The current pandemic has forced hundreds and thousands of businesses to close and file for bankruptcy this year. While there are still a few lucky ones standing, surviving and trying to stay afloat, there could be changes in the way consumers do business. Changes in their shopping behaviors mean protecting themselves against the deadly disease, especially now that there is another threat in the form of a new virus strain – several, in fact. Consumers and brands will turn to digital means, both in marketing and shopping. Since more and more people are working from home due to the current situation, it makes sense to take your marketing online rather than offline these days. Online marketing will be the primary form of advertising as long as the threat of the coronavirus is still around. If you're still not getting your advertising online, you're missing out on huge opportunities. Digital advertising is all the employee data rage now, and you need to join the bandwagon before you get left behind. Here's why online advertising is essential in 2021, and beyond. people are online In October 2020, around 4.66 billion people were considered active internet users. Even before the pandemic, people were already spending most of their time online. Now that the pandemic is forcing more and more people around the world to avoid coming into contact with anyone, that number will undeniably increase. Employees used to dealing face-to-face with colleagues and bosses will need to do so via video conferencing software. The same goes for teachers and students. This time spent online will only fuel industries to begin transitioning, in part or in whole, to an Internet-based operation. Whether a business is in its start-up stage or not, digital marketing will be the holy grail for tapping into its audience.