Digital transformation: an essential growth driver

Today, digital technology has changed the way we live, consume and work. Whether you run a small boutique, a local business or a large organization, digital has become part of your daily routine. Your customers expect quick answers, personalized service and a seamless experience, whether online or in-store.

New technologies - artificial intelligence, cloud tools, data, augmented reality - aren't just gadgets. They help you save time, better understand your customers and simplify your processes. Imagine being able to anticipate your audience's needs or automate time-consuming tasks: that's the power of digital!

Yet for many small and medium-sized businesses, taking the plunge can be a daunting prospect. Lack of budget, fear of using the wrong tool, difficulty in measuring results... These concerns are legitimate. But in a world of accelerating competition and ever-changing customer habits, waiting too long can be costly.

The good news? You're not alone. There are solutions tailored to your size and needs. Digital transformation is not a race against technology, but an opportunity to strengthen your relationship with your customers, improve your efficiency and secure your company's future.

Digital is no longer an option, it's an asset for staying close, responsive and competitive. Why not start simply, at your own pace?

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Digital transformation: the challenges facing small businesses

While digital transformation represents an opportunity for growth, it remains a major challenge for VSEs and SMEs. Unlike large companies, these structures often have limited resources, both financial and human, which slows down their adoption of digital tools. The lack of in-house skills and the fear of a heavy or unprofitable investment are all obstacles to their digitalization.

A striking example is that of local businesses, which have long lagged behind in their digital transition. According to the France Num 2024 Barometer, 67% of VSEs and SMEs now have a website presenting their business, a figure that is rising but still means that a third of businesses remain absent online. As far as management tools are concerned, 67% use invoicing software, 65% accounting software, but only 24% have an ERP package, revealing a lag in the use of advanced solutions.

Despite this progress, obstacles remain: more than half of companies without a website consider it irrelevant to their sector, while one in five believes they lack the financial resources. Yet 79% of business leaders recognize the benefits of digital technology, particularly in terms of improving customer relations (77%) and boosting profitability (42%). If they fail to make the transition, they run the risk of widening the gap with their competitors and slowing down their development.

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Affordable solutions to kick-start your digital transition

Online presence and digital visibility

Having an online presence is the essential first step for any company wishing to succeed in its digital transformation. A well-designed website informs customers, promotes expertise and generates business opportunities. 

In addition, social networks have become essential tools for increasing visibility and interacting with your community. Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and even TikTok offer communication opportunities tailored to every business sector. 

Finally, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a strategic lever for attracting qualified traffic to your site and appearing at the top of search results.

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E-business as a growth driver

E-commerce represents a major opportunity for SMEs. In 2024, e-commerce sales in France reached €175.3 billion, up 9.6% on 2023. 

This progression underlines the evolution of consumer habits and the importance of a solid digital strategy. More and more consumers are choosing to buy online, especially via mobile. 

For companies, creating an e-commerce site means expanding their market, optimizing the customer experience and generating sales around the clock.

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Automation and data management

Digital transformation isn't just about online sales: it also involves optimizing internal processes. 

Tools such as PIM (Product Information Management) help centralize and structure product information, essential for e-tailers. Other solutions such as CRM, ERP and marketing automation tools facilitate customer management and the personalization of interactions, guaranteeing time savings and greater profitability.

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PIM, a strategic asset for structuring digital transformation

Digital transformation requires companies to manage their product information efficiently and centrally. This is where PIM (Product Information Management) becomes a key lever. This tool centralizes, structures and enriches all product data before distributing it to the various sales channels (e-commerce site, marketplace, mobile application, social networks, etc.).

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An essential tool for SMEs

For small and medium-sized businesses, integrating a PIM offers several advantages:

• Saves time: by automating product file management and data distribution, teams avoid manual data entry and repetitive errors;
• Improved data quality: a PIM guarantees reliable, consistent and up-to-date product information, thus improving customer satisfaction;
• Optimize sales channels: by unifying data, SMEs can expand their presence across multiple platforms without overloading their teams.

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The results

Companies that integrate a PIM have seen a significant improvement in the management of their product information. Brands like Léa Nature have successfully accelerated their digital transformation thanks to this tool, optimizing their referencing and facilitating their e-commerce expansion.

By integrating a PIM, SMEs lay the foundations for controlled, sustainable growth, while adapting to new consumer expectations and the challenges of digital.