Google says the way we do business has permanently changed

The way that we live and work has been forever changed by the COVID-19 pandemic. New Google research suggests that some of those key changes are here to stay, permanently. Its findings on the shift in consumer behaviour are especially intriguing if you’re plotting your new app design or mulling over creating an app for your small business. Google’s research highlights that there are new opportunities to connect with, market to and sell to today’s consumers.

Read on for the search engine’s key insights and suggestions for using these to make your app a must-have.

Ecommerce is here to stay

Arguably the biggest change we have seen as a result of COVID-19 from a consumer perspective has been the speed with which ecommerce has been embraced; even by those who weren’t previously in favour of buying online. Google says, “2020 saw online shopping take off, fuelled by necessity. There was a meaningful increase in the number of people willing to buy groceries, clothing, and even cars online. In the first six months of 2020, for example, nearly 10% of cars were sold online , compared with just 1% of cars sold online during all of 2018.”

The search engine is confident that this shift is here to stay, noting that businesses must focus on convenience and aiding the customer. An app is a great way to do that of course – not only can you include an ecommerce function so users can book or buy directly from their mobile device, you can also incorporate other in-demand features which make life easier for consumers, such as offering click and collect ordering.

Working from home will also become the norm

With millions forced into remote working at the start of the pandemic, most of us will struggle to remember what it was like to have to commute to the office each day. For businesses, the shift to remote working has also been enlightening, opening up cost saving benefits without sacrificing on productivity. With many businesses, such as Facebook, saying early on that workers could choose to remain remote if they wished even when life returned to normal, it’s little surprise that remote work is here to stay.

Google notes that working from home rather than in-the-office gives employees the chance to spend more time on things they enjoy, rather than sitting in traffic or on public transport. It says, “The in-office work model has likely changed forever, shifting consumer habits and workplace cultures. For businesses, this means finding ways to meet people’s most basic needs and taking steps to foster a more resilient workforce.”

Of course, this means there are lots more opportunities (and demand) for apps that can help to facilitate remote collaboration, project management, productivity, communication and organisation.

Consumers are spending less

With many finding that the pandemic has left them out of pocket, budgets are being tightened around the world. Google research indicated that 71% of consumers felt that the pandemic had or would have an impact on their personal finances, meaning purchase decisions have taken on a new significance.

If you’re in the process of having an app designed for your business, an easy way to show a recognition of this change is to include a loyalty or rewards programme. This could mean perks such as free shipping or money off for your loyal customers.