Why do businesses need to have a digital presence in 2021?

A digital presence isn’t just preferred anymore; it’s mandatory. There are a staggering 1 billion websites in operation on the internet as of February 2021. However, you’ll be surprised to know that less than 64% of small businesses had a website in 2020.

That’s because, despite the overwhelmingly clear evidence in favor of digital presence, a large number of business owners remain unconvinced. The most common argument against putting the business online is, “That’s not how we do business in this family.” And that’s understandable.

Methods that have worked for small businesses throughout generations can’t just be discarded. But it’s important to realize that each technique that is now the norm for a business was a revolution and a bold step forward at that time – as such, deciding to put a business online and develop a digital presence is a necessary evolution for small businesses worldwide.

In this blog, we’ll go over several reasons why businesses need to have a digital presence, especially in 2021. Before we do, though, it’s essential to understand what a ‘digital presence’ entails.

Essentially, being digitally present means having a website, or email, or a social media presence. To put it simply, if your customers, suppliers, and employees can reach you through the internet, you have a digital company.

Now let’s dive into why businesses need to develop a digital presence in 2021.

1 – Stay in Touch during the Pandemic

With the coronavirus pandemic still raging throughout the world, life as we knew it has come to a standstill. But those businesses that had a digital presence have been able to keep in touch with clients, suppliers, and employees. That’s because physical barriers don’t bind the internet and digital communication.

With COVID-19 looking like it’s here to stay, it’s probably a good idea for businesses to jump on the digital bandwagon. Otherwise, it will become virtually impossible to keep in touch with consumers as everyone is shut in their houses amid lockdown restrictions.

2 – That’s Where the Users Are

A simple reason to develop a digital presence; that’s where the users are! And isn’t that the fundamental of business? To find customers and approach them in a manner that they prefer?

Well, that’s exactly what creating a website does. It allows customers to find you and allows you to exist in the same space as your consumers. With the number of internet users increasing globally at a rapid pace, it is only logical for your business to be present there.

Besides, in the 21st-century, convenience is a currency. Those businesses that provide convenience to customers are those that thrive. If your competitors are on the same platform as your consumers, providing them convenient ways to do business, then your business has lost its competitive advantage.

3 – Reach a Wider Audience at No Cost

When people think about the internet, ‘communication’ is one of the first words that spring to mind. That’s because that is precisely what the internet is – a way to communicate with everyone. And that’s what businesses need to realize.

Having a digital presence will allow them to communicate with everyone at virtually no cost at all. Compare this to the traditional methods of reaching out to the customer – putting up a billboard, cold calling, salespeople going around knocking on doors. None of these methods have the efficiency and effectiveness of having a digital presence.

By developing a website, constructing social media profiles, and creating online stores, businesses can interact with customers like never before. The modern targeting tools and techniques allow business owners to communicate with precisely the right people—those interested in the business and willing to buy from it.

4 – Long Term Business Sustainability

The average lifespan of a business, as estimated by McKinsey, was 61 years in 1958. Today, it is 18 years. This drastic decrease is thanks to the digital revolution and enhancement in technology. So while it may be hard to keep businesses running for longer, it is downright impossible to sustain them without a digital presence.

That’s why long-term business sustainability hinges on being digitally savvy and knowing where the value lies. Not all businesses are on the internet and those who may not be doing so well at it. That’s why there’s still an opportunity for your business to develop an online presence and sustain itself beyond your lifetime.

5 – Develop a Business Network

Beyond user convenience, there are multiple business benefits to having a digital presence as well. First and foremost, you get a spectacular opportunity to grow your business network. Having a solid network of partners, suppliers, distributors, and employees is essential for long-term business success.

And since everything and everyone is online, it makes sense that an online presence would yield a more robust network. A strong business network lends confidence and experience to the owners and cultivates a culture of sharing and harmony within the company.

6 – Conserve Money & Resources

The E-commerce industry is booming, and it’s all thanks to the digital integration of core business processes. If your business is present online, it can take advantage of amazing tools and technology to save money and resources. Crew management, order management, enterprise planning, and other such software cut down the time it takes to manage businesses.

As a result, you can spend more time on your business’s growth rather than oversee monotonous everyday tasks. Similarly, business owners can allocate resources more efficiently with digital tools and online software. All of this is made possible with the help of a digital presence.

7 – Gain Agility & Flexibility in Business

Diversification and agility have never been easier in business than it is today. That’s because, with online companies, you can be selling one product one day and another product the next day. Dropshipping allows small businesses to diversify quickly and capture multiple target audiences.

If you want to provide your customers with variety and make your business diverse, develop a digital presence. Create a smart strategy for growth and invest appropriately to maximize your chances of success. If you do that, you can even start multiple businesses that bring in substantial profits.

8 – Gain a Competitive Edge Through Digital Channels

We’ve already discussed how both your competitors and your customers are present online. So what will you gain by developing a digital presence as well? For one thing, you’ll gain the ability to differentiate yourself from your competitors and offer customers something new.

The online space is infinite, and there is no limit to creativity. The biggest and most successful businesses develop a competitive edge through online differentiation. So ensure you follow the businesses’ steps that achieved the most success with a digital presence and develop a sound digital strategy.

Conclusion

If you want to start a website, create social media profiles and engage with customers through the internet, now is the time. In the coming decades, the only meaningful interaction between businesses and customers will be online. Make sure you make the most of future trends and opportunities and start by putting yourself on the digital map.