“In the near future, everything that is not digital will not be.”

Many specialists in the business sector see digitization as a tool for growth and survival.

On a global level, consumption habits have changed notably. Companies have been forced to refocus their business, adopting new digital techniques sooner than anticipated.

Boom of online commerce during 2020 – 2021

 In 2021, the use of digital technologies increased at an astonishing speed. This caused many daily activities to move to the digital area.

Among other reasons, this was due to the mobility restrictions caused by the pandemic. People feared being exposed to the virus and enjoyed the convenience of shopping from home. 2020 was a year full of challenges for retail, but data provided by eMarketer showed that the e-commerce channel grew by 16.5% compared to the previous year.

Despite the fact that restrictions are easing, there are many people who still prefer to shop online. 

Covid-19 has transformed online commerce forever

The health crisis has highlighted the trend towards digitization. To survive in this new environment, companies must establish digital strategies. According to Kantar experts, it is advisable that retailers focus on improving and innovating their e-commerce strategy. 

Two out of every three companies that gain market share today will have a higher share in 2025. Companies that started digital practices during 2021 will have a better chance of coming out of this crisis stronger, since it can provide an impetus for its expansion and growth. 

The European Commission states that companies with a higher level of digitization will be more competitive than the rest.

Digitization as a tool for the internationalisation of companies

Digitization plays an important role in the growth of small and medium-sized companies that want to internationalise. Having a digital strategy is an excellent way to operate in foreign markets.

The internet and e-commerce can help companies to achieve their commercial objectives. This includes acquiring new consumers, establishing business relationships and discovering international partners to connect with across the world.

In order to have a successful business, a good strategy is essential. It should be tailored to the company individually and factor in components of the market. Marketplaces are another way to internationalise a business. Digital markets allow companies to go direct to the final consumer through B2C operations. Marketplaces became a trend in 2021 due to the consequences of the pandemic, adapting technology and the need to satisfy new generations. 

According to data provided by SEMrush, traffic and sales on Amazon have increased more than 250%.

In fact, SMEs that sell in Europe through this marketplace have grown by 50% in the last few years, generating “200 million euros in sales to international customers.”  In Latin America, online commerce is increasing more and more. Among its digital markets, Mercadolibre stands out, a platform that has 14 million registered users.  Despite offering consumer goods exclusively from China, AliExpress makes sales internationally. E-bay is one of the most recognised US marketplaces in the world. 

How2Go invites you to explore ways of internationalising your company from digitization. We offer you a personalised professional service guided by our experts, which will allow you to take advantage of the opportunities that this channel offers.