2024 is set to be a crucial time for digital transformation for North East businesses.
In the wake of the explosion of technologies like AI, companies around the world now have access to new digital tools. Locally, increasing amounts of funding are being made available to support the region’s already thriving tech industry – and in turn boosting growth and innovation in other sectors.
With a wealth of legacy industries in the region looking to adapt to the digital age, digital transformation is inevitable. Ellen Hedley, co-founder of Vida Creative, tells us why B2B companies need to embrace digital transformation in 2024.
1. To reach a wider audience
Whatever the industry, the B2B buyer journey is becoming increasingly digital so an online presence is essential.
Whether it’s researching services, or looking for a company to work with that matches their values – your customers are doing this online so you need to be there too.
Even if most of your business is won in face to face settings, implementing online channels as a fundamental part of your business and marketing plan means you’ll reach more potential customers.
This also allows you to unlock new revenue opportunities by expanding your reach and brand awareness into locations you may not have reached before.
2. To streamline and stand out
In a landscape where there’s fierce competition in many sectors, being as efficient as possible is an absolute must. Digital solutions that automate workflows, streamline processes and reduce manual tasks can transform the way you work for the better.
If you can improve your internal efficiency, and save time and resources, this will allow your team to focus on more value-added work for your clients.
Digital tools and platforms can also automate lead generation and qualification. Embracing this frees up time for your sales teams to do the vital work of building meaningful relationships.
Using online advertising and content marketing can also raise your brand’s awareness and authority with otherwise hard-to-reach influencers and decision-makers. A great way to attract more high-quality leads and boost the sales pipeline.
3. To humanise your brand
People buy from people – and the more ‘human’ and authentic you can be with your marketing, the more effective it will be.
If you’re automating repetitive manual tasks, then you can put that saved time into creating more meaningful interactions with your customers.
For example, if you can automate elements of your cold sales outreach activity, then you have more time to spend getting out and talking to the people who are interested in what you have to offer. No more being stuck in email admin hell for days on end.
4. To reduce costs and improve ROI
Going digital is often way more cost-effective than doing things the traditional way. Yes, you have to pay for software, but you can record data that you wouldn’t otherwise have.
This data will allow you to review your marketing campaigns in more detail so you can quickly see what works and what doesn’t. You can then increase or reallocate spend as needed to save costs and improve return on investment.
Digitising processes can ensure compliance in some industries too, keeping your business assets more secure and providing clear records.
5. To future-proof your business
Whatever you might feel about technology, the fact is that the digital world is here to stay. The quicker that your company embraces its digital potential, the better position you’ll be in to grow and adapt in future.
Digital solutions themselves are scalable and adaptable. They enable you to stay agile and move with changing market trends to ensure your business remains competitive.
Taking steps into a more digital way of doing business is the next logical step – and could open up a whole new world of opportunities for you!
Got a digital project you’re looking to get off the ground?
You can book a no obligation discovery call with Vida by emailing hello@vidacreative.co.uk