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Amazon was founded in 1994, Google in 1998, Facebook in 2004, what does it tell you?
It has been around 20 years since the Internet become popular, isn’t it a crime if you haven’t started digitizing your business?
Better late than never though! If you haven’t started yet, or are in the process of digital transformation, we have compiled a practical checklist here for you to consider.
It is not just about setting up a website or online store, we are organizing the following 10-point business digitization checklist into 3 categories, named conventionally by the back office, front office (sales), and front office (marketing).
- Accounting Software
- HR / Payroll Software
- Work Tool / Other Systems
- Website / Mobile App
- E-Commerce Store
- Digital Payment
- Brand / Product Video
- Search Marketing
- Social Media Marketing
- List on Marketplaces
Let’s dive in and explore how you can digitize your business especially in Malaysia.
You can also download the FREE eBook here for easy reference.
Back Office
1. Accounting Software
While you can outsource to accounting service providers, smaller businesses can actually DIY easily with the accounting software options available in the market.
Forget about the manual spreadsheets, or the old-school accounting system, opt for those hosted in the cloud which usually charges affordable monthly or annual fees.
With proper accounting software, you can manage your cash flow easily, issue digital copies of quotations or invoices, and save your time for running the business itself.
List of accounting software in Malaysia
2. HR / Payroll Software
If you hire employees even if it is just a small team, HR and payroll software (usually come as one solution) is another must-have system for your business.
With such software, administrative paperwork and repetitive tasks can be reduced significantly. Recommended to source for those with local statutory compliance and bank integrations.
You can’t believe how easy it is to generate monthly payroll and payslips with just one click! Not to mention your employees can apply for leave easily – all handled by the software.
List of HR / payroll software in Malaysia
3. Work Tool / Other Systems
To go digital and paperless, Google Workspace (formerly known as G Suite) offers the whole work suite from email to most importantly cloud storage.
All your company documents and work files can be stored in the cloud, making it easy to access and collaborate with your colleagues, especially convenient for remote working.
Depending on your business nature, you might also need other systems like CRM, ERP, etc. Systems are meant to make your life easier and reduce manual operations.
List of CRM / ERP system in Malaysia
Front Office: Sales
4. Website / Mobile App
It is embarrassing if you still don’t have a business website today. Don’t rush to Wix.com right away though, as it is best to first find out what’s the purpose of having the website.
A standard website will do for most businesses, but consider CMS like WordPress if you need a blog, catalog, or other features. Refer to the next section on e-commerce.
The website is your online salesman. The mobile app, on the other hand, is only necessary for bigger brands who need to communicate and engage with their customers regularly.
List of website / mobile app developers in Malaysia
5. E-Commerce Store
While you can sell your products or services at online marketplaces in Malaysia, it is always worth considering setting up your own online store for full control and also for future proof.
Bigger brands usually opt for customized e-commerce solutions (think Magento developers) but it makes sense for SMEs to go for the more affordable hosted shopping cart solutions.
Be it custom-made or software-as-a-service (hosted on the cloud) solutions, consider automation too using marketplace sync if you are selling online via multiple channels.
List of e-commerce website developers / shopping cart software in Malaysia
6. Digital Payment
If you are setting up shop and accepting payment online, your e-commerce website or shopping cart software are already integrated with the online payment gateway in most cases.
Even if you are not selling consumer products via an e-store, you can also explore setting up an online payment gateway at your website or CMS to accept payment online for your services.
For businesses with physical outlets, consider using a POS system that accepts cashless payments (as in e-wallets), perhaps a cloud-based one too that facilitates real-time insights?
List of online payment gateway / POS system in Malaysia
Front Office: Marketing
7. Brand / Product Video
Before you start promoting your business online, think about what creative assets you have in hand. Video is definitely one of the best forms to communicate your brand to your customers.
Unlike many years ago when only big brands can afford to produce TV commercials, video marketing (both production and digital distribution) is now affordable for small businesses.
Depending on your budget, you can produce something simple like a “slideshow”, or get professional’s help to develop sophisticated brand videos – be it filming or animations.
List of video production companies in Malaysia
8. Search Marketing
Even if you don’t have an online presence, it is a must to set up Google My Business to promote your brick-and-mortar stores to capture local or “near me” searches.
If you have a website or online store, invest in search engine optimization (SEO) if your budget allows, as a long-term plan to grow your organic search traffic.
In order to capture search opportunities right away, engage a digital marketing agency to run “always-on” search engine marketing (SEM) campaigns.
List of digital marketing agencies in Malaysia
9. Social Media Marketing
Besides search, social media is the other important platform to execute digital marketing activities, especially tactical campaigns on targeted audience groups.
Depending on who your customers are, focus your resources on either one (or more) popular social media platforms in Malaysia, namely Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok.
Plan and develop engaging social media content, be it working with an agency or done in-house. Run advertising campaigns to boost your content or campaign reach.
List of digital marketing agencies in Malaysia
10. List on Marketplaces
Besides your own website, it is worth considering promoting your products or services via third-party marketplaces, especially if you don’t have a significant marketing budget.
Depending on what you are selling, explore listing your business at online marketplaces (like Shopee, Lazada), super apps (like Grab, airasia), food delivery platforms (like Foodpanda, EASI).
Most marketplaces charge by cost per sale so the entry barrier is low but those places are super competitive and you wouldn’t have full control of your business. This shouldn’t be your only digital strategy.
List of online marketplaces in Malaysia
