Digitalisation is a major factor behind the changes in consumer behaviour today. The new changing trends can impact consumer demands and behaviour. While these trends can be difficult to identify, there are necessary for businesses if they want to survive in this hyper-competitive environment.
Today, customers have the power of social media, which allows them to make or break the brand image of any business within seconds. They use various apps and social media platforms to gather information about brands.
As a result, it is changing how businesses build customer relationships with them. So what are the major shifts in consumer demands today due to digitalisation? Let’s learn more about it in this article.
Major Shifts in the Consumer Demands in the Age of Digitalisation
The consumer today would prefer various factors other than the price before choosing a product and service. Here are the shifts in the consumer mindset today due to digitalisation.
1. Omni-Marketing Channels
One of the most important changes you’ll see in consumer trends is their desire to enjoy a smooth shopping experience. It means if they search for a product on a particular platform, they should easily purchase it without any issues.
For instance, if a customer is looking for a product through their PC, they should have the convenience of purchasing it through the website. If they are using their mobile phones, you should have an interactive mobile app that allows them to navigate through various similar products.
Therefore, it is more than necessary for businesses today to create a marketing strategy that focuses on various channels. It should give the user an experience tailor-made for their needs and preferences.
2. Word of Mouth
What is the most vital element for a business? It is the public image and opinions about their brand. Most people build their perceptions about a brand by listening and understanding what others have to say about it. Thus, word of mouth is critical in helping you grow your brand image.
Today, word of mouth has become more significant than it was before due to social media. Digitalisation has increased its scope, and any news about a brand can spread like wildfire.
A bad review or negative remark about any brand can change the consumers’ perception of your brand. Therefore, businesses should take note of the customers’ tolerance levels which are changing due to digitalisation.
3. Mindset about the Prices
In the past, the priority for most customers was to find a product that is relatively cheaper. They would prefer to find a product that is affordable, even if it gives them lower value than other pricey items. However, that is not the case with consumers today.
Digitalisation is making consumers’ lives relatively easier and more convenient. Therefore, they focus more on the value they get from the product rather than prices. Consumers today would prefer to pay higher prices for a product or service that offers them more value in terms of quality, customer support, etc
4. Marketing Preferences
The most critical change you see in consumers’ demands and preferences today is the marketing strategy. Today, consumers will have a different level of trust and engagement with traditional sources of information. Therefore, the digital counterparts have now become a more reliable option.
Thus, most people now form relationships with a brand depending on the opinions people share on various platforms. Most brands today focus on increasing their engagement with consumers through digital modes.
5. Delivery Services
Lastly, consumers now prefer to enjoy getting their favourite items at their doorstep without leaving the comfort of their homes. They would prefer brands that offer them a wide range of delivery and shipping options. It is a major change that we see after the Covid-19 pandemic.
And not just that, but customers also prefer businesses to give a shipping and cargo track and trace service for their products. This way, they’ll have a clear idea about the delivery of their products.
The primary reason behind this change in consumer demand is digitalisation. It has become easier for customers to order things online and get them within a couple of days.
Changing Consumers Trends and Digitalisation: Final Word
The world is rapidly moving towards digitalisation, and it is significantly the consumer demands and preferences. Businesses need to have a good idea about the changing consumer trends and behaviour to offer those goods and services that will fulfil their needs.
Most importantly, businesses must incorporate technologies and digital solutions to help them understand the changing consumer trends. Digitalisation isn’t just happening for consumers, but it is also critical for businesses for sustainable long-term growth.
