Jun 18, 2020
Businesses locally in New Zealand and globally
have rapidly moved to the digital environment during COVID-19. What we’re experiencing is no doubt a
catalyst for change. Although there is uncertainty about what the future holds,
one thing we’re sure on is - it will be digital.
As many organisations have accelerated to
transform their business digitally means the online world has become a
competitive landscape. Customers are now
seeking a better user experience more than ever, when interacting with your business
online.
There is an increase of more than 7% worldwide
internet users during April-May 2020 compared to 2019.
“DataReportal analysis
indicates that 4.57 billion people now use the internet, an increase
of more than 7% since this time last year. Social media users are growing even
faster, up by more than 8% since April 2019 to reach 3.81
billion today” – Simon Kemp, CEO of Kepios and Chief Analyst at
DataReportal.
Customer digital interactions due to COVID-19
The shift in digital interactions with customers due to COVID is reflected in their increase of time spent on devices and a change in their buying behaviours. When researching for products, customers’ preference for shopping online has jumped significantly.
According to McKinsey & Company’s findings,
businesses see digital interactions as two to three times more important in
comparison to traditional sales interactions. As a result, e-commerce demand is rising.
Credit: McKinsey & Company
Credit: Simon Kemp, CEO of Kepios and chief analyst at DataReportal
Every
industrial revolution was catalysed by a major technological evolution
– Deloitte 2020 Global Marketing Trends
From the data gathered, we can see customers are spending more time
shopping online in their homes and an increase on the impact of ecommerce
transactions. The leading industries worldwide being home furnishings and DIY,
sports equipment and supermarkets.
· 59% of consumers
worldwide had high levels of interaction with physical stores before COVID-19,
but now only 24% expect to return to that level.
· In the next 6–9
months, just 39% of consumers expect a high level of interaction with physical
stores.
· Before the crisis, 30% say that they had high levels of interaction with online channels, but now 37% see themselves in that light.
Credit: Simon Kemp, CEO
of Kepios and chief analyst at DataReportal
We know customers have increased their digital activity, but where and how are they making their online purchases?
If we hone down to local activity in New Zealand, 88% of Kiwis search
for a product or service to buy online. 70% visit an online retail store and
complete their purchase.
Current top ecommerce categories in New Zealand include furniture, appliances, food, personal care, followed closely by fashion, beauty, DIY, toys and hobbies.
Credit: Simon Kemp, CEO
of Kepios and chief analyst at DataReportal
The current climate has changed the way
buyers and sellers interact and has propelled businesses forward to get in
front of their customers virtually. With
the increase of customer buying activity, has led them to an expectation of a
seamless and better user experience when making a purchase or enquiring your
services online.
A good digital
experience starts with a good website
Free
website audit
We have partnered with Business Refinery
and offering our Think IT customers with a free website audit.
We will examine your existing website to
assess how it’s performing; is it being found online by your customers and
determine whether it’s optimised to achieve your online traffic and sales goals.
To get your website audited please
contact us on contact@business-refinery.com
We are living in an era of unprecedented technological innovation.
Survive. Drive. Thrive.
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