A MAJOR bank is revamping its website and mobile app to make them more consumer-friendly. A large utilities company is completely rebuilding its website and creating a new app to target the consumer market. A medium-sized retail chain is overhauling its website to improve the online buying experience of consumers.
These are just some of the companies revamping their online presence from among the many organizations that we are working with in the Philippines, like a tsunami that is far from slowing down. While many organizations launched their new mobile apps and websites last year, this year is especially remarkable as organizations, from small to large, race against their competition to enhance their online presence. Why is this happening now?
Companies in the Philippines are increasingly recognizing the imperative to revamp their websites and mobile apps to stay competitive, enhance user experience, and capitalize on the opportunities presented by the digital realm. In the dynamic landscape of the digital age, businesses across the globe are continuously adapting to meet the evolving demands of consumers. The Philippines, with its burgeoning economy and tech-savvy populace, is no exception.
One of the primary reasons driving this trend is the relentless pursuit of innovation and staying ahead of the curve. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, companies understand that embracing technological advancements is essential for survival. For instance, well-established companies like Globe Telecom and Smart Communications, two of the leading telecommunications providers in the Philippines, have invested significantly in revamping their websites and mobile apps to offer seamless connectivity solutions and enhance the user experience. By continuously updating their digital platforms, these companies not only retain their existing customer base but also attract new users who value convenience and efficiency.
Moreover, the exponential growth of e-commerce in the Philippines has fueled the need for companies to optimize their online presence. With the rise of online shopping platforms such as Lazada, Shopee and Zalora, consumers now expect a frictionless and intuitive online shopping experience. Consequently, companies operating in various sectors, including retail, banking and hospitality, are compelled to overhaul their websites and mobile apps to provide users with a seamless shopping experience.
A prime example is Jollibee Foods Corp., one of the largest and fastest-growing Asian restaurant companies. Jollibee revamped its website and launched a user-friendly mobile app to cater to the increasing demand for online food delivery services. This strategic move not only streamlined the ordering process but also boosted customer engagement and satisfaction.
Furthermore, the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation across industries, prompting companies to reassess their digital strategies. With lockdowns and social distancing measures in place, consumers turned to online channels for essential goods, services and entertainment.
Consequently, companies in the Philippines, ranging from traditional brick-and-mortar businesses to emerging startups, swiftly pivoted toward digital solutions to adapt to the new normal. For instance, Philippine Airlines (PAL), the flag carrier of the Philippines, revamped its website and mobile app to offer contactless booking, check-in and travel management services. By embracing digital innovation, PAL not only catered to the changing needs of travelers but also prioritized safety and convenience.
Moreover, the increasing penetration of smartphones and affordable internet connectivity has democratized access to digital services, making it imperative for companies to optimize their mobile platforms. With a substantial percentage of the population accessing the internet primarily through smartphones, companies recognize the importance of delivering a seamless mobile experience to reach and engage with their target audience effectively.
For example, food delivery platforms like Foodpanda and GrabFood have witnessed a surge in demand, prompting them to enhance their mobile apps to accommodate the growing user base. By revamping their mobile apps, these platforms have streamlined the ordering process, integrated new features such as real-time tracking, and improved the overall user experience.
In addition to meeting consumer expectations, revamping websites and mobile apps also offers companies invaluable insights into consumer behavior and preferences through data analytics. By leveraging advanced analytics tools, companies can gather actionable insights into user interactions, preferences, and purchasing patterns. These insights enable companies to make informed decisions, personalize user experiences, and tailor their offerings to meet the evolving needs of their target audience. For example, financial institutions like BPI and BDO have revamped their digital platforms to offer personalized banking services, intuitive financial management tools, and proactive customer support based on data-driven insights.
In sum, the digital revolution has ushered in an era of unprecedented opportunities and challenges for companies in the Philippines. The imperative to revamp websites and mobile apps stems from the need to innovate, adapt to changing consumer behavior, and capitalize on the immense potential of the digital realm. By embracing digital transformation, companies not only enhance their competitiveness but also foster customer loyalty, drive business growth, and pave the way for a more digitally inclusive future. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, companies that prioritize digital innovation will undoubtedly thrive in the ever-changing business landscape of the Philippines.
The author is the founder and CEO of Hungry Workhorse, a digital, culture and customer experience transformation consulting firm. He is a fellow at the US-based Institute for Digital Transformation. He teaches strategic management and digital transformation in the MBA Program of De La Salle University. The author may be emailed at
rey.lugtu@hungryworkhorse.com