Our expert’s advice for your digital transformation
5 min
Digital is the new norm. More than ever, your business needs to use digital tools to save time and be more efficient, as well as having a visible online presence in order to satisfy your customers and attract new ones. But where do you start with the digital transformation of your business?
Digitalising your business has become a necessity if you want to increase efficiency and visibility. You probably have many questions. Where do you start? Is it complicated? How much will it cost? How can you increase your business’s visibility? What tools should you use?
Geert Brinckman is a digital expert at BNP Paribas Fortis. In this article, he shares the methods and tools that will make a real difference.
Why should you make your business digital? And how can you do it in practical terms?
Your customers are connected
“Today, digitalisation has become crucial for every business, small or large, local or international, regardless of the industry. The internet offers new opportunities: online is where you will retain certain customers and acquire new ones. Today, your success is partly dependent on the web. And in many sectors, an online presence is now crucial is you want to remain relevant and profitable. If a prospective customer needs the service you offer, their search starts online. If they can’t find you there, they will go to a competitor or in any case they’ll be less likely to contact you.”
Huge potential
“According to Eurostat, Belgian businesses rank well above the European average in terms of their digital intensity. However, there’s a gap between consumer behaviour and the online presence of SMEs. Most entrepreneurs I meet are perfectly aware of the challenges, but they’re too busy with their day-to-day activities to tackle the problem and start their digital transformation. Some are worried about the initial cost of investment. But the potential for an SME is enormous. Belgium is near the top of the class in Europe, but we can do even better and it’s clearly in our interests to do so.”
Our role as a bank
“At BNP Paribas Fortis, we can act as a genuine partner in your digitalisation. Why use a bank for this? Because we’re at the heart of a complete ecosystem of services and partners.”
Practical tools to make your decisions easier
An essential step to boost your visibility
“The first step you can take to increase your business’s online visibility is simple, effective and free. With Google My Business, you will quickly appear in Google search results, even if you don’t have a website. Your potential customers will be able to find you easily and know how to contact you, where to find you, and what your opening hours are. Then, once your account is set up, you can update it just in a few clicks.”
Many partners to help you
“Digitalisation can take many forms: a website or webpage, a presence on social media, search engine optimisation, but also the use of management software for your customers, inventories and payments. This involves creating and using dedicated tools, and sometimes replacing them, which isn’t easy! Fortunately, our partners offer practical and user-friendly solutions to make your life easier. They’re also here to help show you how to use these tools day-to-day and optimise them. All at a reasonable price, with several subscription formulas available.”
Managing online payments
“The question of payment methods will arise quickly if you’re launching an online store. Here too, our advisors and our partner Axepta BNP Paribas* are here to help you choose the method that best suits your business. This can be a complex issue if you manage both a physical store and an online store. If you already have a website or plan to develop your online store, you’ll need to integrate the right payment solution into it.”
Our expert’s three tips for successful digitalisation
Assess your digital maturity
“Carry out a Digital Maturity Assessment (DMA) for your business. This is a highly practical questionnaire and it’s relatively short. Based on your answers, we’ll provide you with personalised recommendations. You can even carry out your DMA now, in just a few clicks. It’s an ideal starting point to determine what you really need. A website? A more complex or custom site? A payment terminal? A social media presence? CRM software? An online store? The results of your DMA will point out the digital tools you need.”
Update your websites
“One of the keys to getting a good search engine ranking and increasing your digital visibility is to update your website regularly. Publish the latest information on your products and services, keep the site up to date with your news, and interact with your customers as much as possible. Also, make sure your contact information and opening hours are accurate. You’ll gain a greater digital presence while also projecting a more professional image to people visiting your site. Similarly, don’t leave your customers – existing or prospective – or followers without a response on social media. Thank those who express their satisfaction and offer support to those who are more critical.”
Go hybrid
“The hybrid model is the future in many sectors. This is a model where you have both a physical store and an online store. It’s the best way to meet the expectations of as many customers as possible and seize all opportunities. Your potential customers will no longer have a reason to buy from a major international platform or go to the competition. Of course, this digital transformation involves a significant change and often requires a new organisation. But it’s worth it. And at every step, you can count on your bank to support you with tailored advice. Partnering with you on the path to success is our business, including in the digital world.”