The last year has been challenging for businesses of all sizes and survival has been the bare minimum for most.

But as vaccination programs roll out across the globe and we move towards a more optimistic future, businesses can begin not only to survive but to thrive in a brave new world.

That said, a year spent at home has transformed the way we trade, and with the internet bridging the gap between companies and customers, every stage of that process has been affected by our new-found reliance on virtual spaces.

This has been reflected in the soaring spend on digital marketing services. But as more and more companies become switched on to this form of promotion, how will it change the game in a post-pandemic world?

Ecommerce is easier - and harder - than ever

As consumers, each and every one of us has appreciated the convenience of shopping online, and even when physical shops open up again, ecommerce isn't going to vanish overnight.

On paper, this is excellent news for businesses that hope to continue trading online alongside their physical shops. But with consumers so reliant on corporate giants like Amazon, whose net profits have soared during the pandemic, small businesses have a lot to compete with - including the low pricing, round-the-clock customer service and next day delivery that larger companies offer.

For independent brands, this is simply not viable. But it doesn't mean they can't compete at all.

And in fact, over the last year, many consumers have made a concerted effort to support small businesses. This doesn't mean you can sit back and relax, but it does mean that with a little work, you can build your customer base online.

Why does digital marketing matter?

The term digital marketing refers to a number of online strategies that boost your presence in search engines, gain social media traction and most importantly, drive sales. These include but are not limited to search engine optimisation (SEO), content and social media marketing, and PPC (pay-per-click) marketing.

For those new to the intricacies of the online realm, digital marketing agencies can provide vital support to kick off your campaign the right way. Maratopia Digital Marketing are experts in all facets of digital marketing and will help put together your campaign from scratch.

A good online presence starts with a well-designed website that is accessible, easy-to-use, and reflects your brand's values. These are just the basics, but a strong SEO campaign will ensure your site ranks in search engines, making it easier for users to find you.

Digital marketing also enables businesses to build connections with customers in a unique way. For instance, a well-curated social media campaign allows digital interactions to become listening opportunities, allowing brands to respond in real-time to customers' wants and demands and personalize their output for audiences. Meanwhile, content marketing enables you to stand out from the crowd and establish your brand as an expert at the top of your field.

For SMEs, digital marketing could be the difference between a wasted web effort and a post-pandemic boost. And when done right, it will put your business ahead of the competition.