Digital transformation has become a trending topic since the spike of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because people’s geographic movement was restricted, brick-and-mortar businesses were temporarily closed, resulting in increased dependency on digital platforms to continue operations. 

The 2020 McKinsey Global Survey shows that the pandemic has accelerated digital technological adoption by several years. In the report, most respondents recognize the importance of technology as a critical business aspect. In the post-pandemic world, many businesses have decided to ramp up their digital tech investments to prepare for similar crises. 

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Learn how businesses can accelerate digital transformation efforts in 2023 from the leading industry experts below. 

Offer A One-Stop-Shop Online Platform 

Online marketplaces are a common scene in business-to-customer (B2C) companies. Product listings, menus, catalogs, and brochures exist. But many business-to-business (B2B) companies are also starting to recognize the importance of embracing the digital marketplace concept in accelerating their digital transformation efforts. 

According to Dov Breuer, the Chief Operating Officer of Fixlers, “It’s high time for businesses to expand their portfolio websites into digital marketplaces. Portfolio websites merely boost organic search and brand awareness, whereas digital marketplaces prompt users to take action. Create a one-stop-shop digital platform that puts your products and services in front of your audience, allowing them to do business with you straightforwardly.” 

Breuer added, “Stakeholders both value quality, functionality, and convenience. They patronize brands that can offer these qualities. Digital marketplaces are perfect avenues for companies to highlight these qualities while promoting offerings. Hence, B2B and B2C brands must also have dedicated business apps to make their digital marketplaces more accessible. Its remarkable outcomes include higher search ranking, site traffic, and sales.”

Welcome AI Chatbots In Content Management

AI chatbots are trending in content management nowadays. ChatGPT became an instant sensation in producing AI-generated content, prompting Google to launch a similar tech product called Bard. Now, the big question is, “Will AI chatbots replace freelance writers?”.

Milo Cruz, the Chief Marketing Officer of FreelanceWritingJobs, explains the role of AI chatbots in freelance writing. “AI chatbots will be a primary tool for freelance writing. They are here to stay, and writers must adapt to this technological change. Businesses will still need human writers regardless of how advanced AI chatbots will evolve. Human writers need to personalize and add emerging, relevant data to the content. Otherwise, pure AI-generated content will ruin a business’s reputation.”

Cruz also warned, “Businesses must think carefully before fully giving up human writers. While fast content production is the biggest advantage of AI chatbots, they actually end up as helpful tools but can’t replace human intelligence. AI chatbots have limitations because they only work based on data feeds. Humans may also commit errors due to fatigue or stress. But AI chatbots and human writers don’t have to compete because they are far different from each other. Instead, they must work together for successful content management.”

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Create More Innovative Products 

Innovation creates more job opportunities, increases global competitiveness, and improves people’s quality of life. It is an important aspect of sustainable business and economic growth. Moreover, innovation provides environmental benefits, including recycling water and waste materials and reducing energy use and carbon emissions. 

Product innovation allows business owners to make smart, agile decisions to meet immediate customer demands and market changes. Product innovation is essential in digital transformation, finding ways to improve a feature, add more benefits, and become more appealing to target audiences. 

The Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Majesty Coffee, Nunzio Ross, shared his expert insights on product innovation. He said, “Product innovation helps companies to continue improving and staying relevant for long-term stability. Businesses must step out of their comfort zone to design and create new products or innovate existing ones. Leverage technology to improve your product packaging, add a new product line, and offer better online tools and solutions.”

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Embrace Gamification Marketing 

Gamification marketing arises from the marketing technology toolkit of digital marketers today. This interactive marketing strategy is popular, not just for business-to-customer (B2C) but also for business-to-business (B2B) companies. Gamification is a marketing strategy that entices clients to play a game, such as a crossword puzzle or quiz, attracting more prospects. 

The Chief Executive Officer of Webserv, Preston Powell, explained, “Gamification marketing transforms content consumption. Many people are used to seeing blogs, articles, images, videos, and other ready-to-feed content. Gamified content is more interactive, challenging, and interesting, especially for Millennials and Gen Zs. For this reason, many web creators and marketers will integrate gamification into business websites and apps.” 

“B2C gamification tactics include creating the most exciting game content and mechanics with attractive prizes, such as discount coupons and free merchandise items. On the other hand, B2B gamification strategies include providing highly valuable B2B-related content, such as a free trial, a webinar seat, or an eBook, upon completing the game.”, Powell added. 

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Empower Retail Sales With E-Commerce 

Investopedia defines electronic retailing as selling products and services online for B2B and B2C companies. E-retailing requires tailoring business models to increase Internet sales. Examples include building Internet web pages, product shipping centers, and other distribution channels. Strong distribution channels play a critical role in moving products to customers.

Coast Appliances Senior Director of Merchandising, Robert Johnson, explained, “The era of empowering physical retail stores with e-retailing or e-commerce presence has come. This bold move is a digital transformation preparation, combining inventory, marketing, and sales tactics to boost overall company reach and revenue. By integrating in-store and online store strategies, retail businesses can improve customer experience and loyalty. The positive domino effects will continue with the use of appropriate tools, such as point-of-sale POS) and inventory management software.” 

Conclusion

Digital transformation will continue evolving and influencing businesses. While business leaders have different approaches to accelerating their digital transformation efforts, they have a common ground as to why they adhere to them. New technologies can significantly improve production processes, quality control, customer support, marketing campaigns, and sales. Therefore, choosing the right tech solutions is crucial to achieving target business goals and gaining long-term benefits.