It is a lesson so many companies have recently learned the hard way: the demands of the market can shift drastically and without warning. The advent of e-commerce amid the global pandemic has stressed the need for nimble digital strategies that draw in customers and provide continuity of service—even in challenging times. As consumers increasingly favor virtual shopping experiences, many companies, accustomed to storefront operations, have been left scrambling to reimagine their business model and meet customers where they are. But these rapid changes do not have to spell doom for a company’s revenue stream: They present an exciting opportunity for brand innovation and reinvention.

As the economy continues to fluctuate, some entrepreneurs have found themselves wading into uncharted waters, increasing their reliance on digital communication and advertising. Virtual conferencing is vastly different from face-to-face communication, but strategic use of this technology can give companies the edge as they navigate new frontiers. Furthermore, not all digital marketing strategies are the same; every company must follow data-driven best practices for maximum outreach, customer service and efficiency. Here are a few of the best strategies for optimizing digital resources in an evolving economy.

Meet Virtually

Virtual conferencing has now become a standard operating procedure for many small businesses and large corporations. The benefits? Telecommuting helps prevent large congregations of employees, allowing for safer daily operations and decreasing dependence on physical office space. Despite these advantages, not every employee is well-versed in virtual meeting etiquette, which can make maintaining professionalism a challenge, especially when courting clients and customers. Some helpful tips for virtual meetings: Dress in business casual and declutter your environment. Keep your webcam at eye-level by placing it on a pile of books and face a light source, like a window, to brighten your appearance. These small details can make a huge impact in your online presence, so take care to put your best foot forward.

Get Educated. Stay Informed.

Digital resources, like Spotify podcasts or quality YouTube tutorials, can be a great way to stay informed on news and latest trends in market practices. Video platforms can also be a fantastic means of sending out company-wide messages and training videos, so that employees are in the loop, able to meet shifting demands of the digital era. Every professional should be clued in on what’s happening in the world and in their specific industry, making digital subscriptions to magazines and virtual coaching a must. With so much misinformation flying around on the internet, reading authoritative sources with strict editorial standards can set you and your enterprise apart from the rest, honing your practices and personal efficacy.

Communicate Openly and Prudently

These are stressful times. Relying on email and navigating unfamiliar technologies requires patience and persistence, grace, and resilience. Now more than ever, positive virtual communication is essential to achieving responsive business practices and a healthy work culture. Setting a positive tone in virtual meetings through fun team-building activities can be a smart way of building rapport and meeting objectives. Engaging in routine, healthy discussions about what’s working and what’s not is also vital to moving forward as a cohesive unit. Some helpful advice: when speaking with colleagues, avoid accusatory “you” phrases in one-on-one discussions; hone your writer’s voice to be upbeat and optimistic; and when in doubt, ask someone to read over that message before you hit send.

Think Before You Share

Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, and Instagram, have enabled businesses to build up a recognizable brand quickly and engage customers easily. However, they are also rife with misinformation, false news, and unreliable data. Companies should use caution before sharing posts on social media accounts. One of the fastest ways to undermine your digital strategy is for your company’s social media presence to become a hub of dubious information, void of facts and relevance. The pitfalls are endless. Headlines about companies alienating customers by posting misleading or insensitive information are everywhere. Employing substantive, data-driven social media practices is a safe bet for driving up virtual sales and cultivating brand loyalty. Assembling diverse focus groups to review advertisements and company communications can also spare you from embarrassing public relations nightmares down the road.

Use Professional Graphic Design Companies to Your Advantage

One misstep small businesses often make when launching or rebuilding their brand is failing to consult with professional graphic designers. While designing ads and logos on your own doesn’t always equal disaster, nothing quite compares to the sharpness and professionalism of top-notch graphic design services, like ours at Triple T Designs. Customers have many options to choose from when buying products, but an attractive website or advertisement can draw customers in like a magnet. When fashioning a digital marketing campaign or creating a new logo for a business venture, clever and appealing design services can take your digital outreach to the next level and lend credibility to your brand. When meeting the virtual moment, every detail counts. A digital strategy produced by top talent can boost sales and open new doors for your company, helping you exceed goals and skillfully navigate the challenges ahead.