When we say digital transformation, it is what happens when companies change their business model to be able to adapt to the new market reality. Looking back at the start of the pandemic, there was a dire need to transform everything digitally so as to still thrive despite the lockdowns and economic challenges.
This year, most businesses are just starting to rise up from the effects of 2020 and realize the need for digital transformation. Here are 7 steps on how you can digitally transform your business and prepare for the post-pandemic world ahead.
1. Define your strategy before executing
In this first step, you must be able to determine where you are today, where you want to be tomorrow, and what to do to get there. Having a concrete plan and being able to understand your business well can help you identify what technologies you need and the right processes you have to follow to digitally transform your business the right way.
2. Switch from being product-oriented to becoming customer-oriented
The main purpose of going digital at a time of the pandemic is to continue providing services to customers. A more effective way of doing this is instead of focusing on your products or services, emphasize the need to reach and retain online customers. Remember that it has become harder to compete when everything else has gone digital. Getting the attention of people who spend time online is now the most important thing than anything else.
3. Enable automation and a remote workforce
Remote working is the future of work. We have the technology for employees to stay at home during the pandemic or work from anywhere. This expansion of the workforce is for the better because it gives you a chance to find global talents that will fit your business needs. Going virtual does not limit teamwork because of project management tools and communication platforms that always connect you with your remote team.
Aside from hiring remote workers, there are certain tasks that you can automate. For example, retail establishments that already made their presence online are using chatbots for customer communication. Understanding the available technology and its proper use can definitely help achieve your digital transformation goals.
4. Create a company culture that is open to change
Preparing your current team for digital transformation is also something that you would want to consider. Your team should be open to abrupt changes such as the effects of the pandemic because there are those who still have no idea how to transition to the new normal. That being said, digital transformation may be affected by the current company culture.
Of course, changes to the company culture can help make sure that you have a digitally-ready remote team that can continue with business as usual despite the current crisis. You have to rethink your current roster of talents, redesign your work styles to adapt to the protocols and restrictions, develop agility among the team, and continue learning to be able to adapt to changes quickly as needed.
5. Have an agile IT environment
It’s always been said that “having the right technology to power up digital strategies is fundamental in today’s business world” which means that you have to prepare all the tech you need for a digital transformation. This, of course, would involve your IT team and your company’s readiness to use the technologies such as implementing agile systems and cloud tech.
Aside from these, the ability to create a website and mobile app is part of this IT environment. A good example is in retail stores or shops. Gone are the days when customers would still go to physical establishments. The pandemic has made it mandatory for businesses to have an online presence in order to survive.
6. Revamp the customer journey
As mentioned, customers are now making waves online. They are now the target market of businesses. It is important to revamp and recreate the customer journey so that their digital experience would be seamless.
Content and web design will work hand-in-hand for this one. Online customers expect businesses to produce digital content and maintain their online presence despite the pandemic. Digital design, collaboration, and content production should be involved in the recreation of the online customer journey.
7. Personalize the customer experience
CX or customer experience is now an important part of digital transformation. Going online is a new opportunity to establish better and closer relationships with customers by using their data and behavior.
Personalizing their experience with your digital platforms is highly impactful and can improve their approach towards your business and brand. Making use of technologies that help enhance B2C relationships is an essential part of the new normal. Establishing virtual connections makes it more engaging and interactive.
Final Thoughts
With human interaction becoming more socially and physically distant, going digital is the only way to go. Moving your physical business to different online platforms is the new normal. By undergoing digital transformation and implementing the right strategies, you have the chance to reach modern customers, engage them, retain them, and provide them with a seamless digital experience.
You can finally say that you have digitally transformed your business if you are able to provide your loyal customers with a seamless and innovative digital experience with your brand. You can do this by consolidating your several digital channels and create a single, user-friendly CX.
And by following these steps, your business can fully embrace the new digital landscape that the pandemic has created. By properly executing digital transformation strategies, you can exceed your customers’ expectations and improve their overall experience.
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