loyalty programs and reward tracking to appointment scheduling, sales support, and everything in between. When your customers download your app, you can easily collect information like their name, email, and other personal identifiers that can help you market to them more specifically. With the touch of a button, your customers can order products or services, or engage with other customers and strengthen your brand.
Decentralize Collaboration
COVID-19 triggered remote work in the US to rise from 6% of the employed before the pandemic to over 33% once it hit. RECAST THIS SENTENCE: This also allowed businesses to hire talent from around the world, meaning that even for companies planning on a return to the office will need to plan for remote collaboration.
Luckily, the explosion in hybrid offices also led to the development of some incredible collaborative platforms. For agencies, creative collaboration has specifically been a huge focus since in-person brainstorming sessions have had to shift online. Fortunately, communication platforms like Slack, project management software like CROOW, and a whole host of cloud-based creative tools have not only made remote collaboration possible, but advantageous because of how they have centralized working files and important feedback.
Adopting tools that will help your team collaborate from varied locations will allow you to continue to hire talent that best suits your business, no matter where they’re located.
Check Out eCommerce
Customers are shopping online — for convenience, access, and freedom of choice. In fact, it’s estimated that by the year 2040, 95% of all purchases will be through eCommerce. And yet, 46% of small businesses in the US still don’t have a website.
In order to reach your customers where they are, it’s time to give them a way to shop with you online. There are myriad options for businesses looking to establish an online presence. If you or someone on your team is technically savvy, you can follow a step-by-step tutorial to set up a site on your own. There are also platforms built for eCommerce that will guide you through the process. Or, you can contact digital experts to get white-glove assistance and personalized website options.
In-Feed Shopping
If your business decides to work with an influencer, market through social media, or use Instagram in any way for your products, Shopping on Instagram has set out to make the process easier for you and your customers. With in-feed shopping, a user can be looking at their feed, see an influencer they love wearing your latest accessory, and click directly on the product to buy right away. Gone are the days of writing the caption, “Click the link in our bio to purchase!” Your influencer or model can showcase multiple products in one image, and users can buy every piece they’re interested in without having to hunt for them on your website later.
Digitizing your business is crucial to your future success. By implementing updates like those highlighted above, you can reach more customers, engage more meaningfully, and help your employees advance and collaborate from wherever they are.
