#Japan #Tokyo #startups #FutureSearch #Contact Methods

Shift in Business Communication: Key Findings from a New Study

In the rapidly evolving landscape of business communication, a recent study using the sales support tool "FutureSearch" has uncovered significant changes in how new startups approach contact methods. The research analyzed data from 5,000 companies, categorized by their establishment year, focusing on four key forms of contact: phone numbers, fax numbers, inquiry forms, and email addresses.

Methodology

The analysis was conducted on a database containing approximately 1.1 million companies, providing a broad spectrum of insights into the communication strategies employed by businesses over the years. The study specifically observed how these contact methods have changed over different periods, revealing some intriguing trends.

Key Findings

1. Decline in Phone and Fax Number Visibility

The research highlighted a notable decrease in the visibility of traditional contact methods, particularly for newer companies. Comparing companies established before 1999 with those founded between 2021 and 2025, a staggering 28-point drop in phone number availability and a 52-point drop in fax number visibility was noted. The details are as follows:


This trend emphasizes the diminishing effectiveness of traditional telephone sales methods, especially among startups and growing enterprises.

2. Inquiry Forms Remain Highly Utilized; Email Use is Declining

In contrast to the declining contact information, the use of inquiry forms has maintained a high level, hovering above 80% across all establishment years. However, there's a noticeable dip in the public availability of email addresses, particularly among newer companies. The statistics reveal:


While inquiry forms appear to be the preferred contact method, the decreasing numbers of available email addresses further indicate a shift towards digital communication strategies.

3. Implications for Business Strategy

The findings suggest three main implications:

• - Limitation of Traditional Sales Techniques: The significant drop in phone number visibility indicates a reduced effectiveness of traditional sales strategies, particularly for startups.
• - Digital Shift: The continued high visibility of inquiry forms suggests a preference for methods allowing businesses to respond on their own terms, reflecting a digital transformation in communication preferences.
• - Effectiveness of Form Outreach: The stable usage rates of inquiry forms point towards their reliability as a primary outreach method in B2B sales.

FutureSearch: Optimizing Modern Business Contact Strategies

In light of these findings, FutureSearch offers a tailored approach to optimize business contact strategies. By focusing on unified outreach via sales lists and inquiry form engagement, companies can navigate this new landscape effectively.

Key Features of FutureSearch:

1. Quick Turnaround: Guarantees delivery within three business days regardless of the volume.
2. Human Expertise: A unique blend of automated and manual delivery processes ensures a high success rate, particularly for inquiries that machines cannot handle effectively.
3. Alternative Email Outreach: For companies lacking inquiry forms, the system provides email outreach options, allowing businesses to engage broadly.

With the decline in traditional contact methods, FutureSearch enables effective initial outreach to companies that either lack visible phone or fax communication channels.

Get in Touch

For those looking to revamp their outreach strategies or learn about the effectiveness of inquiry form use, FutureSearch offers free online consultations. Interested parties can apply here.

About FutureSearch

"FutureSearch" is a comprehensive tool facilitating everything from sales list creation to inquiry form engagements, tailored for new appointment acquisition. For more details, visit here.