Reading: 0118 322 4395 | Manchester: 0161 706 2414 | Oxford: 01865 479 625 | info@sharpahead.com | Office hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am - 5:30pm

 | Office hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm

 | Email  | Office hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am - 5:30pm 

Half of Top UK Resellers Ignore Digital Marketing Best Practice

Subheading

A new report from B2B digital marketing experts Sharp Ahead reveals that 56% of the top UK resellers have yet to implement basic digital marketing best practice.

On this page:

In the increasingly competitive channel market, these organisations are not only failing to provide existing customers with a positive user experience but are also failing to support their own sales efforts—and potentially missing out on new business as a result.

The 2018 research does, however, show that resellers are improving; the 2017 report revealed that 70% of the top resellers failed to implement digital best practice.

The report’s key findings

Key findings of the 2018 report include:

  • 56% of VARs missing at least one basic best practice
  • Only 63% have secure (https) sites
  • 44% did not have good conversion features on their sites
  • 84% of VARs offering a newsletter subscription did not use double opt-in

The research analysed the top 100 UK resellers, as listed in CRN’s annual report, focussing on their “digital footprints” or online presence. The methodology reflects a prospective customer’s experience of each organisation using 14 key digital signals including search user experience, onsite user experience, and digital marketing technology adoption.

Commenting on the report, which saw third-largest UK channel firm Daisy Group ranked as one of the digital superstars, Melissa Roberts, Daisy’s Marketing Manager, said: “Daisy has embraced digital marketing as a means not only to connect with our existing customers online but also as an integral part of our sales strategy. We firmly believe that the importance of digital marketing will continue to grow in the channel and are committed to providing a best practice experience for customers and prospects.”

According to Jennifer Esty, Director of Sharp Ahead and former Digital Marketing Manager for Microsoft UK, “resellers have been slow to adopt digital marketing best practice but now risk allowing more savvy competitors to reach their customers and prospects first. There are some immediate best practice organisations can follow, as well as longer term more strategic approaches they should consider.”

Read the full VARs Digital Maturity Index report from Sharp Ahead.

On this page:

Subscribe

    75% of UK Innovation Centres not using digital marketing best practice

    Subheading

    A Sharp Ahead report, released today, reveals that 75% of UK Innovation Centres are not taking full advantage of digital marketing best practice.

    On this page:

    DOWNLOAD THE REPORT >>

    Headline Results

    • 75% of Innovation Centres missing at least one basic best practice
    • 65% could improve their search results page
    • Only 45% have secure (https) sites
    • 49% did not appear on the first page when searching for ‘office space’ in their geographic location

    About the Research

    • 100 UK Innovation Centres analysed in March 2018
    • 14 performance indicators evaluated for each park
    • Methodology mimics a prospective customer’s experience
    • Results show opportunity for improvement for most organisations

    On this page:

    Subscribe

      The University of Wolverhampton Science Park and Sharp Ahead Launch Campaign for New Science Centre Facility

      Subheading

      The University of Wolverhampton Science Park and flexible workspace lead generation experts, Sharp Ahead, have launched a digital campaign to promote the purpose-built workspaces available at the newly opened Science Centre.

      On this page:

      The science, technology and prototyping facilities are unique in the Black Country and offer unrivalled specialist space for science and technology businesses.

      Sharp Ahead will focus on helping The University reach full capacity in the Science Centre the Science Park reach full occupancy in the Science Centre, as well as building a pipeline of occupants in the aerospace, automotive, construction, and life sciences sectors to ensure the ongoing success of the Park’s long term strategy.

      The Science Park’s Commercial Director, Nigel Babb said, “we chose Sharp Ahead because of their proven track record in working with science and innovation parks. We are excited about the launch of this campaign as the Science Park focusses on its strategy of attracting specialist businesses into the region. The Science Centre is an integral part of the University of Wolverhampton’s economic development strategy, and we are confident the new facilities will provide occupants with the right mix of flexible spaces, innovative services, and the opportunity for growth.”

      About The University of Wolverhampton Science Park

      The University of Wolverhampton Science Park has been supporting businesses from science, technology, knowledge-based and creative sectors through every stage of their development for over two decades and has become known as one of the region’s most vibrant technology communities. The newly opened Science Centre will provide the region with much-needed high quality office space, laboratories and workshop space to help attract inward investment to the area. Find out more.

      About Sharp Ahead

      Sharp Ahead are a specialist B2B digital marketing agency with specific expertise in lead generation for flexible commercial property spaces, particularly science and innovation parks. Find out more.

      On this page:

      Subscribe

        88% of UK Science Parks not using digital marketing best practice

        Subheading

        A Sharp Ahead report, released today, reveals that 88% of UK Science Parks are not taking full advantage of digital marketing best practice.

        On this page:

        DOWNLOAD THE REPORT >>

        Headline Results

        • 88% of Science Parks missing at least one basic best practice
        • 92% could improve their search results page
        • Only 61% have secure (https) sites
        • 41% did not appear on the first page when searching for ‘lab space’ in their geographic location

        About the Research

        • 100 UK Science Parks analysed in January 2018
        • 14 performance indicators evaluated for each park
        • Methodology mimics a prospective tenant’s experience
        • Results show opportunity for improvement for most organisations

        On this page:

        Subscribe

          Lincoln Science and Innovation Park Appoint Sharp Ahead

          Subheading

          Lincoln Science and Innovation Park (LSIP) have appointed flexible workspace lead generation experts, Sharp Ahead, to help further the Science Park’s strategy of building a community of technology businesses, entrepreneurs, investors and researchers both on the site and across Lincolnshire.

          On this page:

          Sharp Ahead will focus on helping LSIP reach full capacity in the Boole Technology Centre as well as building a pipeline of tenants to ensure the ongoing success of the Park’s strategy.

          LISP’s Director, Thomas Blount said, “we are excited about working with Sharp Ahead who have a proven track record in working with science and innovation parks. The Boole Technology Centre is already an integral part of the thriving Lincoln Science and Innovation Park community, and we are confident it provides potential tenants with the right mix of space, flexible terms, community and opportunity for growth.”

          About LSIP

          Lincoln Science and Innovation Park is a joint venture company, owned by Lincolnshire Co-op and the University of Lincoln.

          The business was established in 2012 and completed its first development of the Joseph Banks Laboratory and Minster House in 2014.

          The purpose of the company is to redevelopment of the former Ruston Bucyrus site off Beevor Street near Lincoln City Centre.

          Lincoln Science and Innovation Park is also an economic development role and is a member of the UK Science Park Association.

          About Sharp Ahead

          Sharp Ahead are a specialist B2B digital marketing agency with specific expertise in lead generation for flexible commercial property spaces, particularly science and innovation parks.

          On this page:

          Subscribe

            Get expert help from top PPC specialists:

            • Choose the right blend of PPC platforms
            • Optimise your campaigns’ performance
            • Increase your paid advertising ROI

            Or contact us directly on
            01865 479 625 or
            info@sharpahead.com

            Office hours: Monday – Friday 9:00am – 5:30pm

            Thank you for downloading our doc...

            Check out our in-depth guide to B2B SEO content using Google's EEAT guidelines

            B2B Digital Rocket Fuel
            straight to your inbox

            Add your email address below to receive our biweekly newsletter and stay up to date with the latest B2B digital marketing news and insights.

            You'll also get instant access to our growing catalogue of marketing resources.

              “An invaluable resource for getting the latest and greatest ideas and tips on B2B digital marketing. My students also benefit from the industry insights”.

              Louize Clarke, Founder, The Curious Academy