If you were lucky enough to catch the exemplary BBC series ‘Virtual Revolution’ screened throughout Northern Ireland you don’t need to be reminded of the power and influence internet technology now plays in modern business.
This series left little doubt that emerging technologies like the internet have created vast opportunities for businesses, allowing them to gain greater market presence and increase their sales worldwide.
But how do we fare in Northern Ireland? Is internet marketing in Belfast working? Is internet marketing in Northern Ireland as a whole working?
Many digital business experts and senior government advisors believe strongly that local businesses in Northern Ireland — both large and small could do better. They could, indeed should, rely more on technology to increase business growth. The region is lagging behind, constantly playing catch up when it comes to utilising technology.
A Virgin Business Survey published just last week highlighted this fact, illustrating that internet marketing in Northern Ireland has taken root like it has in other places. Businesses in the region were proportionally less likely to use technology to increase business opportunities presented on the world stage.
I fervently believe in the very real, very tangible benefits that businesses in Belfast and Northern Ireland as a whole can obtain by becoming tech-led companies.
3 Critical Objectives New Technologies Can Obtain for Businesses
When used properly, new technology like the internet can achieve crucial goals for any business: namely, they can open up new markets, attain business efficiency and savings; and perhaps most importantly, drive sales.
The World is Your Market
One of the more salient points the recent Virgin Business survey highlighted is the dearth of international trade among Northern Ireland businesses, which accounted for a paltry 10% of annual revenue.
It’s critical that businesses in the region understand that targeting new customers from around the globe offers distinct benefits compared to a steadfast, some would argue over-reliance, on local markets.
This remains a marketing break though that many firms in internet marketing in Northern Ireland are trying to get businesses to see.
What they want firms to recognize is that internet marketing strategies like search engine optimisation, pay per click advertising and email marketing allow them to seamlessly reach wider, more diverse markets through the internet that can expand their markets exponentially.
For, if you want to drive sales, one of the easiest ways to do that is to target new markets. And, tools like sales software, online affiliates and internet retailing allow business to really tap into global retailing opportunities.
Tech-led Efficiencies
From local boardrooms to 11 Downing Street, you can’t go anywhere near a business meeting without hearing the phrase ‘efficiency savings’.
Within this spectrum are two leading technological developments that I strongly believe will have a lasting impact on increasing business efficiencies over the next few years. They are cloud computing and internet telephony.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing allows one to host and run businesses software online. And, it’s gaining rapid traction among small businesses that want to cut IT costs and gain remote access to their computer networks away from the office.
Internet Telephony
Once a significant source of overhead for SMEs, telecom costs have become the latest niche to be revolutionised by the internet. Skype, a leading provider of internet telephony, allows a person or company to drastically cut phone costs, in addition to storing and accessing contacts remotely.
The Value of Technology-Enabled Outsourcing
With globalisation, companies have to be equipped to respond 24/7/265. And technology-enabled outsourcing makes this possible. It’s another vast area of growth that could be the characterising mark of business growth over the next decade. Why/how?
Most individuals are generalists. But, what businesses today need more than ever are specialists. To get these specialists, more and more companies are turning to outsourcing. And the internet makes it super easy, for it literally makes the world a one-stop, worldwide talent shop. You can find a specialist to develop company objectives, complete projects and even carry-out day-to-day administrative tasks.
Firms who specialise in internet marketing in Northern Ireland offer a wealth of opportunities to businesses when they’re ready to listen.
Octave Online Communications are a Belfast-based Internet marketing company and offer services including internet marketing northern ireland. At OctaveOC.com you will find information on leading online marketing tools including SEO, Pay Per Click, Online PR, Social Media Marketing and Email Marketing.
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