Digital Communication, An Essential Interaction Tool for Modern Businesses

Access and use of digital information have become part of our daily lives. Around 4 billion people worldwide have access to the Internet and use it regularly. Therefore, digital communication is essential.  Digital Communication allows us to reach global audiences more effectively and economically than traditional media. Let's learn more about digital communication in our blog.

What is Digital Communication?

Digital communication refers to exchanging information through digital platforms and electronic media. With the proliferation and democratisation of technology and the Internet, digital communication has radically transformed how companies interact with customers, employees, and other business stakeholders.  

Digital communication occurs in more complex environments since users can interact in real time in different ways and channels. Consequently, today's digital communication is multilevel and multichannel. 

Related - 4 Main Types of Business Communication

Interesting Facts - Digital Communication

• According to HubSpot, 88% of companies consider digital communication essential to their marketing strategy.
• Social Media Today informs that 60% of consumers affirm that a company's presence on social networks influences their purchasing decisions.
• In recent years, the demand for professionals in digital communication has increased by 40%.
• Forbes suggests that 70% of companies consider the lack of skills in digital communication a barrier to their growth.

Benefits of Digital Communication for Businesses

Breaks down geographical barriers

Digital communication allows people and companies to communicate worldwide, breaking geographical barriers. Brands can convey their message to potential customers anywhere on the planet, helping them expand their reach, improve visibility, and become known in different markets.

Facilitates faster and more efficient interaction

Digital communication allows you to stay up-to-date with what is happening. Its direct and horizontal nature allows companies to interact immediately and effectively with their audience. They can maintain greater interaction with consumers and respond more quickly to complaints and claims, resulting in customer satisfaction.

Reduces marketing costs

Digital communication is an excellent marketing tool with lower costs than traditional advertising. Digital communication channels simplify designing and launching campaigns and increase their reach. They are a simple and economical way to spread the brands' values ​​and messages. They also allow you to track campaigns in real-time, which speeds up decision-making and improves ROI.

Expands audience knowledge

Tools that facilitate digital communication, such as social networks or applications, are a valuable source of information for companies. Through them, they can better understand their potential customers to design products and services that meet their needs or launch more effective campaigns that resonate with their values ​​and expectations.

Transmits multimedia information

The different digital communication systems provide many possibilities for sending information companies can use to attract the public's attention and generate greater engagement. The use of videos, audio, live broadcasts, augmented reality, or chats allows you to leverage the potential of digital communication.

Also Read - 10 Must-Read Business Communication Books in 2024

Examples of Digital Communication

Digital communication involves using information and communication technologies to create, share and consume information instantly and globally. Some examples of digital communication include:

• Social Networks: Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn allow users to share messages, images, videos and links instantly with a broad audience.
• Blogs and Vlogs: Blogs and video blogs are popular forms of digital communication where creators regularly share content on specific topics, from technology to travel.
• Email: Email communication is a fundamental example of Digital Communication in the professional and personal sphere.
• Instant Messaging: Applications like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Messenger allow real-time communication through text, voice and video messages.
• Podcasts: Podcasts are digital audio programs that cover various topics and allow listeners to access content on demand.
• Online Advertising: Digital marketing strategies, such as social media ads, Google Ads, and website banners, are forms of digital communication companies use to reach their audiences.
• Websites and Portals: Online information and services, through websites and portals, are essential for the digital communication of companies, organizations and media.
• Video conferencing: Platforms like Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet allow online face-to-face communication, facilitating remote meetings and collaboration.
• Virtual and Augmented Reality: Technologies such as virtual and augmented reality offer immersive digital communication experiences in fields such as entertainment and education.
• Online Forums: Online discussion spaces, such as Reddit, Quora, and other forums, allow people to share opinions, ask questions, and collaborate in virtual communities.

Characteristics of Digital Communication

1. Flexibility and Reach: Digital communication allows you to choose when and with whom to communicate, regardless of geographic location.
2. Predominance of Verbal Communication: Verbal communication is more prevalent than nonverbal. Compared to in-person conversations, verbal interactions are usually brief and less detailed.
3. Limited Non-Verbal Cues: Digital communication relies on screens and speakers, transmitting limited information. Text, abbreviations, and emojis require encoding and decoding, leading to misunderstandings. Video chats and conferences provide some non-verbal cues but still lack the depth of face-to-face interactions.
4. Connecting with Like-Minded People: Digital platforms allow you to connect with individuals who share your interests, facilitating socialisation and idea exchange. For example, joining a social media group lets you interact with others with similar hobbies.
5. Cost-Effectiveness: Digital communication is often inexpensive. Social networks and internet calls are usually free, reducing the need for paper and contributing to environmental conservation. Even books can be downloaded electronically, saving on printing costs.
6. Storage of Personal Information: Personally identifiable information can be stored on digital devices, offering convenience for tasks like mobile payments and access verifications. However, caution must be exercised to prevent device loss or theft.
7. Data Copying and Modification: Digital messages, friends, comments, and photos are stored as data on servers, which can be easily copied, modified, or republished. This poses significant challenges for digital communicators and highlights the crucial need for digital security.

Top Online Digital Communication Courses

• Digital Communication - Online Edition
• Graduate Certificate in Digital Communication
• Digital Communication and Emotion
• Master of Science in Digital Communication Analytics
• M.S. in Digital Communication

Conclusion

Digital communication is an essential part of the success of the vast majority of companies. Not only does it allow you to communicate immediately with consumers or potential clients and reduce costs, but is the best way for companies to transmit their message and the values ​​of their brand.

In addition to helping you better understand your customers, digital communication can also be very effective internally and help strengthen the cohesion and sense of belonging of teams.