This post is provided by Jason Dirkham

Not all businesses will stand the test of time, and there are so many reasons why startups fail. To give your business the best chance of success, you’ll need to think about how you can become future proof.

1 . Pay Attention To Marketing Best Practices

If you want to future proof your business you need to be in the know about all the latest marketing trends. Modern consumers don’t like to feel like they are being told what to buy, and many of them use ad blocking software. To reach your audience in 2021 you need to work with influencers, and provide your customers with educational content. You’ll need strong video marketing campaigns, and user-generated content to demonstrate authenticity.

2. Keep Up With Tech Trends

Future proofing your business is about keeping up with the latest tech trends. Tech can support your company in so many different ways, here are a few ideas:

  • Mobile Payment Systems: With the help of mobile payment systems you can provide the customer with extra convenience and a streamlined shopping experience.
  • Business voip phone system: Traditional telephone system tech is gradually being phased out. To help your company remain future proof you’ll need to invest in a business voip phone system.
  • AR in marketing: In 2021 an increasing number of businesses are using augmented reality to enhance their marketing processes.

3. Focus On Customer Experience

According to Hubspot, ‘Customer experience is the impression your customers have of your brand as a whole throughout all aspects of the buyer’s journey.’ When you improve your customer experience you’ll improve your brand power and your revenue.

It’s not just about the services and products you sell, it’s about offering a unique and memorable experience for your customers. There are plenty of ways that you can improve your customer experience including:

  • Focus on enhancing your website, ensuring that it’s attractive, eye-catching and user friendly.
  • Use customer insights to improve.
  • Offer memorable experiences (such as live-events or workshops).
  • Work on improving your customer service.

4. Hybrid Work Models

To future proof your business, you should implement flexible hybrid work models. According to research from Apollo Technical, ‘Only 8% of remote employees are willing to return full-time to work after the pandemic,’ What’s more, ‘48% of workers want to work from home permanently.’

With a hybrid work model your business can improve employee satisfaction, enhance your company culture, and save money. Technology can help you to enhance your communication processes, whether you’re working from home or in the office. Oh, and speaking of the office, making that future-proof by equipping it with the best technology, materials like acrylic sheets – shop clear perspex from Cut Plastic Sheeting – which can help with infection control, and enough space for expansion plans, will also help to futureproof your business too.

5. A Strong CSR Strategy

Growing businesses need a strong CSR Strategy, to meet consumer desires. According to research from Sustainable Brands ‘86% of US consumers expect companies to act on social and environmental issues.’ Many customers will avoid purchasing from brands that are not perceived as earth-kind or ethical. To gain customer loyalty you’ll need to assess your CSR efforts, and make sure that these match your customer values.

Future proofing your business is about keeping on top of market trends, assessing your performance, and adopting the right tech solutions.

This post is provided by Jason Dirkham