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ARTICLE #50
How to scale up business through digitalization?
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Written by:
8 min read
Updated on: July 9, 2024
Toni Hukkanen
Head of Design
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Creative Direction, Brand Direction
Toni Hukkanen
Head of Design
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Creative Direction, Brand Direction
Ducking out on digital progress these days is like refusing Wi-Fi in a tech-savvy world—somebody else will scoop up your customers. Many entrepreneurs are especially keen to grow, but expansion can be pricey, so they look for smart, cost-effective resources.
A strong online profile can simplify operations, boost internal processes, and make it far easier for prospective buyers to spot your brand. The internet stands as a trusted ally in the race for reach and reputation. Below are core ideas on increasing scope through digital methods, plus a look at the benefits this shift can bring.
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Ducking out on digital progress these days is like refusing Wi-Fi in a tech-savvy world—somebody else will scoop up your customers. Many entrepreneurs are especially keen to grow, but expansion can be pricey, so they look for smart, cost-effective resources.
A strong online profile can simplify operations, boost internal processes, and make it far easier for prospective buyers to spot your brand. The internet stands as a trusted ally in the race for reach and reputation. Below are core ideas on increasing scope through digital methods, plus a look at the benefits this shift can bring.
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What does it mean to scale up a business?
What does it mean to scale up a business?
Scaling up marks the step from a startup’s early grind to a stable enterprise. In the beginning, emerging companies often chase fresh ideas and test new products. Once they’re scaling, the plan is to strengthen operations, deliver on promises, and create an impact that sticks.
According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a company at this stage usually shows annual growth above 20% for at least three years, starting from 10 or more employees. Such businesses also tend to spark job creation, reshape their field, and refine their processes. The focus now is on proving a product fits a real need, finalising the revenue model, and aiming for bigger targets—such as new markets, fresh hires, and better sales.
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Scaling up marks the step from a startup’s early grind to a stable enterprise. In the beginning, emerging companies often chase fresh ideas and test new products. Once they’re scaling, the plan is to strengthen operations, deliver on promises, and create an impact that sticks.
According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a company at this stage usually shows annual growth above 20% for at least three years, starting from 10 or more employees. Such businesses also tend to spark job creation, reshape their field, and refine their processes. The focus now is on proving a product fits a real need, finalising the revenue model, and aiming for bigger targets—such as new markets, fresh hires, and better sales.
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What are the benefits of scaling up business through digitalization?
Plenty of enterprises rely on tech upgrades to keep pace with modern competition. Strong digital methods and tools can help lift sales and brand awareness without sacrificing quality.
Meet customer demand
Keeping up with customer needs boosts your reputation and revenue. Scaling too quickly, however, might risk quality slip-ups. It’s important to balance speed and stability so your brand stays trustworthy.
Improve the efficiency of business
Growth often gives an opening to refine processes. New tech can make tasks faster and more precise, saving cost and effort. Robotic Process Automation, for example, can take over repetitive tasks and free up people for strategy or creative work.
Maintain good relationships with investors and partners
Fresh funding offers more room to expand. Positive ties with investors, partners, and peers can keep a business on track. Extra cash might be invested in the latest technologies—like Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Learning—to upgrade products and win over customers.
Perform better than competitors
Being slow to adapt can cause a business to fall behind in today’s tech-driven climate. Tools like cloud computing can boost speed and flexibility, while data analytics helps track patterns and shape decisions. This approach strengthens your position against rivals.
Appealing cost-benefit ratio
Digital systems can cut errors, reveal profitable paths in data, and enhance your Return on Investment (ROI). Instead of ballooning budgets, well-chosen tech solutions often show quick gains at a fair price.
Plenty of enterprises rely on tech upgrades to keep pace with modern competition. Strong digital methods and tools can help lift sales and brand awareness without sacrificing quality.
Meet customer demand
Keeping up with customer needs boosts your reputation and revenue. Scaling too quickly, however, might risk quality slip-ups. It’s important to balance speed and stability so your brand stays trustworthy.
Improve the efficiency of business
Growth often gives an opening to refine processes. New tech can make tasks faster and more precise, saving cost and effort. Robotic Process Automation, for example, can take over repetitive tasks and free up people for strategy or creative work.
Maintain good relationships with investors and partners
Fresh funding offers more room to expand. Positive ties with investors, partners, and peers can keep a business on track. Extra cash might be invested in the latest technologies—like Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Learning—to upgrade products and win over customers.
Perform better than competitors
Being slow to adapt can cause a business to fall behind in today’s tech-driven climate. Tools like cloud computing can boost speed and flexibility, while data analytics helps track patterns and shape decisions. This approach strengthens your position against rivals.
Appealing cost-benefit ratio
Digital systems can cut errors, reveal profitable paths in data, and enhance your Return on Investment (ROI). Instead of ballooning budgets, well-chosen tech solutions often show quick gains at a fair price.
How to scale up business through digitalization?
Raising your market share or exploring new territories isn’t always straightforward. Thoughtful planning, paired with the right tech, puts you on the path to sustainable growth.
1. Plan a digital strategy
A solid digital game plan typically includes monthly objectives, short- and long-term milestones, and assigned tasks for each goal. This might involve adopting more efficient tools, adding fresh product lines, or sharpening existing processes.
Market data, user insights, and trends all play vital roles. By listening to customers and scanning performance metrics, you’re more likely to make smart calls that keep your company thriving.
2. Promote business through digital marketing
Traditional marketing aims to meet people in the right spot at the right time. Modern channels—websites, apps, social media, and more—have multiplied that goal many times over. As consumer habits shift, brands need to keep pace or risk blending into the background.
Website
A website often acts as your virtual storefront, open 24/7. Thoughtful design, helpful navigation, and quick loading can improve credibility and encourage repeat visits. Search engines also value well-structured pages, so good design and relevant content can help you rank above the competition. Whether you sell products or services, a strong online presence sets you apart.
Email Marketing
An updated email platform works wonders in boosting open rates and conversions. If you can spot patterns in how customers spend or what products they prefer, you can create campaigns that resonate. Personal touches—such as customised offers—tend to grab people’s attention and spark loyalty.
Social Media Marketing
Limiting your brand to a website alone might waste potential. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram allow you to gather feedback, run giveaways, and keep tabs on public opinion. Social media also helps you meet your audience where they already spend time, turning casual viewers into devoted followers.
3. Optimise customer experience
Keeping customers happy keeps revenue flowing. A Global Customer Experience Benchmark Report revealed that 84% of companies saw increases in earnings when they prioritised customer satisfaction. Meanwhile, 39% of CEOs believe this approach gives them a strong edge.
Collect feedback, study how people behave before and after they buy, and adjust your methods accordingly. Open communication builds trust, and consistent improvements signal that you genuinely value every purchase or enquiry.
4. Rely on technology that can accelerate ROI
Some small businesses try to develop their own software or tools to save money, only to find that it drains time and energy. Working with a credible vendor usually speeds up progress. Map out your major goals, then seek advice from external analysts or peers who can vouch for reliable solutions. Measuring results keeps your spending in check.
5. Display brand influence by digital branding
Online branding is about showing who you are and what you care about, rather than focusing only on product features. Building an emotional bond can set you apart from other companies because it reminds your audience there’s a bigger purpose behind what you offer.
6. Optimise through automation
Automation helps replace time-consuming duties with dependable, tech-based processes. Like scheduling software, chatbots, or invoice systems—anything that frees up staff to handle tasks requiring judgment. This approach cuts mundane chores and improves overall accuracy.

Raising your market share or exploring new territories isn’t always straightforward. Thoughtful planning, paired with the right tech, puts you on the path to sustainable growth.
1. Plan a digital strategy
A solid digital game plan typically includes monthly objectives, short- and long-term milestones, and assigned tasks for each goal. This might involve adopting more efficient tools, adding fresh product lines, or sharpening existing processes.
Market data, user insights, and trends all play vital roles. By listening to customers and scanning performance metrics, you’re more likely to make smart calls that keep your company thriving.
2. Promote business through digital marketing
Traditional marketing aims to meet people in the right spot at the right time. Modern channels—websites, apps, social media, and more—have multiplied that goal many times over. As consumer habits shift, brands need to keep pace or risk blending into the background.
Website
A website often acts as your virtual storefront, open 24/7. Thoughtful design, helpful navigation, and quick loading can improve credibility and encourage repeat visits. Search engines also value well-structured pages, so good design and relevant content can help you rank above the competition. Whether you sell products or services, a strong online presence sets you apart.
Email Marketing
An updated email platform works wonders in boosting open rates and conversions. If you can spot patterns in how customers spend or what products they prefer, you can create campaigns that resonate. Personal touches—such as customised offers—tend to grab people’s attention and spark loyalty.
Social Media Marketing
Limiting your brand to a website alone might waste potential. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram allow you to gather feedback, run giveaways, and keep tabs on public opinion. Social media also helps you meet your audience where they already spend time, turning casual viewers into devoted followers.
3. Optimise customer experience
Keeping customers happy keeps revenue flowing. A Global Customer Experience Benchmark Report revealed that 84% of companies saw increases in earnings when they prioritised customer satisfaction. Meanwhile, 39% of CEOs believe this approach gives them a strong edge.
Collect feedback, study how people behave before and after they buy, and adjust your methods accordingly. Open communication builds trust, and consistent improvements signal that you genuinely value every purchase or enquiry.
4. Rely on technology that can accelerate ROI
Some small businesses try to develop their own software or tools to save money, only to find that it drains time and energy. Working with a credible vendor usually speeds up progress. Map out your major goals, then seek advice from external analysts or peers who can vouch for reliable solutions. Measuring results keeps your spending in check.
5. Display brand influence by digital branding
Online branding is about showing who you are and what you care about, rather than focusing only on product features. Building an emotional bond can set you apart from other companies because it reminds your audience there’s a bigger purpose behind what you offer.
6. Optimise through automation
Automation helps replace time-consuming duties with dependable, tech-based processes. Like scheduling software, chatbots, or invoice systems—anything that frees up staff to handle tasks requiring judgment. This approach cuts mundane chores and improves overall accuracy.
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Scale up business through digitalization example
Countless brands have ramped up their presence by getting creative and bold with tech. Below are a few standouts:
Zappos
A giant in online shoe and clothing retail, Zappos interacts with shoppers on Twitter, keeping quick response times with the help of streaming API. They also launched TweetWall, which pairs tweets with product images to add a personal feel. Their campaign videos share real customer stories, proving their dedication to user satisfaction.
American Express
American Express fosters community through its Open Forum website, inviting experts to offer business advice. Guest writers from multiple fields post articles, generating content at no extra cost to American Express. The site also lets users discuss ideas and connect with each other, creating a lively hub of tips and resources.
Dove
Dove took a bold step by challenging narrow beauty ideals in its promotional activities. The ShowUs initiative, in partnership with Getty Images and Girlgaze, features more than 10,000 photos from 39 countries. By adding broader representation, Dove’s brand worth climbed to $4.5 billion and sparked conversations about inclusive standards.
Starbucks
Starbucks uses digital tools throughout its operations. Its approach focuses on ordering, personal touches, payments, and rewards, improving both in-store and online interactions. On social media, the brand often features content made by fans—like customer snapshots. The Tweet a Coffee promotion encouraged people to send a drink to a friend through Twitter.
Slack
Slack caught fire thanks to word-of-mouth endorsements and a thoughtful social presence—especially on Twitter. On its first day, it recorded around 800 sign-ups. Today, Slack integrates with more than 1,000 platforms, such as ClickUp, heightening visibility and traffic. Its pricing model is transparent, combining a feature-packed free plan with flexible paid subscriptions. As a result, Slack boasts 7 million daily users, 3 millions of whom pay for the service.
Countless brands have ramped up their presence by getting creative and bold with tech. Below are a few standouts:
Zappos
A giant in online shoe and clothing retail, Zappos interacts with shoppers on Twitter, keeping quick response times with the help of streaming API. They also launched TweetWall, which pairs tweets with product images to add a personal feel. Their campaign videos share real customer stories, proving their dedication to user satisfaction.
American Express
American Express fosters community through its Open Forum website, inviting experts to offer business advice. Guest writers from multiple fields post articles, generating content at no extra cost to American Express. The site also lets users discuss ideas and connect with each other, creating a lively hub of tips and resources.
Dove
Dove took a bold step by challenging narrow beauty ideals in its promotional activities. The ShowUs initiative, in partnership with Getty Images and Girlgaze, features more than 10,000 photos from 39 countries. By adding broader representation, Dove’s brand worth climbed to $4.5 billion and sparked conversations about inclusive standards.
Starbucks
Starbucks uses digital tools throughout its operations. Its approach focuses on ordering, personal touches, payments, and rewards, improving both in-store and online interactions. On social media, the brand often features content made by fans—like customer snapshots. The Tweet a Coffee promotion encouraged people to send a drink to a friend through Twitter.
Slack
Slack caught fire thanks to word-of-mouth endorsements and a thoughtful social presence—especially on Twitter. On its first day, it recorded around 800 sign-ups. Today, Slack integrates with more than 1,000 platforms, such as ClickUp, heightening visibility and traffic. Its pricing model is transparent, combining a feature-packed free plan with flexible paid subscriptions. As a result, Slack boasts 7 million daily users, 3 millions of whom pay for the service.
Final Thoughts
Scaling a business through digital means involves careful steps, clear targets, and smooth adoption of modern tools. Companies that add cloud and automation to their strategy often pull ahead in today’s tech-savvy environment.
For startups craving serious growth, it pays to stay open to new breakthroughs and constantly learn. A clever digital plan paves the way to bigger achievements in a world that’s becoming more connected every day.
Scaling a business through digital means involves careful steps, clear targets, and smooth adoption of modern tools. Companies that add cloud and automation to their strategy often pull ahead in today’s tech-savvy environment.
For startups craving serious growth, it pays to stay open to new breakthroughs and constantly learn. A clever digital plan paves the way to bigger achievements in a world that’s becoming more connected every day.
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