Remember when most of us thought that COVID-19 was the biggest challenge we could ever face? We didn’t see inflation coming. We didn’t even think the tech industry would lose trillions of dollars.
This has undoubtedly made us understand that there are still a lot of curveballs that we have yet to face. This leaves us with no option other than to prepare ourselves early on.
As we approach 2024, salespeople find themselves in a rapidly evolving sales landscape driven by new technologies, changing customer behaviours, and emerging market trends that require innovative sales strategies. It’s time to pave the way to stay ahead of the competition by adapting to emerging sales trends in 2024.
Businesses need to learn to leverage these trends and prepare themselves to adapt to changing market conditions. It’s time they address some of the biggest sales challenges they may face in the coming time.
Kylas CRM can help you stay aligned with the latest sales trends using its features for data tracking and analysis, personalization, automation, and collaboration.
Sales Trends 2024: Here’s What You Must Do to Sell More
The sales landscape is constantly evolving, and all businesses, regardless of their size, need to be aware of the latest trends in 2024 and adapt accordingly. Let’s take a look at the most prominent sales trends in 2024 that businesses better watch out for to win more customers.
1. AI and Automation
Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation have already revolutionized many industries, and sales are no exception. AI-powered tools and technology can help businesses analyze huge piles of data, get an overview of patterns and trends, and make decisions based on that. Around 40% of sales tasks can be performed by AI. Additionally, automation can help businesses automate redundant tasks like data entry and lead qualification, which instantly frees up sales teams to help them focus on more strategic tasks.
To prepare for this trend, businesses better invest in AI-powered tools and technology that can help them analyze their data and provide insights for strategic decision-making. Sales teams must see these advancements as a way of making their work easier. They need to be trained to use these tools effectively and to understand how these can help them work more efficiently.
2. Customer Success
Customer success involves focusing on the long-term success of customers rather than just making a sale. This trend is becoming more popular in B2B sales because it can lead to increased loyalty and repeat business. To implement customer success, businesses should focus on building strong relationships with customers, providing ongoing support and education, and measuring the success of their customers over time.
3. Value-Based Selling
Today’s customers are more discerning than ever, and they demand more from their purchases. To stay competitive, businesses need to implement value-based selling in 2024. This approach involves building stronger relationships with customers by demonstrating a deep understanding of their needs and preferences. By highlighting the unique value that their products or services can provide, businesses can differentiate themselves from competitors and build a loyal customer base.
To implement value-based selling, businesses need to focus on understanding their customer’s needs and preferences. They should invest in customer research and data analytics tools to gain insights into customer behavior and preferences. Additionally, sales teams should be trained to use this information to tailor their messaging and offerings to better meet the needs of individual customers.
4. Account-based Selling
Account-based selling (ABS) involves focusing on a specific set of high-value accounts and creating a personalized sales strategy to meet their needs. This trend is gaining popularity among B2B businesses because it enables them to build strong relationships with key accounts and ultimately increase revenue. To implement ABS, businesses should invest in technology that can help them analyze customer data and create personalized sales strategies.
5. Social Selling
Social media has emerged as a powerful channel for engaging with potential customers, building relationships, and ultimately driving sales.
In 2024, businesses should focus on building their presence on social media platforms and use customer data and insights to tailor their messaging and offerings to better meet the needs of their target audience. Nearly 31% of B2B professionals believe that social selling helps businesses build better relationships with their customers.
To leverage social selling, businesses need to invest in social media management tools and platforms that can help them manage their social media presence more effectively. Additionally, they should train their sales teams to use social media as a sales channel and to engage with potential customers in a way that is authentic and genuine.
6. Data-Driven Selling
Data-driven selling involves using customer data and insights to inform sales strategies and tactics. In 2024, businesses should focus on data-driven selling to gain a competitive advantage and improve the efficiency of their sales process.
This can include using AI-powered tools to analyze customer data, creating targeted marketing campaigns based on customer behavior, and using data to personalize the customer experience.
7. Personalized Customer Experience
Personalizing the customer experience can help businesses build stronger relationships with customers, leading to increased loyalty and repeat business. In 2024, businesses should invest in technology that can help them analyze customer data and tailor their offerings to better meet the needs of individual customers. 60% of consumers say they’ll become repeat customers after a personalized shopping experience.
To deliver a personalized experience, businesses need to collect and analyze customer data from multiple sources, including social media, online marketplaces, and customer feedback. They should invest in customer relationship management (CRM) tools that can help them track customer interactions and preferences. Additionally, they should train their sales teams to use this information to tailor their messaging and offerings to better meet the needs of individual customers.
8. Sales Enablement
Sales enablement is the process of equipping sales teams with the tools, resources, and information they need to sell more effectively. In 2024, businesses should focus on sales enablement to help their sales teams stay competitive and win more deals. This can include providing sales training, creating sales playbooks, and investing in technology that can help sales teams automate routine tasks and gain insights into customer behavior.
9. Omnichannel Sales
Today’s customers expect a seamless experience when interacting with businesses. In 2024, businesses should adopt an omnichannel sales approach, offering customers a variety of channels to interact with the business, such as online marketplaces, social media platforms, and brick-and-mortar stores. The stats show that 73% of shoppers use multiple channels during their shopping journey.
To implement an omnichannel sales approach, businesses need to invest in technology that can help them manage multiple sales channels effectively. They should also train their sales teams to use these channels to engage with customers in a way that is consistent and authentic across all touchpoints.
10. Collaboration & Alignment
Collaboration within an organization can help identify new opportunities, remove communication barriers, and enhance overall performance. To improve collaboration and alignment between departments, businesses should invest in technology that can help them share information, ideas, and insights across the organization.
This can include project management tools, communication platforms, and knowledge management systems. In addition, businesses should encourage cross-functional teams to work together on projects to foster collaboration and alignment.
11. Catering to Millennials
Millennials make up the largest generation in the workforce and have significant buying power. To reach this audience, businesses should have a strong online presence and use digital marketing strategies. Additionally, millennials value authenticity and are more likely to purchase from businesses that are transparent about their products and services.
To cater to this audience, businesses should consider using social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat to reach them. They should also focus on creating personalized experiences and offer products and services that align with their values.
12. Virtual Selling
Virtual selling has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend is likely to continue in 2024 as more businesses embrace remote work and virtual sales meetings.
To succeed in virtual selling, businesses should invest in technology that enables them to conduct virtual sales meetings, product demonstrations, and presentations. They should also provide training and resources to their sales teams to help them adapt to this new way of selling.
Conclusion
By staying aware of these sales trends and adapting to them, businesses can stay ahead of the curve and win customers in 2024 and beyond. It’s important to note that these trends are not mutually exclusive and businesses should aim to implement as many of them as possible to gain a competitive advantage. Additionally, businesses should continue to monitor the sales landscape for new trends and adapt accordingly to stay ahead of the competition.
Book your personalized demo with Kylas and see how it can transform your sales strategy.
