Covid-19 has redefined the way we live. From the way we communicate, find information, shop and work, no aspect of our lives has been left unaltered because of the global pandemic.
This shift has simultaneously transformed the way companies operate. The days of 9-5 are well and truly done, with remote and hybrid working now becoming the norm. These radical changes have forced companies to reassess how teams communicate and work together to deliver business objectives and ultimately achieve success.
While this seems a natural progression, moving into a digital realm can be an uncomfortable process for many small and medium sized businesses. For many, digital marketing presents a new opportunity to gain a competitive edge, but the venture into this new age can be daunting.
From SERPS to CTR to CPM, it can be hard to keep up with all the marketing acronyms being thrown about these days, and not understanding what these terms mean can make it tricky to get into, or keep up with, digital marketing.
Octima have substantial comprehension of the ‘what’ and the ‘why’ behind digital marketing. We have been swift in understanding the new post-pandemic directive, and successfully adapted our working practices and our clients’ approaches to fit the changing requirements.
Working closely with our clients, we’ve successfully supported businesses in developing open-minded attitudes, to embrace these changes. So, let’s examine some of the modifications we’ve learned about and implemented to help our clients flourish in the new digital landscape.
Brands can no longer operate without a digital presence – and the basics are vital.
Whilst we were all engaging with digital marketing practices daily pre-Covid, the pandemic has seriously sped up the need (and craving) to engage online with other people and brands. It has permanently changed consumer behaviour, and as a result, all businesses need to embrace online platforms.
Brands have realised they can no longer operate without a digital presence in the way they did a decade ago. Pandemic or no pandemic, we’re interacting with these technologies and it doesn’t look like they’re going anywhere any time soon, so the basics have become fundamental.
Whether it’s a website, a Google Business listing, active social media profiles, or SEO the basics of digital marketing are more crucial than ever and EVERY business, no matter what sector, industry, or size should be making an effort to play in these areas to succeed post-Covid.
Digital is becoming increasingly competitive – but brand is key.
A strong brand has always been essential for winning new customers and clients, this was true before Covid, but a strong brand has become even more pivotal as we’re presented with more choice than ever before.
Clearly communicating consistent brand messages has become even more important. It provides your business with an extra level of depth and differentiation, what’s more, it will elevate all relationships with your business – both internally and externally.
A well-defined brand brings with it increased customer loyalty, an improved corporate image, and a relatable identity that will set you apart from your competition. Correctly deployed, it will super charge your sales, so the question really, is – can you afford not to establish your brand online?
Brands need to be able to pivot – both swiftly and succinctly.
Digital marketing largely follows Darwin’s theory of ‘survival of the fittest’. Businesses that are agile and able to adapt to changing trends will generally come out on top. Those that don’t? Well, they simply fade into memory (Think Woolworths here).
If you want to drive demand and keep your organisation alive, it’s become more vital than ever for companies to have the ability to rapidly adapt and transform their presence.
Whether you’re a small local business looking to start communicating on social media, or a global conglomerate launching a new app to encourage digital interaction, these adaptations will ultimately improve your marketing messaging, and keep your brand relevant for the long-term.
Customer experience is everything – and personalisation can help you win.
As our behaviour online has changed, so has expectation. Consumers now expect more from their digital experience. If expectations are not matched, customers will go elsewhere to find what they’re looking for – and competition is fierce.
Along with our increased digital interaction, comes the side-effect that we have rapidly learned to filter out marketing campaigns and ads that don’t appeal to us. Businesses therefore need to find new ways to stand out from the crowd.
Today, we want more than just a product or service. We want a digital experience that makes us feel special and unique. Companies that have paid attention to the ways their customers engage with them digitally will provide a great customer experience and ensure their brand remains memorable and relevant to their target audience.
The Takeaway
The digital marketing sphere has never been busier, or fuelled by as much competition.
If you want your business to thrive in a post-pandemic world, you need to be up to date on the latest systems and approaches for boosting your presence online.
If you can’t work out your feed from your stream or your business listing from your marketing list, speak to Octima. We’ll sensitively navigate you through the new digital marketing age, de-coding the jargon, and empowering you to make the right decisions to keep your business relevant and thriving.
