Decades ago, customers could only experience brands by visiting brick-and-mortar stores and interacting with in-store clerks. Through such interactions, clients could communicate their needs and form their opinions about brands. Since the introduction of digital technology to the world of business, there has been a shift in how brands operate. Enterprises are now run with a personal touch, and their marketing strategies have changed tremendously.    

Brand marketing and image building have moved from radio, television, direct mail, and print ads to social media, websites, and search engine optimization (SEO). According to Digital PR, an internet marketing agency, ”Websites that meet today’s development standards are critical to obtaining effective search engine results and displaying the image you would like for your brand.” 

Of course, traditional marketing is not entirely obsolete. But because more people are opting for online shopping today, it makes sense for brands to embrace digital marketing and take advantage of it. The digital revolution is one of the most innovative factors that help brands grow and surpass their current capacities. Here are some of the ways digital technology and internet marketing have altered the world of business.

Eliminating Borders and Consolidating Business Operations  

Digital technology has empowered brands to coordinate their operations and monitor their marketing and brand image centrally. Companies can outsource their production and shipping if they want, market, and sell their products to the entire world over a single platform – their website. Businesses also sell and market their products through other channels and vendors, allowing them to expand in every way possible without limits. 

Furthermore, digital technology makes it easier for businesses to restructure their hiring strategy using communication software and project management tools. Therefore, there is no limit when hiring. Companies can now hire anyone living anywhere in the world to drive any aspect of their marketing, and employees can work remotely, creating a productive environment that thrives on diversity. 

For instance, if a US-based company has customers in other parts of the world, they can boost trust in their brand and drive sales among their international customer base through influencer marketing. An influencer with access to a huge audience and established credibility in a specific industry can persuade their followers to act based on their recommendations. Therefore, brands can become household names in different countries without needing to open physical stores in all the places their customers reside.        

Instant Interaction With Customers

Web chat tools and social media channels enable businesses to engage their customers directly, respond swiftly to questions, and intervene if there are challenges. This has significantly improved the customer experience since buyers no longer have to be put on hold when trying to contact customer service agents. Also, businesses are able to stay in touch with their customers even after closing hours using chatbots on their websites, so buyers can get the needed answers even when there is no one around to talk to them.

Apart from one-on-one communication, digital marketing makes it possible for businesses to keep their customers updated with relevant information about their brands. With just the click of a button, companies can post about new events (such as promos and discounts) and product changes. They can also introduce new products or services to clients through their social media channels, websites, or emails. 

Since people carry their cell phones with them everywhere, the messages passed through digital marketing platforms often get to the right people faster than they would with traditional methods like flyers and catalogs. Also, brands have the opportunity to personalize their messages before sending them out to customers. This is usually the case with email marketing campaigns.     

Creates a Level Playing Ground for All Businesses

Digital marketing completely changed the game for small businesses. They no longer have to struggle to gain recognition in the marketplace or spend so many years building their credibility before customers can trust them. For instance, on social media, a small business can make as much impact as a well-known brand without an extensive marketing budget. If small companies post relevant, engaging content regularly, they can grow their follower bases and quickly build trust in their brands. 

Also, online marketing allows small businesses to gain popularity through their existing customers, who become advocates of trust that potential clients need when considering products or services. When satisfied customers spread the word about their favorite brands to their followers, the followers will likely consider patronizing the mentioned businesses to experience their offerings themselves.