Headlines across the globe are dominated by the urgent call for increased health supplies as nations grapple with the escalating demand for ventilators, masks, gloves, and sanitizers to combat the emerging coronavirus hotspots. The challenge lies in meeting this demand and navigating the uncertainty surrounding where and how to procure these essential supplies.

Concurrently, a peculiar phenomenon persists as there remains an unprecedented surge in demand for everyday consumer products. Necessities, such as pasta, eggs, flour, milk, and dried beans, are experiencing an unexpected rush, leading to depleted shelves in retail stores. This surge in demand for essential items adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing global supply chain challenges.

China is actively working to revive and re-establish its “natural” supply routes to normalize supply chains. Paradoxically, there is a noticeable decline in demand for many “non-essential” goods they typically export, particularly in vehicles, fashion, and high-tech products, especially to Europe and the United States. This shift in priorities reflects the evolving dynamics of global trade amid the pandemic’s profound impact on consumption patterns and economic activities.

The Supply Chain Breaks

The fragility of contemporary supply chains has been laid bare by the current global crisis. Unlike the past, where supply chains might have bent under the strain of local disasters like severe weather or earthquakes, the present situation is marked by the outright breaking of production chains.

What exacerbates the situation is the absence of sufficient visibility, cooperation, and teamwork across the supply chain network. The prevailing transactional and reactive model that underpins the majority of supply chains makes them ill-equipped to adapt swiftly to unforeseen spikes or dips in demand. Rather than bending or twisting, these multi-stage supply chains are experiencing ruptures and far-reaching repercussions.

The inherent inflexibility of the existing model means that adjusting supply chains in response to unexpected shifts in demand takes a significant amount of time. Weeks and months are required to realign production, distribution, and inventory management. Furthermore, transitioning to a “new standard” inventory in the supply chain involves a protracted process, adding to the overall delay.

In essence, the unanticipated nature of the pandemic has exposed the lack of preparedness within organizations and their supply chains. The need for a more adaptive and resilient model is evident, one that goes beyond the transactional approach and embraces a proactive and collaborative strategy to weather the challenges posed by global disruptions.

We Can Rebuild Them 

Despite the scarcity of positive news stories, the global community is witnessing a reassuring absence of a widespread food supply and consumer goods crisis. While certain food products may be absent from supermarket shelves, there is no overarching shortage.

A silver lining emerges as companies worldwide embark on transformative initiatives. Metal firms and distilleries are pivoting to manufacture hand sanitizers, clothing brands are producing masks, and even car companies are exploring the production of ventilators. These efforts exemplify a noble response to challenging times, emphasizing the adaptability and resilience of industries.

However, this positive momentum also highlights the challenges of ensuring the quality and compliance of these newly manufactured goods, especially in medical equipment, where different regions have varying regulations. The flexibility of production, exemplified by the rapid repurposing of plants, underscores the industry’s ability to meet evolving needs.

While disruptions in traditional supply lines are evident, the responsiveness of production has been a crucial support. Technological solutions, such as collaboration tools, facilitate seamless transitions and ensure process continuity and product consistency. The ability to quickly establish new manufacturing sites reinforces the notion that adaptable production can swiftly step in to meet demand even in the face of supply chain disruptions.

Regardless, the reality remains that supply chains are not merely damaged; they need to evolve into a new normal. Fixing these challenges requires more than implementing new procedures and technologies; it demands substantially modifying the existing model. A shift toward a more real-time, data-driven, and analytical approach is imperative to navigate the complexities of the current global landscape.

As the world grapples with the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis, discussions around Industry 4.0—the fourth industrial revolution—and the necessary transition to new industries are expected to intensify. The need for innovation and adaptability has never been more apparent, signaling a potential turning point in the way industries operate and collaborate in the future.

Bottom Line

Attending webinars focused on supply chain trends post-COVID-19 can provide valuable insights for industry leaders. These events facilitate knowledge sharing, covering the latest trends, innovations, and adaptation strategies. Webinars offer networking opportunities, expert advice, and interactive Q&A sessions.

By participating, professionals can stay informed, learn from the experiences of others, and gain practical solutions to address the flaws and limitations revealed in global supply chains during the pandemic.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

At the end of the year, accounting is one of the most challenging parts for any small business owner. Closing the books at the year-end can be a very intimidating process. 

Year-end accounting is significant for any business owner to ensure that your financial transactions are up-to-date and recorded correctly. It will give you a balance and a close look at your yearly expenses. An accurate report is what makes a stabilized financial statement. The most important part is to sort out any minor or significant errors in the bookkeeping. 

With the year-end closing of financial statements, you can prepare for taxation time.

These steps will help you to close the budget year more efficiently. 

Entry in Proper General Ledger

The essential priority every bookkeeper should practice is transferring every journal entry in the available catalog. Keep the year’s expenses accounted in the journal concerning every cash receipt and invoice to close the books. Every payment made yearly via cash, check, or electronic funds transfer should be in your yearly books. Every inflow and outflow should be in the accounts journal.

Bills Payment

Paying bills on time in year-end accounting is vital in proper accounts management. All the bills that were due should be paid before the year-end. Primarily, you should deliver the big numbers on time. Check your records and ensure how much you owe from any external vendor’s job.

Calculate General Ledger Totals

To ensure how much you spent and how much you have earned, work out the total for each account by adding up all your entries. You will give your preliminary ending balances.

Perform Variance Analysis

Track monthly expenses against your planned budget can save you a lot. Tracking a company’s financial health with the analysis of planned budget and spending is one of the standard methods of the year-end expense report. Variance analysis is a traditional method for doing this. Your information and yearly expense track will help compare and analyze profit and loss. An accountant is essential to perform this analysis and prepare the variance report. 

Financial Statements

Your debits and credits are equal. Then, you can prepare your balance sheet profit and loss and cash flow statement. Financial information will help in understanding your business expenditure.

To check on tax information, you must ensure that your tax liabilities match the payroll returns. Keep an expert accountant to do the job. Do check tax information that is relevant to your business. Make sure to keep yourself updated before the tax time.

Inventory and Report

Assets and stock also need to be checked at the year-end. You will need this information at the start of next year to know how much you are starting. As for your reports, use essential accounting software to run an income statement and balance sheet report. Use an affordable accounting program that you can run on your computer. It would make your job much easier. 

Categorization of Business Expenses

The end of the year is one of the best times to catch up on past payments you have missed. Ensure that all past expenses, big or small, are categorized in your accounting software. 

Recording expenses will create an efficient report, help the accountant review, and produce the most efficient financial information.

Double-Check 

After closure, it is time to recheck the work on your financial books. There should be no unnoticed errors to cost you any extra money. 

An accountant usually closes financial books. Any small business owner can take the task into their hands using accounting software. The study is more accessible for small companies because of fewer monthly transactions. Even if your accountant is closing your books, the basic understanding will help you know what to expect from them. Closing the books may sound daunting. So, utilizing technology is one of the best options so far.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

An external audit is an independent examiner of the financial reports prepared by a company. The chief objective of this procedure is to verify that a company’s accounting reports provide a true and accurate picture of the company’s finances according to the selected laws and accounting standards. Additionally, an external audit adds value by identifying the efficient areas of a business, including the I.T software, health, and social responsibility. 

Accounting involves managing transactions by recording, reporting, and critically analyzing a business’s internal and external factors. External audit includes evaluating a company’s financial records and accounts by auditors outside the firm. Boosting refers to enhancing a business, while a company’s corporate image presents a systematic internal mechanism. 

The above three terminologies indicate the advantages of external auditing from the perspective of making the business successful. With the evolution of intelligent technology, accounting practices always try to bring underlying issues to light, including fraud or regulation, chiefly as your business grows. 

Here’s a list of pointers that cause external audits to become beneficial for the corporate image of businesses. 

Proves the Credibility of a Company

An external audit reviews a company’s comprehensive performance and represents the authenticity of the work done to ensure the smooth running of the business. Many established businesses need to maintain financial records for all transactions. However, the act can adversely affect the corporation as it requires more documents for future preferences. 

An external audit is a task of complete security performed by accounting professionals who critically analyze the business, including all the pros and cons. A business’s credibility determines the honesty of its operations, which is ensured through external auditing. Therefore, an external audit helps to prove a company’s credibility. 

Aware the Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs are the individuals who create practical ideas, design, and implement their plans into the market. They strive hard to run the business efficiently. They strive to run the business smartly but often need to know their company’s credentials in detail. External audits inspect all the weaknesses and strengths in the transaction reports of the business, and they notify the business entrepreneurs to create sustenance in operations and utilize this inspection to avoid any future crises. However, external auditing is of substantial importance as it portrays every financial activity inside the organization within a specific time. 

Observe Tax Concerns

Presently, one of the most repeated acts within the organization is the false declaration of assets and revenue. The act is illegal and adversely affects the smooth working mechanisms. External audits prepare an accurate and tactically designed report, including correct company assets and revenue records. Forms are used to assist in enhancing the corporate image of the business. 

Provides Government Compliance

In the era of increasing regulations, hiring an external auditor strengthens the company’s practice of transmitting government compliance. An external auditor is responsible for identifying non-compliance and any other issues with fraud or abuse within the business. An external auditor is more likely to dig deeper to excavate these vulnerabilities because they’re not a part of the business and can cast an objective eye over it. 

Better Governance

Having an external audit shows the external world that your company strives to achieve the best standards available. Also, your business is not bothered by the scrutiny an auditor will bring to the financial and non-financial aspects of the company. This activity is even more relevant when the interaction includes non-related or silent investors. 

External auditors acquire versatile analytical and interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and commercial awareness to fulfill this role. Innovative management skills are also required to idealize and execute the audit activities to meet deadlines. 

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

By: Jennifer Brazer

Jennifer is the author of From Cubicle to Cloud and Founder/CEO of Complete Controller, a pioneering financial services firm that helps entrepreneurs break free of traditional constraints and scale their businesses to new heights.

Fact Checked By: Brittany McMillen

The Impact of COVID-19 on Global Food Prices and Trends

COVID-19 global food prices experienced unprecedented volatility as the pandemic disrupted supply chains, shifted consumer behaviors, and triggered policy responses that echoed previous food crises. The pandemic initially caused deflationary pressures in March 2020, followed by sustained inflationary shocks that pushed the FAO Food Price Index up 3.6% year-over-year by December 2020, with some commodities like rice and wheat experiencing 25-35% regional price spikes during peak disruption periods.

As CEO of Complete Controller for over two decades, I’ve witnessed countless economic disruptions, but the pandemic’s impact on food systems revealed vulnerabilities that transcended typical market fluctuations. Working with businesses across the agricultural, retail, and logistics sectors, I observed firsthand how companies that embraced digital transformation and supply chain diversification weathered the storm while others struggled with outdated operational models. This article unpacks the complex interplay of factors that drove food price volatility, examines regional responses, and identifies strategies that built resilience during unprecedented market chaos.

What is COVID-19’s impact on global food prices and markets?

• COVID-19 triggered supply chain shocks spanning production, processing, and logistics—labor shortages in fruit/vegetable sectors reduced harvests by 10-25% while meat processing facilities faced 40% capacity reductions
• Consumer behavior shifted dramatically with U.S. online grocery sales surging 104% during the pandemic while panic buying created artificial shortages
• Regional vulnerabilities emerged as 15 countries imposed export restrictions by April 2020, affecting 5% of globally traded calories
• Long-term inflationary pressures persisted through 2024 as geopolitical conflicts and climate shocks compounded initial pandemic disruptions
• Data-driven monitoring tools like NASA Harvest’s COVID-19 Price Monitor enabled real-time tracking of staple prices across 180+ markets

Shifts in Consumer Behavior and Market Trends

The pandemic fundamentally altered how consumers approached food purchasing, creating ripple effects that reshaped entire supply chains. Nielsen identified six distinct behavioral phases that emerged as the crisis evolved, each presenting unique challenges for food systems already operating at capacity.

Proactive health-motivated purchases dominated early pandemic shopping as consumers sought immune-boosting foods, vitamins, and fresh produce. This initial phase quickly transitioned to panic buying of shelf-stable goods, with pasta, rice, and canned goods disappearing from shelves within days of lockdown announcements. The psychological impact of empty shelves reinforced hoarding behaviors, creating a self-perpetuating cycle that strained retail logistics networks designed for predictable demand patterns.

The rise of food e-commerce under pressure

Digital grocery platforms experienced growth rates that compressed five years of projected expansion into mere months. U.S. online grocery sales increased 104% during the pandemic, forcing retailers to rapidly scale fulfillment infrastructure while managing unprecedented order volumes. China’s JD Daojia platform expanded fresh-food delivery capabilities to serve millions of urban consumers who previously relied on wet markets, demonstrating how crisis accelerated digital adoption across diverse food cultures.

E-commerce success varied dramatically by region and infrastructure maturity. Urban areas with established last-mile delivery networks adapted quickly, while rural regions faced persistent gaps. In Burkina Faso’s Banfora market, maize prices spiked 25% during April 2020 lockdowns as digital infrastructure couldn’t compensate for physical market closures that connected farmers to consumers.

Post-pandemic e-commerce retention rates suggest permanent behavioral shifts, with platforms investing heavily in cold-chain infrastructure and predictive inventory systems. Global online grocery sales reached $725.6 billion by 2025, validating early pandemic investments in digital capabilities while highlighting persistent inequalities in market access.

Supply Chain Disruptions and Price Volatility

Labor emerged as the critical vulnerability across food supply chains, with cascading effects that varied by sector automation levels. Fruit and vegetable production, heavily dependent on seasonal workers, faced harvest delays when border closures prevented normal migration patterns. California strawberry farms reported 30% workforce shortages during peak harvest, forcing difficult decisions between crop losses and unsafe working conditions.

Meat processing facilities became outbreak epicenters, with major plants shuttering operations as infection rates soared. The concentrated nature of meat processing—where four companies control 80% of U.S. beef processing—magnified disruptions when key facilities closed. Processing capacity dropped 40% during peak closures, creating backlogs of market-ready animals while retail shelves emptied.

Transportation and trade restrictions

Maritime logistics faced unprecedented strain as port workers fell ill and quarantine protocols created processing delays. Egypt’s Alexandria port, crucial for wheat imports, stretched beyond capacity as buyers scrambled to secure supplies while accepting additional shipping risks through revised contractual terms. Container shortages and blank sailings disrupted established trade routes, with freight rates increasing 300% on key agricultural corridors.

Export restrictions emerged as countries prioritized domestic food security, echoing policies from the 2007-2008 crisis. Vietnam and Myanmar imposed rice export limits, contributing to 25-30% price spikes in importing nations. While affecting only 5% of globally traded calories compared to 19% in 2007-2008, these restrictions created psychological impacts that amplified market volatility.

Regional case studies: Staple commodities

Wheat markets demonstrated how multiple stressors compound price impacts. Australian drought reduced 2020 production to 15 million tonnes while EU weather disruptions raised production concerns. March 2020 lockdowns triggered panic buying that pushed benchmark prices upward despite record global stocks of 277 million tonnes. Market psychology proved as influential as fundamental supply-demand dynamics.

Rice markets faced unique challenges as political tensions intersected with pandemic disruptions. International rice prices surged 35% in Thailand and 20% in Vietnam during early 2020 as export restrictions revived memories of previous crises. U.S.-China trade tensions added complexity to price signals, with importing nations scrambling to secure alternative suppliers while managing domestic hoarding behaviors.

Burkina Faso’s maize markets illustrated localized vulnerability patterns. Movement restrictions prevented farmers from transporting surplus production to urban markets, creating simultaneous gluts in production areas and shortages in consumption centers. Prices jumped 25% in April 2020 before stabilizing as restrictions eased, though recovery patterns varied significantly between regions based on infrastructure quality and market integration levels.

Inflationary Pressures: Commodity-Specific Trends

Meat prices experienced the sharpest increases among major food categories, driven by processing bottlenecks meeting shifted consumption patterns. Restaurant closures redirected demand to retail channels unprepared for volume increases, while package size preferences changed overnight. Beef prices rose 25% year-over-year by June 2020, with ground beef experiencing even steeper increases as home cooking surged.

Pork markets faced additional pressures from pre-existing African Swine Fever impacts in Asia, creating complex global price dynamics. U.S. pork exports to China increased despite domestic processing challenges, contributing to 12% annual price increases. Poultry markets showed relative resilience with 5-7% increases, benefiting from higher automation levels and shorter production cycles.

Dairy: Resilience through adaptation

Dairy sectors demonstrated remarkable adaptability despite facing similar challenges. While feed costs rose and labor shortages stressed operations, prices remained relatively stable through processing flexibility and market innovation. Direct-to-consumer models emerged as farmers bypassed traditional distribution channels, with farm delivery services increasing 400% in some regions.

Government support programs played crucial roles in maintaining dairy sector stability. Payment programs compensated farmers for dumped milk during early disruptions while processors retooled operations for retail-focused production. The sector’s ability to shift between fluid milk, cheese, and powder production provided flexibility absent in meat processing.

Staples: Volatility linked to trade policies

Cereal markets experienced sustained volatility as trade policies interacted with weather events and logistics challenges. The FAO Cereal Price Index fluctuated based on export restriction announcements rather than fundamental supply changes, highlighting how policy uncertainty amplifies market reactions. Fertilizer cost increases, driven by energy price spikes and supply chain disruptions, created forward-looking concerns about future production capacity.

Regional price disparities widened as transportation costs increased and trade barriers emerged. Landlocked countries faced particular challenges, with import costs rising 40-50% above historical averages. These disparities persisted even as global stocks remained adequate, demonstrating how logistics access became as important as production volumes.

Long-Term Consequences and Policy Responses

The pandemic’s food system impacts extended far beyond initial supply shocks, interacting with subsequent crises to create compound vulnerabilities. Ukraine’s war disrupted Black Sea grain exports just as pandemic recovery gained momentum, while climate extremes stressed production regions already weakened by input shortages. This “perfect storm” pushed global food prices to record highs by 2022.

Fiscal policies designed to support pandemic recovery inadvertently fueled inflationary pressures. Stimulus programs increased food demand while supply chains remained constrained, creating price pressures that disproportionately affected low-income populations. Central banks faced difficult tradeoffs between supporting recovery and controlling inflation, with food prices becoming political flashpoints globally.

International coordination challenges

Initial pandemic responses revealed how quickly international cooperation can deteriorate during crises. By April 2020, 15 countries imposed binding export restrictions, with major rice exporters leading restrictive policies. IFPRI’s COVID-19 Food Trade Policy Tracker documented how these restrictions threatened food security in import-dependent nations, with countries like Kyrgyzstan facing 50% exposure to restricted wheat imports.

International organizations worked to prevent a repeat of 2007-2008’s cascading restrictions, with mixed success. The G20 committed to keeping food supply chains open, though implementation varied. Regional bodies like ASEAN coordinated rice reserve releases, demonstrating how pre-existing cooperation mechanisms provided crisis resilience.

Lessons for Future Resilience

Data-driven monitoring emerged as a critical tool for managing food system volatility. NASA Harvest’s COVID-19 Price Monitor tracked prices across 180+ markets, providing early warning signals for developing crises. Real-time data enabled targeted interventions, from strategic reserve releases to logistics support, demonstrating technology’s role in modern food security.

Business adaptations during the pandemic revealed both vulnerabilities and opportunities. Companies investing in supply chain visibility, inventory flexibility, and digital capabilities outperformed those maintaining traditional models. Predictive analytics moved from competitive advantage to operational necessity as demand patterns shifted unpredictably.

Conclusion

COVID-19’s impact on global food prices exposed systemic vulnerabilities while accelerating transformations already underway. The crisis demonstrated how quickly stable systems can deteriorate when multiple stressors align, but also revealed remarkable adaptability when businesses and policymakers embraced innovation.

At Complete Controller, I’ve guided businesses through this unprecedented period, helping them build financial resilience while adapting operations for post-pandemic realities. The lessons learned—from supply chain diversification to digital transformation—apply beyond food systems to any business navigating modern volatility. For expert guidance on building financial systems that withstand future disruptions, visit our team at Complete Controller.

Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19 Global Food Prices

How did COVID-19 impact smallholder farmers differently than large operations?

Smallholder farmers faced disproportionate challenges from input shortages and market access restrictions, while some benefited from shortened supply chains and direct-to-consumer sales. Large operations with automation weathered labor shortages better but faced processing bottlenecks.

Why did meat prices increase more dramatically than grain prices during the pandemic?

Meat processing requires specialized facilities and skilled labor, creating bottlenecks when plants closed due to outbreaks. Grain handling uses more automation and storage flexibility, allowing markets to absorb disruptions more effectively despite export restrictions.

Have global food prices returned to pre-pandemic levels?

Most commodity benchmarks stabilized by 2024, though remain elevated due to energy costs, fertilizer prices, and geopolitical tensions. Structural changes in supply chains and consumer behavior create new baseline price levels rather than simple returns to 2019 conditions.

What role did e-commerce play in food security during lockdowns?

E-commerce provided critical food access during movement restrictions, with platforms scaling rapidly to meet demand. However, digital divides meant benefits concentrated in urban areas with existing infrastructure, while rural regions faced persistent access challenges.

How can food businesses prepare for future supply chain disruptions?

Building resilience requires diversifying suppliers, investing in real-time inventory tracking, developing flexible production capabilities, and maintaining financial reserves. Digital transformation enables rapid pivots while strong supplier relationships provide crisis adaptability.

Sources 

• Akademiya2063. (2020). “COVID-19 Brief: Impacts of the Pandemic on Maize Prices in Burkina Faso.” https://akademiya2063.org/uploads/COVID-BRIEF-AKA2063-013.pdf
• Arkansas ScholarWorks. (2021). “Impact of COVID-19 on Rice Markets.” https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/4207/
• BBC News. (2020). “Coronavirus: Why have there been global food supply problems?” https://www.bbc.com/news/business-52116195
• Capital One Shopping. (2025). “Online Grocery Shopping Statistics.” https://capitaloneshopping.com/research/online-grocery-shopping-statistics
• CZ App. (2024). “Lessons from the 2020 Wheat Market.” https://www.czapp.com/research/2020-wheat-market
• EuroMeatNews. (2022). “US Meat prices surge during pandemic.” https://www.euromeatnews.com/Article-US-Meat-prices-surge-during-pandemic/
• FAO. (2020). “COVID-19 pandemic – impact on food and agriculture.” https://www.fao.org/covid-19-food-systems-response/en/
• FAO. (2020). “Evolution of e-commerce during the pandemic.” https://www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/cb1254en/
• IFPRI. (2025). “COVID-19 Food Trade Policy Tracker.” https://www.ifpri.org/project/covid-19-food-trade-policy-tracker
• IFPRI. (2025). “How Countries Coped with Agricultural Trade Disruptions.” https://www.ifpri.org/blog/how-countries-have-coped-with-recent-agricultural-trade-disruptions/
• IFPRI. (2020). “COVID-19 and Global Food Security.” https://www.ifpri.org/publication/impact-covid-19-global-food-systems
• McKeany-Flavell. (2021). “FAO food price index up 3.6% in 2020.” https://www.mckeany-flavell.com/fao-food-price-index-up-3-point-6-percent-in-2020-01-07-21/
• NASA Harvest. (2023). “COVID-19 Price Monitor.” https://nasaharvest.org/
• PMC. (2024). “Impact of COVID-19 on Global Food Supply Chains.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7366977/
• Sensient Food Colors. (2020). “COVID-19 is changing the food industry.” https://sensientfoodcolors.com/en-us/industry-trends/covid-19-changing-food-industry/
• TheBullVine. (2024). “Dairy Market Resilience During COVID-19.” https://www.thebullvine.com/news/dairy-market-resilience-covid-19/
• UN News. (2025). “SOFI Report: Food Security Challenges Post-COVID.” https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/07/1132012

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Young entrepreneurs experience many high points and low points. It has its hazards and favorable circumstances. As young entrepreneurs ourselves, we accept that our preferences outperform our weaknesses. We have made numerous dangerous choices like true entrepreneurs people need. We left an organization wherein we got a heavy monthly check to begin an existence of no soundness and assurance. However, it was that adrenaline surge of a businessperson to make something new that we desired, not sureness. We love the place that is known for the obscure and of recent disclosures. Facing challenges, committing errors, and taking care of business shape our lives.

Initiating a new business from the start is a challenging feat. Only ask any of the many wannabe business owners who plunge into the inexact world of entrepreneurship yearly. In a couple of years, more than the business leaders fold a covenant to how hard it is to initiate and maintain a profitable business.

For those industries that do make it, fewer elements stand out as factors for success. One significant one is choosing the correct market or niche industry to start the business, which can be done after entirely understanding that market.

Obtaining insight into your target market early on gives your startup business many critical strategic benefits. It lets you map out a market growth rate, barriers to entry, taxation and regimes, fragmentation profile, and, probably more significantly, capital accessibility from enthusiastic investors. After all, not all investors will be prepared to pump capital into a business whose market has no growth potential.

So, when entrepreneurs start to understand their dreams of keeping a business, here are some of the most profitable, investor-friendly markets that statistically show the highest opportunity for success.

E-commerce

Comer is an extra technology that leads in the market but still has growth power. Suppose you have a different and unique idea for an e-commerce store. In that case, you can start your business from a comfortable home or remote environment.

 If you want to take a more significant share of the industry, you already do that if you have an e-commerce store. Keep in mind that the e-commerce store and e-commerce platform space have already been conquered by giants such as Amazon and Shopify. So, if you want to initiate your own e-commerce business, you must research the market’s niche and be focused.

Digital Marketing

 On the globe, where an average 4,500 USD video ad can turn an everyday startup into a billion-dollar organization, DM remains a capable platform for startup leaders who need to make money by letting other businesses advertise their brands.

Indeed, the DM space is ample, with a staggering 283 billion USD spent on digital ads the previous year. It is projected that internal marketing and marketing activities departments worldwide will spend over 333 billion USD on digital ads in the current year. With a 50% chunk of the worldwide ad industry, this will mark the first time digital ads become one of the most popular marketing platforms worldwide.

There are many chances to maintain a brand within this market for startup business leaders or entrepreneurs interested in this zone. Even though marketing agencies’ usual manner often includes an all-inclusive marketing offering, it recompenses to specify in a few zones within the market—pay-per-click (PPC) and Search engine optimization (SEO). Ads are two lucrative digital marketing zones, thanks to the half percent in the lead generation that originates from pay-per-click strategies that mostly see businesses paying top dollar for these services.

There are various chances in influencer marketing, social media management, digital ad placement, and other upcoming digital marketing roles that can be good for entrepreneurs.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) defines technologies relating to machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), computer vision, and many more. However, artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology that has been used for some time. As it becomes more sophisticated, its industrial potential is growing as well.

Bottom Line

You are being a successful entrepreneur who needs, among other things, deep information about your target market. And because a positive, growth-oriented market will be the most attractive to investors, it is always wise to recognize investment trends within your target market. It will assist you in matching your business with potential investors when you have set up shop.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

With the advent of the digital age, where every kind of information is being disseminated, it is challenging for people to filter out relevant content they are interested in. If you switch on the TV, you will witness debates between anchors and political candidates, reality TV shows, and 24-hour news cycles.

Aside from that, you have many TV series and movies at your disposal, thanks to Netflix, Amazon Prime, and more such subscription-based streaming platforms. These various forms of media have infiltrated our everyday lives to a point where our thoughts get muddled. We need to make an active effort to form creative and original thoughts.

The average rate of an individual checking their phone is approximately 46 times a day (increased from 33 looks every day in the year 2014), as Time.Com has reported. The evolved, modern-day culture has turned people into social animals where it is necessary to respond to text messages and group chats instantly.

We are so invested in keeping up with the online communication culture that even if it disrupts our sleep cycle or damages organic relationships, we cannot do anything about it. So, to keep up with this new dynamic in virtual interaction, brands must also change their ways and communicate their story in a modified fashion. If they want to surpass all the noise and have their message heard, the following presents some great tips that can help them.

Drive Straight into it and Get Your Point Across

An average American comes across around 4,000 – 10,000 messages daily, but their memory can retain only 100 out of them all. It is crucial that amidst all the clutter, your message is conveyed correctly and heard. It makes sense that it is hard for humans not to get distracted in this fast-paced world. Our attention spans are consistently low, dropping from 12 to 8 seconds.

Neither do brands have all the time in the world to tell their story and discuss their message, products, or services at length, nor do consumers have the time to go through it all. So, companies should use innovative, attention-grabbing ideas and compact messages with great visuals to stand out.

Visual Content Wins

It is crucial to put across your message; however, make sure that it is visually impressive content bound to turn heads. The impact compact messages accompanied by short bursts of information have is massive. Consumers find it much more convenient to consume visual content than text-around 60,000 times. More than 65% of individuals are visual marketers and learners who utilize videos to generate revenue 49% faster than those who do not use videos.
Businesses rely entirely on words to make an impactful message that is heard. Prospective customers want to be able to envision your product or service in their lives before they make a purchase. It has been reported that buyers are 88% more interested in availing a service or buying a product after seeing a video.

Have a Social Media Presence Because That is Where Your Audience is

People from all generations, age brackets, and backgrounds are utilizing social media platforms. Thus, brands must take advantage of these platforms by marketing themselves through them and potentially grabbing the attention of their target audience.

Facebook users by Age

• 82% of adults ages 18 -29
• 79% of adults ages 30 -49
• 64% of adults ages 50 – 64
• 48% of adults ages 65+

Instagram users by Age

• 23% of adults ages 18-24
• 26% of adults ages 25-34
• 19% of adults ages 35-44

Twitter users by Age

• 18% of adults ages 18-24
• 22% of adults ages 25-34
• 20% of adults ages 35-44

Understand Various Factors like the Social and Cultural Values of Your Consumers and Generate Relevant Content

Let us take the example of New Heartland to explain this point. If you were advertising your product or services in New Heartland, you would know that 60% of the consumers reside there. Some critical cultural touchpoints are a part of their tradition and should not be overlooked.

These include sports, music, tech, food, and fashion dominantly. An important aspect is that core values, which entail religion, family, and community, all influence the brands they endorse.

41% of New Heartland consumers claimed they are more drawn to products and services aligning with their core beliefs. It seems that marketers are not yet hitting the mark here as in the same group of responders, only 4% said advertisements “often” are in sync with their core values, while 42% reported that they are “rarely” in line with their core values.

This kind of information paves the way for businesses to understand better what their consumers demand. You can see what resonates and connects with them and accordingly come up with unique messages that speak directly to their culture.

Conclusion

For brands that can get into the flow of this communication tsunami with valuable and consumable messaging, success will be measurable and sustainable.

Businesses must understand the demands and expectations consumers have from them to get past the barrier of digital noise. Only if your brand employs communication mediums to convey messages effectively will you be able to take it to the next level.

So, remember these guidelines and drive your brand to ultimate success!

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

The excellence of leadership impacts each level of any company. Whether you are running a business or any freelance business does not matter. At one or another time, everyone has felt the effect of lousy team leadership, demotivated workers, confusion regarding responsibilities and roles, and plummeting sales. A good leader could affect quite the opposite, but what makes a good leader?

The responsibilities and duties of a leader contain two primary categories: management and leadership. Managerial and administrative skills may irritate everyone else, but keep things in solid order, like following organization procedures, reporting meetings, and ensuring everyone knows the KPIs. But make no error; while management leadership skills are essential and essential, managerial skills are just as significant. Recognizing your duties or responsibilities as a manager and leader is critical. 

Give a Strong Vision

Visionary leaders get a clear view of their market and the product. They could see out of today’s challenges and ambiguity to enhance the picture of tomorrow. Powered by inspiration, they built a sense of expectations for the future. They sense the urge to prosper in their bones and want the workers to share that feeling. This feeling cannot be mandatory nor forced; it is increased by influence.

One of the leadership duties and responsibilities is to grasp the end picture as a discipline, but it must be pledged daily. Here are some activities you could regularly perform to give an unclouded vision for your workers.

Communicate the Result in an Understandable Way

You may see it, but your workers want comfort that it truly is the destination you all are successfully going to. Ensure you have a clear picture of the result day and say it aloud sometimes every quarter.

Persistence

Nothing is worse than a leader that drives where the wind takes them. Ensure you have a stringent, strict process in place. Use objectives and key results (OKR) to implement techniques into the daily routine.

Be Bold

Measured the number of risks. Innovation cannot take place without taking hazards. If you are willing to go the additional mile, it refers to everyone’s clear message.

Encourage Creativity and Consistent Improvement

Creativity is not only something with which we are born. It consumes effort and time to master, and it is significant to be practicing it. Comfort areas are huge red zone areas for business. It is the leadership’s duty or responsibility to push workers to come out of their comfort zones if it occurs. When your workers feel comfortable and safe, you must work double as hard to progress. Each leader knows how significant teamwork is in the office, but creativity is only as substantial.

Inspire by Setting an Example

Perform the work! But remember that leaders do not have to know about every specialty they have recruited. Instead, they must be from one of those who give guidance. The delicate and actual line between too small contact and micromanaging – everything in between is the sweet spot.

Follow the Company Process by the Book

One of the most significant business decisions each leader must face in the digital world is what business procedures the organization will use. We all want to measure what matters. And the calmest approach to doing that is to utilize the objective and critical results technique. It is the leadership duty or responsibility that your company’s level is associated with the long-term strategy.

Supervise Team Reporting & KPIs

On average, you see around five thousand advertisements per day. According to the statistics from 2007, what has occurred to the internet since then is well known. So, with each step you pick and each move you make, an ad will always follow us.

Bottom Line

A team leader’s responsibilities and duties might vary occasionally, but the primary area duties remain the same. The term visionary is thrown around the block too quickly. One thing is knowing what business you are in and steering your organization to the correct place with good managerial skills.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Elevate Your Customer Service Experience for 2024 Success

Customer service in 2024 demands a strategic balance between cutting-edge AI technology and genuine human connection to meet rising consumer expectations. The landscape has shifted dramatically—80% of companies plan to adopt AI chatbots by 2025, while 64% of customers still express concerns about reaching human agents when needed.

As CEO of Complete Controller for over two decades, I’ve witnessed firsthand how businesses transform their customer relationships through smart technology adoption. From small startups to established enterprises, the companies that thrive combine AI efficiency with emotional intelligence, creating experiences that convert one-time buyers into lifetime advocates. This guide reveals proven strategies for implementing human-AI collaboration, building seamless omnichannel support, and leveraging hyper-personalization to boost retention rates by up to 40%.

What does customer service in 2024 mean for your business?

• The perfect blend of AI automation for routine tasks and human expertise for complex, emotional interactions
• AI handles FAQs and basic inquiries while agents focus on high-value problem-solving
• Predictive analytics anticipate customer needs before they even reach out
• Omnichannel consistency creates unified experiences across chat, email, social media, and voice
• Speed combined with empathy builds trust and reduces customer churn

Human-AI Collaboration: The Future of Customer Service

The most successful businesses position AI as a powerful assistant rather than a replacement for human agents. Generative AI chatbots now handle 80% of routine customer inquiries, freeing your team to tackle complex issues that require empathy and creative problem-solving.

Smart implementation starts with layered support models. Your AI handles tier-one inquiries like order tracking and basic billing questions. Human agents step in for tier-two challenges such as refunds or technical troubleshooting. Senior specialists manage escalated cases requiring deep expertise or relationship repair. This structure maximizes efficiency while maintaining the human touch customers crave.

Delta Airlines demonstrates this balance perfectly with their “Ask Delta” chatbot, which resolves 40% of passenger inquiries instantly. The AI handles flight status updates and booking changes, while human agents focus on rebooking canceled flights and addressing lost luggage claims—situations where empathy makes all the difference.

Augmenting agent workflows

Modern AI tools act as intelligent sidekicks for your support team. Real-time customer history appears on screen as calls connect. Sentiment analysis detects frustration in customer messages, prompting agents to adjust their approach. Suggested responses help maintain consistency while saving precious seconds on each interaction.

These augmented workflows transform average agents into customer service superstars. When AI provides instant access to purchase history, previous interactions, and personalized solution recommendations, agents can focus entirely on building rapport and solving problems creatively.

Omnichannel Support: Consistency Across All Touchpoints

Today’s customers jump between channels without missing a beat—starting a conversation on social media, continuing via email, and finishing through live chat. Companies with strong omnichannel strategies retain 89% of their customers, compared to just 33% for those without integrated systems.

Successful omnichannel support requires more than connecting multiple channels. You need centralized CRM integration that syncs every interaction into a single dashboard. When customers reach out, agents see the complete conversation history regardless of channel. This eliminates frustrating repetition and shows customers you value their time.

Building self-service excellence

Self-service options reduce support volume while empowering customers to find instant solutions. AI-powered knowledge bases guide users to answers within three clicks. Video tutorial hubs demonstrate product features visually. Interactive troubleshooting tools diagnose issues automatically.

The key lies in making self-service genuinely helpful rather than a barrier to human support. Always provide clear paths to reach an agent when self-service falls short. Track which issues customers can’t resolve independently and continuously improve your resources based on this data.

Intelligent routing systems

AI-driven routing matches customer needs with agent expertise instantly. Technical bugs go straight to your engineering-minded support staff. Billing questions reach finance-savvy team members. Emotional situations connect with agents trained in de-escalation techniques.

This precision routing improves first-contact resolution rates while reducing average handle times. Customers appreciate speaking with someone who understands their specific situation from the start.

Hyper-Personalization: Predictive Insights at Scale

Generic customer service feels outdated when AI can analyze purchase patterns, browsing behavior, and interaction history to deliver incredibly personalized experiences. Companies using predictive analytics report 40% higher retention rates and significantly improved satisfaction scores.

Predictive analytics power proactive outreach before problems escalate. AI flags at-risk customers based on usage patterns, enabling timely interventions. Loyalty programs trigger personalized rewards matching individual preferences. Dynamic scripting provides agents with customized talking points for each customer.

Bank of America’s Erica chatbot exemplifies hyper-personalization at scale. Managing over 1.5 billion interactions, Erica offers personalized financial insights that helped generate a 19% revenue spike in 2023. The AI remembers previous conversations, tracks spending patterns, and proactively suggests money-saving opportunities.

Advanced personalization tactics

Voice and visual AI take personalization beyond text-based interactions. Conversational AI parses regional accents and speech patterns for more natural dialogue. During video support calls, facial recognition technology can gauge emotional states and alert agents to adjust their approach accordingly.

The goal isn’t invasive monitoring but rather creating interactions that feel genuinely caring and responsive. When AI helps agents understand context and emotional nuance, every conversation becomes an opportunity to strengthen customer relationships.

First-Contact Resolution: Getting It Right the First Time

High first-contact resolution (FCR) rates save companies 30-40% on operational costs by eliminating repeat contacts. More importantly, customers who get answers immediately report dramatically higher satisfaction levels.

Achieving stellar FCR requires comprehensive agent enablement. Role-specific training teaches billing specialists to resolve payment errors without escalation. AI-guided workflows display step-by-step resolution paths during conversations. Real-time knowledge base integration puts answers at agents’ fingertips.

Balancing speed with quality

The pressure for quick resolution shouldn’t compromise service quality. Train agents to recognize when taking extra time prevents future contacts. Sometimes spending five additional minutes explaining a solution saves three follow-up calls.

Our Complete Controller clients report FCR improvements averaging 15% after implementing AI-guided scripts combined with enhanced agent training. The investment in proper tools and training pays dividends through reduced support costs and happier customers.

Compliance and Ethics: Balancing Innovation with Trust

While AI revolutionizes customer service, it introduces new risks around data privacy, algorithmic bias, and transparency. With 64% of customers expressing reservations about AI-driven service, building trust requires thoughtful implementation.

Transparency policies written in plain language help customers understand how you use their data. Clear consent mechanisms allow opting out of AI-driven personalization. Regular AI audits catch biases or errors before they damage relationships.

At Complete Controller, we implemented strict guardrails during our AI transition. Every bot response undergoes human review for compliance before sending—a time investment that protects both our clients and our reputation. This careful approach builds the trust essential for long-term success.

Managing AI risks proactively

Create dedicated AI audit teams to review chatbot responses regularly. Document and analyze every AI error to improve system accuracy. Maintain human oversight for sensitive situations involving personal data or financial decisions.

Most importantly, never let efficiency compromise ethics. The short-term gains from aggressive AI automation pale compared to the lasting damage from privacy breaches or biased treatment.

Final Thoughts

Excelling at customer service in 2024 requires mastering the delicate balance between technological innovation and human connection. The businesses that win combine AI’s efficiency with authentic empathy, creating experiences that surprise and delight customers at every touchpoint.

Success comes from thoughtful implementation rather than rushing to adopt every new tool. Start with foundational improvements—integrate your channels, train your team, and establish clear success metrics. Build from there, adding AI capabilities that genuinely enhance rather than complicate your customer relationships.

Ready to transform your customer service operations with expert guidance? The team at Complete Controller specializes in helping businesses implement smart, scalable solutions that balance automation with the human touch your customers deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Customer Service in 2024

What’s the role of human agents in an AI-dominated landscape?

Human agents handle empathy-driven issues, complex complaints, and sensitive escalations while AI manages routine queries. The most successful companies use AI to augment human capabilities rather than replace them entirely.

How do I achieve compliance with AI-driven personalization?

Implement transparency clauses explaining data usage clearly, conduct regular third-party audits, and provide simple opt-out mechanisms. Always prioritize customer privacy over personalization opportunities.

What tools support omnichannel customer support effectively?

Platforms like Sprinklr, Zendesk, and Plivo offer unified dashboards for cross-channel coordination. Choose solutions that integrate with your existing CRM and provide real-time synchronization across all touchpoints.

How do hyper-personalization strategies affect retention rates?

Businesses using predictive personalization see up to 40% higher customer retention rates. The key is using data insights to anticipate needs and provide relevant solutions before customers ask.

What are the real costs of implementing generative AI?

Initial investments in tools and training typically range from $50,000-$500,000 depending on company size. However, productivity gains of 30-45% usually offset costs within 12-18 months.

Sources

• Arnold, Nils. “Human-AI Collaboration.” Custify, 2024. www.custify.com/human-ai-collaboration
• Bank of America. “Erica Chatbot Surpasses 1.5 Billion Interactions.” August 2024. futuredigitalfinance.wbresearch.com/blog/bank-of-americas-erica-client-interactions-future-ai-in-banking
• Calabrio. “Gartner Survey on Customer Service.” July 2024. www.calabrio.com/wfo/customer-experience/first-call-resolution
• Fluid AI. “How Erica Boosted Bank of America’s Earnings.” October 2023. www.fluid.ai/blog/how-erica-a-conversational-ai-agent-helped-power-a-19-spike-in-earnings-at-bank-of-america
• Gartner. “64% of Customers Resist AI.” July 2024. www.gartner.com
• Genesys. “9 Reasons Omnichannel Matters.” Hubtype, May 2024. www.hubtype.com/blog/omnichannel-customer-support
• HubSpot. “State of Customer Service 2024.” www.hubspot.com
• IBM Institute for Business Value. “Generative AI in Customer Service.” 2024.
• Plivo. “52 AI Customer Service Statistics You Should Know.” November 2024. www.plivo.com/blog/ai-customer-service-statistics
• SQM Group. “FCR and Cost Reduction.” 2021. www.cmswire.com/contact-center/can-contact-centers-move-from-cost-centers-to-experience-hubs
• Zendesk. “20 Effective Tips for 2025.” 2025.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity. Reviewed By: Brittany McMillen

Brittany McMillen

Brittany McMillen is a seasoned Marketing Manager with a sharp eye for strategy and storytelling. With a background in digital marketing, brand development, and customer engagement, she brings a results-driven mindset to every project. Brittany specializes in crafting compelling content and optimizing user experiences that convert. When she’s not reviewing content, she’s exploring the latest marketing trends or championing small business success.

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Master Digital Marketing Strategies for Successful Brands

Digital marketing for brands encompasses the comprehensive use of online channels, platforms, and technologies to build brand awareness, engage target audiences, and drive measurable business results through integrated strategies combining social media marketing, content creation, search engine optimization, email automation, and data-driven personalization. Successful brands leverage these interconnected digital touchpoints to create cohesive customer experiences that build loyalty, generate sustainable growth, and deliver exceptional returns on marketing investments.

As someone who has guided countless businesses through digital transformations over the past two decades at Complete Controller, I’ve witnessed firsthand how strategic digital marketing can completely revolutionize a brand’s trajectory. The digital advertising shift is unstoppable, with global digital ad spending projected to reach $870.85 billion by 2027, and by 2030, an overwhelming 81% of total advertising spending worldwide will come from digital sources. This massive shift presents unprecedented opportunities for brands willing to embrace comprehensive digital strategies that go beyond simple online presence to create meaningful connections that translate into lasting business relationships and measurable ROI.

What is digital marketing for brands and why does it matter?

• Digital marketing for brands involves the strategic use of online channels to build awareness, engagement, and customer loyalty through targeted messaging and personalized experiences
• Integrated approach combines multiple channels, including social media, content marketing, email automation, and paid advertising, for maximum impact
• Data-driven personalization enables brands to deliver relevant messages to specific audience segments at optimal times
• Measurable ROI through comprehensive analytics allows brands to optimize campaigns and allocate budgets effectively
• Competitive advantage comes from staying ahead of digital trends and consumer behavior shifts in an increasingly online marketplace

The Foundation of Effective Digital Marketing for Brands

Today’s digital landscape requires brands to think strategically about their online presence across multiple touchpoints. Digital marketing for brands has evolved from simple banner advertisements to sophisticated, multi-channel ecosystems that nurture customers throughout their entire journey. The most successful brands understand that digital marketing requires an integrated approach combining various strategies to create cohesive brand experiences.

Modern brands must establish a clear digital identity that reflects their core values and resonates with target audiences. This foundation includes defining brand voice, visual consistency, and messaging frameworks that translate effectively across all digital platforms. Companies like Nike have mastered this approach by maintaining consistent brand messaging while adapting content formats for different digital channels, from Instagram Reels showcasing athletic achievements to LinkedIn posts discussing innovation in sports technology.

Advanced Digital Marketing Strategies That Drive Brand Success

Leading brands consistently outperform competitors by implementing sophisticated digital marketing strategies that go beyond basic social media posting and generic advertising. These advanced approaches require strategic thinking, proper resource allocation, and continuous optimization based on performance data.

AI-powered personalization and automation

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing marketing effectiveness, with 71% of marketers planning to invest at least $10 million into AI over the next three years, up dramatically from 57% in 2024. Companies using AI for content marketing are seeing real results, with 68% reporting improved content marketing ROI and 65% achieving better SEO results.

Sephora’s Virtual Artist AI tool showcases how personalization technology drives real business results. The AI-powered virtual makeup try-on feature made customers 3 times more likely to complete a purchase compared to those who didn’t use the tool. The company also achieved a 30% reduction in makeup product returns and increased average app session time from 3 minutes to 12 minutes, demonstrating how AI-driven personalization improves both customer satisfaction and business metrics.

Social Media Advertising and Community Building Excellence

Social media platforms have evolved into sophisticated marketing ecosystems where brands can build communities, drive sales, and measure ROI with unprecedented precision. The most successful brands treat social media as a strategic business channel that drives real business outcomes.

Each social media platform serves different purposes in a comprehensive digital marketing strategy:

• Instagram excels at visual storytelling and product discovery
• LinkedIn builds professional credibility and thought leadership
• TikTok captures younger audiences through entertaining, authentic content
• Twitter enables real-time engagement and customer service
• Facebook provides comprehensive targeting options for diverse demographics

Netflix exemplifies platform-specific excellence by adapting its content strategy for each channel while maintaining consistent brand voice. On Twitter, Netflix uses witty, meme-driven content to engage followers, while their Instagram focuses on visually stunning movie and show promotions that drive viewership.

Content Marketing for Brands That Converts

Content marketing has become the cornerstone of successful digital marketing strategies, with brands investing heavily in creating valuable, relevant content that attracts and retains customers. The most effective content marketing strategies focus on solving customer problems while subtly demonstrating brand expertise and value.

Red Bull’s Stratos campaign demonstrates the power of content marketing that embodies brand values rather than directly promoting products. The campaign, featuring Felix Baumgartner’s record-breaking space jump, generated over 61.6 million social media impressions and 2 million unique consumer actions, with 1 million occurring on the jump day alone. The campaign created 820,000 pieces of extremely positive consumer-generated content, far exceeding typical engagement rates.

Video marketing and visual storytelling

Video content has become the dominant format for digital brand communication, with short-form videos driving the highest engagement rates across most platforms. Brands must create compelling visual narratives that:

1. Capture attention within the first three seconds
2. Deliver value through education or entertainment
3. Maintain brand consistency across all video content
4. Include clear calls-to-action that drive desired behaviors
5. Optimize for mobile viewing and sound-off consumption

Search Engine Optimization for Maximum Brand Visibility

Search engine optimization remains critical for brand visibility, but modern SEO strategies extend far beyond keyword placement and link building. Today’s most effective SEO approaches focus on creating comprehensive, authoritative content that genuinely serves user intent while establishing brands as trusted industry resources.

Technical SEO ensures that search engines can effectively crawl, index, and understand brand websites. This includes optimizing site speed, mobile responsiveness, structured data markup, and overall user experience factors that search engines consider when ranking content. Brands that neglect technical SEO often struggle to achieve visibility regardless of their content quality.

Modern SEO success requires brands to establish topical authority through comprehensive content coverage and strategic link building. This means creating pillar pages that thoroughly cover broad topics while supporting them with detailed cluster content that explores specific subtopics. The interconnected content structure helps search engines understand the relationship between different pieces of content while providing users with comprehensive resources.

Data-Driven Marketing Analytics and Performance Optimization

Marketing leaders are increasingly focused on proving value, with 83% now considering demonstrating ROI as their top priority in 2024, representing a significant jump from 68% just five years ago. However, only 36% of marketers say they can accurately measure ROI, while 47% struggle to measure ROI across multiple channels.

Successful digital marketing for brands relies heavily on data analysis and continuous optimization. Key performance indicators for brand marketing include:

• Brand awareness lift and share of voice metrics
• Customer lifetime value and retention rates
• Engagement rates across all digital touchpoints
• Conversion attribution across multiple channels
• Cost per acquisition and return on ad spend

Building Customer Loyalty Through Digital Engagement

Customer retention and loyalty building represent the most valuable outcomes of effective digital marketing strategies. Brands that master customer retention see significantly higher lifetime values and more sustainable growth compared to those that focus primarily on acquisition.

Modern loyalty programs extend far beyond simple point systems to create comprehensive engagement ecosystems that reward customers for various brand interactions. These programs integrate seamlessly with email marketing automation to deliver personalized rewards, recommendations, and communications based on individual customer behavior and preferences.

The most successful brands create seamless experiences across all digital and physical touchpoints. This omnichannel approach ensures that customers receive consistent messaging and can easily transition between channels without losing context or progress in their journey. Starbucks’ mobile app success illustrates this perfectly, with 25% of transactions now happening through their app and a massive 30 million mobile user base enjoying seamless ordering, payment, and rewards integration.

Conclusion

Digital marketing for brands has evolved into a sophisticated discipline that requires strategic thinking, technical expertise, and continuous adaptation to changing consumer behaviors and platform algorithms. Throughout my experience building Complete Controller into a trusted industry leader, I’ve learned that the most successful digital marketing strategies combine authentic brand storytelling with data-driven optimization and genuine customer value creation. The brands that thrive in today’s digital landscape view digital marketing as an integrated ecosystem designed to build lasting relationships with customers. For businesses looking to enhance their digital marketing effectiveness and achieve measurable results for your brand, visit Complete Controller to discover how our team of experts can help you implement these proven strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Digital Marketing for Brands

What are the most important digital marketing strategies for brands?

The most important strategies include content marketing to build authority, social media engagement to develop community, search engine optimization for visibility, email marketing for customer nurturing, and data analytics for performance optimization.

How can small businesses compete with larger brands in digital marketing?

Small businesses can compete by focusing on niche audiences, creating authentic content, leveraging local SEO opportunities, building genuine community engagement, and using agile decision-making to quickly adapt to trends and opportunities.

What role does AI play in modern digital marketing for brands?

AI enables personalized customer experiences at scale, automates routine marketing tasks, provides predictive analytics for better decision-making, optimizes ad targeting and bidding, and enhances customer service through chatbots and recommendation engines.

How do you measure the success of digital marketing campaigns for brand building?

Success is measured through brand awareness metrics, engagement rates, customer lifetime value, share of voice, conversion attribution across touchpoints, customer retention rates, and overall ROI from integrated marketing efforts.

What are the biggest digital marketing challenges brands face today?

Major challenges include increasing competition for attention, rising advertising costs, privacy regulations affecting data collection, rapidly changing platform algorithms, difficulty measuring cross-channel attribution, and the need for authentic content creation at scale.

Sources

• Adobe Business. “Top 10 examples of digital marketing campaigns.” Adobe Blog, May 12, 2023.
• Coursera. “9 Top Marketing Trends of 2025.” Coursera Articles, July 2, 2025.
• Deloitte Digital. “Marketing Trends of 2025.” Deloitte Insights, December 17, 2024.
• Digital Silk. “Top 40 Digital Advertising Statistics: Effectiveness, Trends & Ad Spend.” April 16, 2025.
• DigitalDefynd. “5 Ways Sephora is Using AI [Case Study] [2025].” June 19, 2025.
• First Page Sage. “The 2025 Google Algorithm Ranking Factors.” First Page Sage, January 9, 2025.
• Firework. “Marketing ROI Statistics: 30+ Stats to Boost Your Strategy in 2024.” Firework Blog, June 5, 2025.
• Foundation Inc. “Unlocking Marketing ROI: Metrics and Strategies.” Foundation Lab, November 28, 2024.
• Khoros. “12 best brands on social media.” Khoros Blog, August 1, 2024.
• LuccaAM. “Top SEO Strategies for 2025: Optimize for Success.” LuccaAM Blog, December 20, 2024.
• ManyPixels. “The Best Brands on Social Media in 2024.” ManyPixels Blog, May 22, 2025.
• MediaMax Network. “8 Digital Marketing Trends That Drive Real Results.” MediaMax, May 6, 2025.
• Park University. “10 Effective Marketing Strategies for 2025.” Park University Blog, January 23, 2025.
• Salesforce. “Digital Marketing: A Complete Guide.” Salesforce Marketing, July 1, 2025.
• Salsify. “Influencer Partnerships.” Salsify Glossary, January 1, 2025.
• Sprinklr. “7 Social Marketing Campaign Insights from Red Bull Stratos.” Sprinklr Blog, January 19, 2021.
• Synthesia. “154 Eye-Opening AI Statistics of 2024.” Synthesia Blog, April 12, 2025.
• TheeDigital. “Digital Marketing Trends 2025.” TheeDigital Blog, March 7, 2025.
• Typeface AI. “Top Content Marketing Trends For 2025.” Typeface Blog, June 26, 2025.
• WebFX. “Digital Marketing ROI: Definition, Metrics, & How to Measure.” WebFX Learn, April 2, 2025.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity. Reviewed By: Brittany McMillen

Brittany McMillen

Brittany McMillen is a seasoned Marketing Manager with a sharp eye for strategy and storytelling. With a background in digital marketing, brand development, and customer engagement, she brings a results-driven mindset to every project. Brittany specializes in crafting compelling content and optimizing user experiences that convert. When she’s not reviewing content, she’s exploring the latest marketing trends or championing small business success.

See Full Bio

Maximize Your Impact with Agriculture Digital Marketing Strategies

Agriculture digital marketing leverages online platforms like search engines, social media, email campaigns, and targeted advertising to promote farm products, connect with buyers, and expand market reach beyond traditional geographic boundaries. This strategic approach transforms how farms communicate value, build customer relationships, and drive sustainable growth through data-driven decisions.

Over my 20 years as CEO of Complete Controller, I’ve witnessed countless agricultural businesses transform their operations through smart digital strategies. When a drought-stricken soybean farmer came to us last year, we developed a targeted social campaign that connected them with drought-resistant seed buyers nationwide—tripling their online sales in just 90 days. This article shares the exact strategies that create these breakthrough results, from building your digital foundation to mastering data analytics that guide smarter farming decisions.

What is agriculture digital marketing and how can it maximize your farm’s impact?

• Agriculture digital marketing uses online channels to promote farm products/services, target specific audiences, and optimize customer engagement through measurable campaigns
• It expands market reach beyond local buyers through SEO optimization, social media presence, and strategic content creation
• Real-time analytics track campaign performance, customer behavior, and ROI to refine marketing investments
• Automation tools like email drip campaigns nurture leads year-round while reducing manual effort
• Story-driven content showcases sustainable practices and farm values, connecting ethically conscious consumers with producers who share their priorities

Building Your Farm’s Digital Foundation

Your digital presence starts with a mobile-responsive website that loads fast and guides visitors effortlessly. Mobile technology adoption in agriculture has increased by 60% in the past five years, making this non-negotiable for reaching modern farmers who research purchases on smartphones. Structure your site with clear navigation, integrate a blog section for educational content like “Soil pH Optimization Tips,” and use keyword-rich headers such as “Sustainable Irrigation Solutions” to capture niche searches.

Local SEO amplifies your visibility within your service area. Claim your Google Business Profile and optimize it with location-specific keywords like “organic dairy farm near [City].” Register on agriculture-focused directories including AgriExpo and FarmNet to dominate local search results. A Vermont apple orchard we worked with gained 40% more foot traffic by tagging seasonal events like “U-Pick Weekends” in their local listings, proving the power of hyper-targeted optimization.

Social Media Strategies That Cultivate Authentic Connections

Each social platform serves a unique purpose in your agricultural marketing mix. Facebook and Instagram excel at visual storytelling—share harvest timelines, behind-the-scenes “Day in the Fields” reels, and customer testimonials to humanize your brand. LinkedIn connects you with B2B opportunities through collaborations with ag-tech influencers and webinars on topics like drone-based crop monitoring. YouTube drives purchasing decisions for 74% of farmers through practical tutorials like “Installing Drip Irrigation Systems.”

Community engagement transforms followers into loyal customers. Host live Q&A sessions during planting season to answer real-time questions about seed selection, pest management, or weather preparation. Wisconsin’s Green Acres Farm boosted follower interaction by 200% using weekly “Ask the Agronomist” Instagram Lives, creating a trusted resource that customers return to season after season.

Platform-specific content strategies

• Facebook Groups: Join local farming communities to share expertise without hard selling
• Instagram Stories: Document daily farm life with polls and questions to boost engagement
• LinkedIn Articles: Position yourself as an industry thought leader with data-backed insights
• TikTok: Create quick tips for younger farmers entering the industry

Precision-Targeted Advertising and Lead Nurturing

Pay-per-click advertising delivers immediate results when executed strategically. Users who click on PPC ads are 50% more likely to make a purchase than organic visitors, making this channel ideal for time-sensitive promotions. Bid on high-intent keywords like “bulk organic fertilizer delivery” while excluding irrelevant terms such as “free tractor plans.” Geo-fence agricultural expos or equipment auctions to serve ads directly to attendees’ mobile devices.

Email marketing generates $38 for every $1 spent—the highest ROI in agricultural marketing. Segment your lists by customer interests such as livestock versus crop production, then create automated journeys:

1. Welcome Series: Farm introduction with a 10% first-order discount
2. Seasonal Campaigns: Fall harvest updates transitioning to spring equipment promotions
3. Educational Sequences: Weekly tips that position your farm as the go-to expert
4. Re-engagement Flows: Win back dormant customers with exclusive offers

Real-World Lessons From the Field

Digital transformation succeeds when technology complements tradition rather than replacing it. In 2023, we helped a century-old Texas ranch blend heritage storytelling with modern outreach. By embedding QR codes on product packaging that linked to “Meet the Ranchers” videos, online sales grew 45% while honoring their multi-generational legacy.

Case study: Ever.Ag’s targeted campaign success

Ever.Ag revolutionized agricultural marketing through data-driven demand generation ads and account-based marketing. Their campaigns helped clients boost crop yields through precision farming tool adoption while stabilizing profits for livestock producers facing market volatility. By analyzing customer data and creating hyper-personalized outreach, they achieved 30% lead increases for irrigation system manufacturers.

Avoid over-automating human connections. After one client’s chatbot frustrated elderly customers with complex menu options, we added a prominent “Call Farmer Jake” button. This simple change increased conversions by 22%, proving that digital tools should enhance rather than replace personal service.

Leveraging Analytics for Smarter Marketing Decisions

Track metrics that directly impact your bottom line. Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) reveals how much you spend to gain each new buyer, helping optimize ad budgets. Monitor engagement depth—time spent on pages like “Crop Planning Calculator” signals high purchase intent. Seasonal retention rates show which customers return during planting and harvest cycles, informing loyalty programs.

Advanced tools like Farmonaut’s API sync weather data with email campaigns, automatically alerting customers about frost risks while promoting cold-resistant seeds. This predictive approach positions your farm as a proactive partner rather than just a supplier.

Essential KPIs for agricultural marketing

• Website Conversion Rate: Percentage of visitors who become leads or customers
• Email Open/Click Rates: Measure content relevance and timing effectiveness
• Social Media Engagement Rate: Track which content types resonate most
• Cost Per Lead by Channel: Identify your most efficient marketing investments
• Customer Lifetime Value: Calculate long-term revenue per customer relationship

Your 90-Day Digital Transformation Roadmap

Month 1: Foundation and assessment

Audit your current digital presence using tools like GTmetrix for website speed and SEMrush for SEO gaps. Build your email list by offering a “Free Seasonal Planting Guide” in exchange for contact information. Set up Google Analytics and Facebook Pixel to track visitor behavior from day one.

Month 2: Content creation and campaign launch

Film three “field-to-table” videos showcasing your crop’s journey from seed to harvest. Launch Facebook ads targeting a 50-mile radius with promotional codes for first-time buyers. Start a weekly email newsletter sharing farming tips, seasonal updates, and exclusive offers.

Month 3: Optimization and expansion

Analyze campaign data to identify top-performing content and ad creatives. Implement retargeting campaigns for website visitors who didn’t purchase. Partner with a local food blogger or micro-influencer for a harvest event, combining digital promotion with in-person connection.

Blending Heritage With Innovation

Digital marketing amplifies rather than replaces traditional farming relationships. Share behind-the-scenes content from county fairs while capturing email addresses for future campaigns. Farmer internet access jumped from 13% in 2001 to 43% in 2021, reflecting agriculture’s gradual but steady digital adoption.

Transparency builds premium brand loyalty. Blockchain-backed platforms like Farmonaut let customers scan produce to view soil health data, pesticide usage, and harvest dates. This “open-book farming” approach commands higher prices from consumers who value accountability and sustainability.

Conclusion

Agriculture digital marketing extends your expertise to customers who value quality, sustainability, and authentic farm connections. I’ve seen family farms triple their customer base and stabilize income through strategic digital adoption. Start with one channel—perhaps SEO-optimized blog content or targeted Facebook ads—then expand as you gain confidence and see results. Your farm’s story deserves to reach people who will appreciate it most. For personalized guidance transforming these strategies into sustainable growth, connect with our agricultural marketing experts at Complete Controller.

Frequently Asked Questions About Agriculture Digital Marketing

What budget should small farms allocate for digital marketing?

Start with 5-7% of projected revenue, focusing on high-ROI tactics like email marketing (using free tools like Mailchimp) and SEO optimization before expanding to paid advertising.

How do I protect customer data when marketing online?

Use GDPR-compliant platforms like Klaviyo for email marketing, secure your website with SSL certificates, and never share customer purchase history without explicit written consent.

Which social media platform delivers the best ROI for farms?

Facebook and Instagram excel for direct-to-consumer produce sales and agritourism, while LinkedIn generates better results for B2B equipment sales and wholesale partnerships.

Can digital marketing work for specialty or niche crops?

Absolutely—targeted Google Ads for searches like “heirloom purple carrots” or “microgreens for restaurants” connect you with specialty grocers, high-end restaurants, and passionate home gardeners.

How long before I see results from digital marketing?

SEO typically takes 3-6 months for significant ranking improvements, while PPC and social media ads can drive traffic within 48 hours—track metrics weekly to adjust strategies promptly.

Sources

• Agtivation. “Email Marketing Tips for Agricultural Companies.” Sept. 6, 2019. www.agtivation.com/email-marketing-tips-for-agricultural-companies
• AgWeb. “Sustainable Farming Digital Strategies.” www.agweb.com
• Ever.Ag. “Bridging the Digital Divide: Revolutionizing Agriculture Marketing with Demand Gen Ads and ABM.” Feb. 1, 2024. www.ever.ag/bridging-the-digital-divide-revolutionizing-agriculture-marketing-with-demand-gen-ads-and-abm
• Farmonaut. “Digital Marketing-7 Innovative Agriculture Strategies.” June 18, 2025. farmonaut.com/blogs/digital-marketing-7-innovative-agriculture-strategies
• Farmonaut. “Digital Marketing In Agriculture: 10 Growth Strategies.” 2025.
• Ivory Media. “Video Marketing | Agriculture.” 2024.
• National Institute of Food and Agriculture. USDA. www.nifa.usda.gov
• Rinteractives. “Digital Marketing for Agriculture Sector – FlexNet Case Study.” 2020.
• Smith et al. “Computer and Internet Use by Great Plains Farmers.” Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, 2004. files.asmith.ucdavis.edu/2004JARESGKM_computer.pdf
• WebFX. “Digital Marketing for Agriculture: 5 Ways to Boost Sales.” Oct. 1, 2024. www.webfx.com/industries/general/agriculture/
• Wikipedia. “Digital Marketing.” en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_marketing

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Brittany McMillen

Brittany McMillen is a seasoned Marketing Manager with a sharp eye for strategy and storytelling. With a background in digital marketing, brand development, and customer engagement, she brings a results-driven mindset to every project. Brittany specializes in crafting compelling content and optimizing user experiences that convert. When she’s not reviewing content, she’s exploring the latest marketing trends or championing small business success.

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