Today “digital” is in everything, from “digital health” to “digital transformation” of businesses. In this blog, we hopefully can answer your questions and give you basic information about Digital- Expectation vs. Reality. Businesses now have entire “digital divisions” that handle the company’s presence, communication and sales channels in the digital world. However, many business owners still struggle to understand how to leverage this 21st century wonder in the best way. In this article we’ll address a few of the most important misconceptions around Digital. This should make life a little easier for the business owner trying to decide how to leverage digital processes.
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Websites and Social selling
Expectation: Building a website is either a really expensive, or a really time-consuming process
Reality: It is true that most website building options seem to be geared either for really early-stage, or shoe-string budget companies which need one-pager websites, or for large, well-funded companies or startups with $200K to spend on a website.
However, there are plenty of options with two different approaches to build really capable websites for mid-size or growing firms which need modern, dynamic websites with eCommerce and excellent securitization. The first is to purchase the paid plan options with popular DIY platforms like Wix, Squarespace, etc.1 They offer good customization and of course, the eCommerce and security requirements are already taken care of. However, you do need to spend the time to learn and build the website.
The other approach is to consult with a professional designer to assess how much customization you really need. With modern tools, good professional designers are one-stop shops- they’ll build an SEO-optimized WordPress website, and hand it over to you with a turn-key approach. Most larger designers like Manipal Digital will also optimize the visual images and videos. When deciding between the approaches, place a premium on your time. If you do decide to hire a designer, place a premium on the trust-worthiness and reputation of the designer.
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3D content
Expectation: “great to have”, but an unnecessary extravagance in most cases
Reality: Things are moving faster than you realize. In less than three years product sites without interactive 3D content are going to have as much traction as a tinder profile without a picture. Businesses, especially those with physical consumer products like shoes, clothes etc. at least need to start thinking about how to incorporate 3D. If your business wants to have a presence in virtual reality e.g in the Metaverse, a solid 3D content strategy becomes even more imperative. While not everyone needs ultra-expensive 3D animation, some interactive experience such as product rotation, zoom in to see details, etc. may be necessary.
Unfortunately there is still a significant gap between the business need for 3D content, and the ease of creation of these models. Unless you are a skilled 3D model creator, creating even simple 3D models in Google Sketchup and adding them to websites has a significant learning curve2. No doubt in the future AI will play a major role in this area and make it much, much easier for DIYers to create 3D content. That day isn’t here yet. Therefore, it is very important for business owners to find reliable 3D content experts to discuss their requirements, understand costs, and make informed decisions.
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Web3: The Future of the Internet
Expectation: There is no value in building digital content for the “old” internet if everything is going to go to “Web 3.0” soon anyway
Reality: The internet has done to the world what electricity did 100 years previously. With every business now so heavily dependent on a strong web presence. It is easy to get swept up into the fear-mongering around the obsolescence of the internet in a matter of months. The truth is, what’s commonly called Web 3.0 or Web 3 is a natural progression of content that started with simple. The static pages and evolved into dynamic, interactive content. Web3 is envisioned to focus heavily on securitization and decentralization, in the process “giving power back to the people”.
However, that’s far from set in stone. The reality is that while Web3’s use of blockchain. Cryptocurrencies and NFTs will open exciting new opportunities. It’ll be a while before you have to worry about revamping all your existing content. There is plenty of “juice in the battery”, as they say! What IS important that you always keep your ear close to the ground to understand people’s changing preferences. The exciting new tech trends, and develop content with a high degree of stickiness based on both those changing factors.
One way to do this easily is to partner with knowledgeable consultants that take care of this and a lot more. Whether it is building content for augmented reality. Deciding which platform to use, or building your visual content for you. Manipal Digital offers consulting-to-execution services in virtually every step of building a real digital presence that builds strong commercial value. We partner with you to understand your business needs. To suggest the most techno-commercially optimized way to do that with minimal fuss so you can concentrate on building your business, not your digital content!
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Digital content creation can be daunting for many business owners. Hiring a good digital consultant is a great way to re-focus attention on growing the brand.
