Top 3 Challenges Businesses Face Online in 2022 and How to Overcome Them

1. 2020 was The Year of Disruption: 2021 will set the new normal for how businesses operate online.

Ever since the web arrived, people have gone online to shop, read the news and keep in touch with friends. But in 2020 many of those behaviours changed. The rise of voice assistants and social media platforms like TikTok radically shifted how people interacted with brands and businesses online.

This change isn’t going to slow down any time soon. During 2021, there were fewer face-to-face interactions and more competition for a customer’s attention online.

In 2020 and into 2021, coronavirus kept many people restricted to their homes, and their buying habits changed as a result. They could no longer walk down their local High Street and support local businesses by stepping through a shop door.

Instead of turning to their local high street, many people found Google had become their go-to for everything. Local businesses’ online presence was badly lacking, and customers were often left disappointed. They tried to support local businesses as best they could. What they got was frustration, caused by outdated and broken websites.

2. Many businesses were forced online in 2020: How to ensure your business continues to compete and stand out online in 2021.

A business website needs regular attention. Customers expect it to work on their device and give them current information.

A useful website lets new customers find you and understand what you offer. Existing clients can come back to it when they need information or want to buy again.

If a website looks out of date or doesn’t work properly on their device, customers will start looking elsewhere. I had over 10 years of web design experience when I wrote this article. Get in touch for an informal chat about improving your website.

3. The pandemic was a digital marketing baptism of fire for small business owners, forced to switch from face to face to online communication with customers. Here’s how a professional website and ongoing digital marketing support can take the pressure off in 2021.

The coronavirus pandemic of 2020-2021 was a digital marketing baptism of fire for small business owners. Many were forced to switch from traditional advertising to digital marketing. So how can you make the most of the change?

A website is a business’s first line of customer contact. It doesn’t sleep or take days off, so it should be your most effective salesperson. Make it as easy as possible for people to find your website and choose you over your competitors.

To cut admin and reach new customers, your website needs to be easy to use and easy to find. Web design, SEO (search engine optimisation) and conversion work all play a part.

Start with what your customers are looking for. Use that to choose relevant keywords and organise the pages, so visitors can find an answer and see how to contact you.

Can someone find your products or services and take the next step without getting stuck?

If you’re starting a new website, it helps to work with a web designer who has the technical and communication skills to explain your business clearly.

I’m available during the week for an informal conversation about what your website needs to do for your business. Contact me to arrange a chat.