The level of IT spendings in South Africa is forecast to increase at a higher pace than the economy in 2020. Although the general state of the economy has a direct impact on the growth of the ICT sector, its customers continue to invest in technology and the sector consistently shows a growth rate that is higher than GDP. 

Cybersecurity is a high priority, with global statistics indicating that South Africa is the third most targeted country in the world for cyber-attacks. Alleged IT-related procurement irregularities revealed through a number of commissions of inquiry and investigations continue to affect the reputation of some industry players. It is estimated that there are over 13,000 IT companies and over 3,000 electronics companies in South Africa with the vast majority being small companies employing less than 50 people according to Globe-News Wire.

Why working with a South African IT company

New and growing trends will provide significant opportunities for small and large players in the sector. These include growth in telecommunications, data center revenues and artificial intelligence, and the internet of things, where start-ups are expected to lead innovation. Digital transformation to improve customer experiences and online purchasing, fintech banking, blockchain, augmented reality and virtual reality are some of the technologies that will disrupt the South African ICT industry in 2019. 

The industry is characterized by consolidation and convergence of companies within the IT sector, and between companies in the IT and telecommunications sectors.

What you should be aware of when working with South-African IT companies

The growth projections of the IT market could be higher were it not for certain factors that seem to constrain it, including the cost sensitivity of customers, low expenditure by the public sector, market maturity, and bigger companies sourcing directly from the original equipment manufacturers. 

 IT market growth is also impeded by bigger companies that bypass IT vendors and go directly to OEMs for products and services. This impacts negatively on smaller companies that provide niche services within the broader IT sector. 

How reliable are South African IT companies

Despite the challenges facing the IT sector, its products and services have become part and parcel of everyday business and social life. The fast pace of innovation helps the sector to remain relevant while shaping the future of business and society. 

How does the South-African IT industry relate to the neighboring countries?

The South African IT market, comprising of hardware, packaged software and IT services submarkets, is regarded as one of the most developed and sophisticated within the continent. South African IT companies rank among world leaders in areas such as mobile software, electronic banking services, pre-payment, revenue management, fraud prevention systems, and the manufacture of set-top boxes according to a report provided by the South-African Department of Communications. 

Creating a strong brand strategy is vital for marketing success - it is a fundamental step of the branding process. It involves presenting your brand to consumers and positioning it in the marketplace. A good strategy can attract your target audience and make your business stand out from competitors. Key elements include the name, logo, fonts, and colors, which create your brand's personality, philosophy, values, and customer experience.

46% of consumers are willing to pay more to buy from brands they trust, according to a US survey. This applies to other major markets too, like Great Britain and France.

By developing a clear brand strategy, you can: 

• Develop your business

• Reach your ideal customers or target audience

• Carry out product marketing in a more effective way

• Raise brand recognition in the marketplace

Key elements of a strong brand strategy

To create a successful brand strategy, it's important to focus on key elements such as brand mission, brand vision, brand values, brand positioning, brand voice, and brand identity. In this article, we will provide a detailed explanation of each element and discuss how they help to enhance the overall experience for both new and existing customers.

• Brand mission - Your brand's mission statement should convey the purpose and values behind the customer experiences you provide.

• Brand vision - Craft a forward-thinking brand vision statement that defines your goals and impact on society. Be imaginative, positive, and inspiring for your team and stakeholders.

• Brand values - Once you have clearly defined your brand's mission and vision, it is essential to identify your values. What does your brand stand for and what are the underlying beliefs that guide every aspect of your brand? The answers to these questions will determine how your brand interacts with the marketplace and the type of customers it attracts.

• Brand positioning - To stand out in your industry, strategically position your brand by identifying what sets it apart and why your target audience will choose it. Create a positioning statement based on your brand's advantages and how they align with your audience's values.

• Brand voice - Your brand voice is essential for conveying your mission, values, and personality. Consistency in messaging across various platforms is key to building trust with customers. To develop your voice, consider what you want to be known for, your brand's personality, and how it would speak if it were a person.

• Brand identity - When designing your brand's identity, gather all the elements you've created. This includes visual design, product sensory experiences, voices, music, images, brand name, and tagline. Small design choices can have a big impact on how your brand is perceived. Brainstorm with your team and finalize your brand's identity.

To find a good brand strategy service provider, it's important to have a competent brand strategist leading the way. These strategists are analytical thinkers who thoroughly analyze their client's business, product or service, studying its components, target audience, and competition, and then create a plan to position it for success in line with its objectives.

TechBehemoths lists over 4313 companies that offer branding strategy services. Utilize the smart filters to select the companies you require and view their profiles. Feel free to contact them to start collaborating or submit your project, and TechBehemoths team will help you find your matching brand strategy service provider.