Now that Britain has crept out of lockdown, it’s time to take stock and look at what we’ve learnt. Hidden away in the data from this difficult period are lessons that can make us better businesses – and there’s one lesson in particular that you can’t afford to ignore: online is no longer options – it’s necessary!

Of course, we’ve been saying this for a long time. And, to be fair, we’re not the only ones. It’s common knowledge that the trend towards digitalisation – ecommerce, social media, video streaming, connectivity, and more – is one of the most disruptive trends in the world. But what you might not yet realise is that the companies who are already getting it right online are the ones that have come out on top during lockdown. And if you’ve made it this far without being one of them, it’s time to up your game. Here are some facts you should know:

58% of UK consumers – so well over half – say they’re now shopping more online than they did before the coronavirus pandemic. This huge increase has also had a lasting effect on the brands they buy, with 88% of people globally saying they will stay loyal to the new brands they trialled during lockdown. At the same time, UK retail footfall fell by 31% in August, demonstrating that there is just as much to lose as there is to win.

This isn’t just about where we buy products – it’s about where we find services, where we consume news, where we look for recommendations, and where we choose to talk to the businesses we buy from. The world is heading online – and while you probably can’t afford to shut up shop and go entirely virtual yet, the facts are clear: if you don’t have a grace A+ website, online marketing strategy, and digital-ready brand, you are going to struggle to compete.

At Kiss, we can provide everything your business needs to thrive in the online world. We offer web design, graphic design, copywriting, marketing advice, brand strategy and more. So if you need help building a new website, creating content or a marketing campaign online, or even just freshening up your brand to make it fir for the online world, give Kiss a call on 01675 446101.