“There’s still a disconnect between brands listening through technology and knowing what to do with the information they’re hearing.” - Didier Bonnet

We are in the midst of the digital age. In a world where technology thrives, and consumers are more tuned in than ever before, for brands and businesses hoping to have a future, digital transformation is a must.

Not long ago, we explained how you and your organisation could prepare for the age of digital transformation - now we're offering a quick-fire online guide on the subject, aimed at helping you enjoy success in the modern world.

The majority (87% to be precise) of companies think that digital transformation is a competitive opportunity. So, to stay ahead of the pack and ensure long-term success, embracing the digital age is a must.

On board? Excellent, we’ll begin…

 

Top conferences in digital

One of the best ways to network, learn, and gain an insight into the world's latest digital developments, is to attend one of the world's top digital conferences. Here are our top picks for 2017:

●      Hero Conf: the top three paid ad spots on Google's search results page get 41% of the clicks. PPC is an essential skill and should be a major part of your digital transformation campaign. Taking place in both London and Los Angeles, Hero Conf is a cutting-edge expo dedicated to the world of pay per click and a trip here is almost guaranteed to help your conversion rate in the long run.

●      Web Summit: as Europe's largest technology marketplace, Lisbon's annual Web Summit boasts more than 650 expert speakers, as well as a place for professionals to share ideas and offer each other key insights into the sometimes bewildering world of digital. The Guardian feel the conference 'defines the ecosystem', and we would have to agree. If you can make it to sunny Lisbon for the conference, you will not regret it.

●      MozCon: this digital marketing conference takes place in Seattle, and if you're looking for guidance on your digital transformation strategy, this is the place to go. Created by digital marketing specialists, Moz, the event is unlike any other digital conference around, and its interactive, innovative approach offers infinite value. In their own words, expect: exceptional speakers; actionable tactics, and lots of snacks.

 

Things you must not overlook when preparing for digital transformation

Digital transformation is an enormous process, and it requires a business to pool together their talents and resources to adopt a new, fresh thinking mindset. There are many things to consider when taking on a digital transformation, but these are things you cannot afford to overlook:

• Setting a start date will get you nowhere: the world of digital is fast, furious, and ever-evolving. To secure your place in the future, you must start your digital transformation today or risk falling behind. You're bound to make a few mistakes along the way, but these will only serve to make your company stronger and more resilient.
• Know your customers: digital transformation is all about being able to adapt to the wants, needs, and desires of the modern consumer and understanding how they use technology to interact with the world around them. Invest an ample amount of time getting to know your customer based with extensive research, surveys, polls, and A/B testing.
• Make your strategy the foundations of your transformation: around 90% of CEOs understand that digital technology is impacting their industry, but less than 15% are digitally transforming with a clear plan. Beat them to the punch by taking the time to roll out a clear and detailed plan based on customer satisfaction, simplicity, and innovation. If everyone knows their role, the company can work together as one effective digital machine and gain an edge on the competition.
• Prepare your workforce: perhaps the most vital piece of advice - to benefit from a fruitful digital transformation, you must make sure your workforce has the skills required to cope. Identify the skills gaps that lurk within your organisation and train your employees to make sure their digital skills are up to scratch and able to help drive your business forward.
• Understand the  Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT): the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is the use of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in manufacturing. Specifically, in manufacturing, IIoT holds great potential for quality control, sustainable and green practices, supply chain traceability, and overall supply chain efficiency. Leading up to 2020, and beyond, IIoT is going to dominate the world of digital, so understanding the concept on a practical level will prove a major part of your future success.

 

The most in-demand digital jobs of 2017

As today's technology is so advanced, new roles are being created to fill the growing demands of the digital world. To give you a clearer indication of the opportunities digital transformation presents, here are the most in-demand digital jobs of the moment:

• SEO Specialist or Inbound Marketer: with Google's search algorithm in constant maturation, it's vital for businesses to have people with the ability to produce content and create strategies to promote search authority, improve visibility, and expand reach online.
• PPC Executive: we explained the importance of PPC or pay per click earlier. Now more sought after than ever, the ability to drive traffic and improve conversions using a targeted, economical approach is a hot role for 2017 and beyond.
• Content Manager: as the world of digital marketing continues to evolve, brands and businesses need a content manager with flawless digital writing skills, SEO knowledge, social media experience, and skills in digital strategy to ensure optimised content is being published on a regular basis and pushed through the right channels.
• UX Designer: ESPN.com revenues jumped 35% after they listened to their community and incorporated suggestions into their homepage redesign. User Experience is everything. Surely that’s reason enough to justify a top quality UX designer?

Start your digital transformation immediately, work as a cohesive team, take heed of the above advice, and you will enjoy a long and prosperous commercial more future. And for more priceless information, check out Due Digital's Insights.

 

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