Filipino entrepreneurs, who are not tech-forward, initially struggled to adjust. However, the global situation has made it easier for entrepreneurs and established corporations to transition to digital platforms.
New Normal
The Philippine government implemented strict lockdowns due to the World Health Organization’s global health crisis, leaving roads empty and businesses closed. Only hospitals and essential establishments opened. The pandemic lasted longer than expected, forcing entrepreneurs to find ways to keep their businesses afloat. With no specific end date, this signaled the need for entrepreneurs to transition fully digital.
Everyone had to adapt, and many conventional enterprises underwent a complete transformation. They began making websites, using e-forms and signatures, live selling on social media, and setting up Facebook and Instagram profiles. Customers who favored in-person interactions had to adopt digital methods. Everyone in every industry made the shift.
Why Filipino Business Owners Have Finally Turned to Online Sales
Without considering statistics, the explanation is straightforward: they were forced to adjust. This is the more thorough explanation:
Filipinos are online all the time.
With 79 million internet users in 2019, more than half of the population, the Philippines is ranked 12th in the world for internet usage. The internet is used for various purposes, with the Philippines being online for almost 11 hours daily. During the pandemic, people spent countless hours browsing the internet, demonstrating the importance of online markets for businesses. The pandemic’s strict lockdown restrictions further emphasized the need for businesses to adapt to the growing online presence.
Have more diverse clientele.
Word-of-mouth referrals are now digitized, allowing for product reviews on personal accounts, blogs, and Google reviews. Marketing advertisements can reach hundreds of thousands of potential customers across the country through social media sharing. Publication materials can be accessed globally via Google Ads, making the internet world an endless resource for businesses. This digital transformation allows for a more efficient and targeted marketing strategy.
To reduce expenses
The internet offers a rent-free home for brands, allowing easy creation of social media pages, posting marketing materials for free using templates in editing apps and websites, and promoting through services like Google Ads or Facebook Ads. Starting a business is minimally cost-effective compared to building a physical store, making setting up a brand’s online presence and creating a website a priority.
The Inception of the Online Sales Boom
Before the pandemic, customers used the internet for buying and selling, but it lacked credibility. As people trusted the internet, branded e-commerce platforms emerged, allowing customers to buy items unavailable in stores or avail discounts exclusive to the site.
One of the best examples of e-commerce’s success in the Philippines is Sulit.com.ph, which changed its name to OLX.ph in 2006. Carousell, a global marketplace, acquired the platform, enhancing its credibility. People initially prefer these platforms due to their high-authority websites and easy communication with buyers before sales.
Before Sulit.com.ph, many B2B and B2C brands were already online. As digital literacy increased, these sites gained traction, attracting entrepreneurs from all industries. They could tap into different markets while having a physical store. This created a massive demand for web design companies to ensure the best for their brands, as they now have the luxury of selling online while having a physical store.
Why Did They Decide to Begin Right Away?
The convenience provided by digital companies has given entrepreneurs a competitive edge in the market. In the “New Normal,” entrepreneurs have the opportunity to become well-known and hit the charts. SMEs have access to numerous websites and apps, including popular platforms like Shopee, Lazada, Zalora, and Facebook Marketplace. These digital platforms have enabled businesses to access a wide range of products and services, making them more accessible and accessible to consumers.
Filipino entrepreneurs are increasingly focusing on creating websites for their brands due to the growth it has brought to SMEs and the assurance in companies with a website. Trusted website developer High6 is a top choice for famous brands looking for a reliable e-commerce website builder. They specialize in creating custom websites that reflect a company’s best light and ensure high sales volume. Some notable e-commerce websites they have created include Cravewell and Kumusta Mart. As Filipino entrepreneurs transition to digital platforms, they now handle their businesses from the comfort of their homes, promoting a more convenient and accessible living environment in the Philippines.
