A digital nomad works online from different locations, adopting a nomadic lifestyle as they travel from one place to another. As physical location becomes less critical for companies and employees worldwide, more people will inevitably want to try the digital nomad lifestyle.
In March 2022, 52% of digital nomads worldwide were from the United States (Statista); In March 2023, only 48% of digital nomads worldwide were from the United States (Nomadlist). The total number of digital nomads worldwide keeps growing; this indicates that the volume of digital nomads from countries outside the United States continues to grow significantly faster.
Why do more and more people aim to become digital nomads?
Simply put, it’s awesome. No more waking up early to avoid traffic jams on the way to the office. No more sitting behind the cramped office cubicle from 9 AM to 5 PM. No more “I’ve finished my task for the day, but it’s still two hours before I can go home.” Being a digital nomad, you can do your work while sipping ice-cold beer in a beach cafe in Bali!
How the world adapts to digital nomads
Being a digital nomad is more than just a trend – it’s an evolution, a lifestyle shift. Several countries have acknowledged this and even launched the digital nomad visa. A digital nomad visa allows a visitor to stay in a country and work remotely via a computer/laptop for a foreign-based employer or business. These visas are typically valid for 12 months and can be extended for one or more years, depending on the country issuing the permit.
Of course, most countries that offer the Digital Nomad Visa require proof of a certain amount of income as they should still pay taxes to the government, but being a domestic digital nomad (travelling between cities in the country) is always a viable option. Multiple villas, boarding houses, and hotels also provid accommodation to cater to digital nomads – such as equipping their place with high-speed internet and collaborating with local tourism spots!
How digital nomads use social media
There are three options for being a digital nomad. One, work in a company that allows you to do remote work. Two, start an online business, and three, be a freelancer. Social media is an essential tool to leverage being a digital nomad. Whether looking, finding, or engaging potential clients, it would be foolish to overlook the potential benefit of excellent social media presence. Some may even be able to monetize their social media accounts!
Another potential use of social media is to find their next destination AND a place to stay. For this purpose, TikTok is the digital nomad’s best friend. Digital nomads use TikTok to find honest reviews of lodging in their destination. TikTok provides organic, user-generated video reviews of the location; it is significantly harder to falsify than photos on hotel-booking apps.
With digital nomads being constant travelers, it’s also an opportunity for them to become social media content creators. With no extra investment, a digital nomad can start their own travel blog or local food reviews or become a lodging reviewer. The (digital) sky is the limit.
Conclusion
As previously mentioned, being digital nomads is not merely a trend. It’s a shift in lifestyle. Adjusting your marketing strategy to accommodate global tourists is necessary to embrace these changes. For those in the travel industry, ensure you provide an excellent hotel internet connection. For cafes and restaurants, embrace local cuisine to attract digital nomads. The digital nomads are here to stay.
About the author
Daffi is an Associate Insight Manager at Radarr. A digital nomad with years of research experience, he aims to understand market behavior in place of his visits and dwell on how brands can tap into those behaviors.
