Are you aware of the digital skills gap in the UK?

In 2023, The Government reported that the UK economy loses £63 billion per year due to digital skills gap.

Companies also suffer with this problem as 81% of bosses mentioned that the lack of digital skills has a negative impact on their business.

And with the competitive online landscape only growing more significant year on year, these skills are crucial for survival and growth.

With that in mind, this week's edition of Inside Track will outline some of the key digital skills to master that will help you stay competitive both now and in the future.

Let's get into it!

Four Must-Have Digital Skills

As we move further into the tech-driven age, business owners like you must be agile and always ready to adapt.

But where do you start...? Well, right here!

Read below and join me in exploring the essential skills that will boost your competitive edge in the market, with tips and best advice on how to upskill in these areas:

1. Data literacy: Using numbers for business growth

Understanding data isn't just for data analysts. It's a critical skill to have for business owners looking to make smarter decisions about their process and workforce.

Data literacy, or being able to read, understand, and communicate data, allows you to spot patterns, predict customer behaviour, and optimise operations. With data literacy, you can make data-driven decisions that will set your business up for success by cutting costs and doing more of what your customers want.

Q: How can I develop strong literacy skills?

Start by learning fundamental data principles like the various data types, formats, and sources.

You should also familiarise yourself with business intelligence (BI) tools which can help you simplify complex data. Finally, there are lots of resources that you can read and watch, so you can continuously refine your skills.

A GUIDE TO DATA-DRIVEN MARKETING

2. Sales Copy: Writing with Maximum Impact

The digital marketplace is massive, and effective sales copy is your key to standing out in the crowd. Good copy is not simply writing – it is connecting with your audience and convincing them you have the solution they need.

When your business has this skill within its arsenal, you will be able to better capture your audience’s attention and drive action; be that sales, email sign ups, or online engagement.


Q: How can I learn to craft strong sales copy?

To create effective sales copy that converts, the first thing to do is understand who you're writing for. When you know your customer, you can directly speak to their needs and pain points. Additionally, by focusing on the benefit of your product or service, rather than the features, you will be able to convince people that they need your product.

Finally, you should always look to include a compelling Call To Action to guide the reader on what to do next.

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3. Social media marketing: Effectively reach your target audience

There are now over 5 billion social media users globally. That's why social channels are a great platform to reach and engage with your potential customers.

If you want to stay competitive, mastering social media should be high-up on your list of business goals. It's a fantastic way to tell your brand story, build connections and spread the word about your business, product or offering.


Q: How can I improve my social media marketing skills?

Begin by choosing the right platforms to use. See where your audience is most active and start from that. To build trust and authenticity, you can leverage user-generated content to connect with your audience on a personal level.

Aside from social media, there are also other areas of digital marketing that can help you get ahead of your competitors. You can try exploring email marketing, SEO, and PPC to name a few.

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4. AI: Future-proof your business with innovation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has exploded into our lives in recent years, and with its market value expected to surpass £630 billion by 2030, it’s safe to say it’s not going away anytime soon.

From automating repetitive tasks to offering predictive analytics, this tool can significantly enhance your business productivity and efficiency. And to benefit from its power, it's crucial to build your AI skills to improve your business operations and stay competitive in the market.

Studies also show that 77% of companies are already incorporating or planning to use AI in their businesses. So why not adapt to it?


Q: How can I enhance my AI knowledge and skills?

Take courses and tutorials that cover the basics and advanced AI concepts. It's also good to become familiar with popular AI tools and practice using them in real-world projects.

Bear in mind that AI is evolving rapidly and you therefore need to keep up-to-date with the latest advancements. You can do this by joining AI communities and following AI-related news. Email subscriptions and LinkedIn can be good sources for getting clued up on current AI trends.

HOW INSPIRE USES AI

How Inspire Can Help

As a forward-thinking and innovative agency, my team knows the critical digital skills businesses like yours need to thrive in this market. Whether it's mastering AI, refining your social media strategies, or boosting your data literacy, we're here to guide you every step of the way!

If you'd like to dive deep into how these skills can push your business forward, don't hesitate to reach out to me. I'd be more than happy to continue the conversation and help you bring your business to the top.

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