*Summary*
As IROs see their workloads expanding each year, they’re realizing that AI — and other critical forms of digital communications — can be harnessed to accomplish more ambitious IR goals with less effort.
Another way of thinking about digital communications is that these new and emerging tools can free up IROs to concentrate on the “relations” part of their jobs: meeting with investors, listening to their concerns, and sharing any intelligence gathered with other executives.
IROs have long wished for a “seat at the table,” or an opportunity to use their insights and know-how to inform strategic decisions. And with IROs being one of the only positions that’s cross-functional within an organization, digital communications may at last make that dream a reality.
Your IR Website Is the Hub of Your Communications Strategy Use your landing page to direct stakeholders with diverse informational needs to the places where they’re best able to get their questions answered.
Maintain Communications with Retail Investors and EmployeesAs the rise of the retail investor continues, you’ll want to make sure you’re actively communicating with individuals, as well as keeping a subset of retail investors (employees) in mind, too. Digital communications are often the preferred avenue for reaching these varied and yet important groups.
Rethink Webcasts for a Variety of AudiencesKey IR presentations are enjoying a long and productive afterlife through webcasts and transcripts that can be reviewed at a stakeholder’s convenience.
The Time To Hone Your ESG Strategy Is Now With a growing anti-ESG backlash, IROs are finding new ways to discuss their environmental, social, and governance initiatives. The most successful tie ESG to financial materiality, explaining why initiatives for, say, the environment may also contribute to the financial health of the company going forward.
Begin Using AI To Simplify Time-Consuming TasksWith leaner staffs and an expanding list of projects to complete, IROs need assistance. Generative AI tools seem to have arrived at the perfect moment to ease the burden.
Explore New Targeting ToolsAI can gather and analyze data at unbelievable speeds, transforming old-fashioned investor targeting with the breadth of its reach.
The Moment for Digital Inclusion Has Arrived Accessibility standards have become more user friendly, and the tools exist to reach stakeholders with various disabilities. Digital accessibility is a requirement, and so it’s critical to make sure your IR communications are available to as wide an audience as possible.
The Human Touch Still CountsAs digital communications aid in the routine aspects of IR, your IR team has more time and capacity to meet shareholders and engage in invaluable one-on-one conversations.
