We are witnessing a pandemic of a magnitude like never before. Given the fact that unprecedented challenges such as pandemics are known to change the course of human history, it is natural that the current situation has exposed us to the vulnerability in our personal and professional life. While staying home means staying safe, it is undoubtedly having a deep impact on the way we perceive our world and everyday lives.
Motivated by the situation, businesses too are devising new strategies for their survival. With on-ground activates coming to a standstill, a lot of individuals and companies are taking the digital route to boost infuse a breath of survival into their business. However, the coronavirus outbreak is not the first to arrive in the digital media, the H1N1 pandemic and the Ebola epidemic all had influenced the digital media. In 2020, the role of digital media has been widely impactful both on personal and professional levels. It appears to be operating on the premise: BE TOGETHER WHEN YOU ARE NOT TOGETHER!
Social media has emerged as a great way for individuals and communities to stay connected even while physically separated. It has in fact been a boon by helping people maintain human contact, at a time when people are unable to meet each other. From being entertained to traveling all around the world virtually and getting the latest news on mobile phones, digital mediums are serving to be a lifeline of the ecosystem. People are able to pursue online courses, educate themselves, learn new skills, get fit with online videos and so much more.
With users exhibiting such a behavioural shift, online business owners are now bucking the trend and being proactive with offering quality content. Brands with a strong online presence are using this opportunity to provide their clients with information and necessary resources. Along with selling their products, they are also supplying essential items and responding to inquiries and complaints quickly. The food industry, in particular, is witnessing a shift, ITC LTD’s Executive Director B. Sumant confirmed in an interview with Economic Times to have partnered with delivery chains such as Zomato, Swiggy, Dominos to deliver their myriad of essential products. Grocery apps such as Big Basket and Grofers are taking a sharp increase in their revenue, while Amazon is boosting its Amazon Pantry service.
Businesses are taking advantage of this lean time to strategize, create content that boosts their brand messaging and managing their work culture through digital mediums. By conducting meetings and conferences through video calls, they are ensuring that work continues as smoothly as possible.
This entire phase proves that while humanity may be battling for survival, the workforce is wining the fight for existence with digital avenues and online tools. By making the transition and going online individuals, start-ups and business houses alike are reducing the impact of the pandemic. The visionaries have realised that turning digital today, can pay off exponentially in the months and years to come. So, if you haven’t made the most of digital marketing, then it’s time to ride the digital wave and to survive the tide.