Why Marketing is Important
Simply stated, current and potential customers expect more from companies today in helping them make a purchase or engagement decision.
Why is Marketing More Important Than Ever for the Success of Your Business?
Technology has forever changed the way we do business. How we receive and seek information is very different today when compared to the past. As a result, there has been a massive shift in the customer/provider relationship – and the entire sales process.
The Statistics Tell Us Why
Because of the explosion of online information, stats show that more than 50% of a purchase decision is made before a prospect ever reaches
out to the company they intend to do business with. And, in some industries, such as complex luxury products and services, that percentage is as high as 90+%. This is what Google calls Zero Moment of Truth, or ZMOT.
Consistent, Continuous Efforts Are Key to Success
This means marketing has also changed. The way to communicate the value of your company to customers, prospective clients and target audience now requires being present where your client is, 24/7/365 – providing a relevant experience in a consistent, continuous, always-on effort.
Every Company Should Consider These Important Elements of Success for Their Business
Technology has forever changed the way we do business. How we receive and seek information is very different today when compared to the past. As a result, there has been a massive shift in the customer/provider relationship – and the entire sales process.
#1: Marketing Plan – Essential ingredient for growth
Plan the big picture and set the budget for your marketing activities for the year. Decide the purpose for each marketing channel. Plan by quarter and work the plan each quarter. Keep it simple and make it relevant to your goals and projected sales.
#2: Brand Identity – Develop your brand into your most valuable asset
Your brand is determined by others. It’s the emotional connection your clients and prospects have with your company. Do the initial work of creating a positive emotional attachment with your brand. Don’t leave your brand to chance.
#3: Content – Be where your customers are 24/7/365
Content is king, queen, president and boss. Make it easy for your customers and prospects to learn all about your company, on their own. This is the value of good content. If you can answer their questions, they can make a quicker purchase decision.
#4: Communications – Bring vitality to your brand through storytelling
Content is king, queen, president and boss. Make it easy for your customers and prospects to learn all about your company, on their own. This is the value of good content. If you can answer their questions, they can make a quicker purchase decision.
#5: High-Performance Website – Main ingredient: your always-on sales person
Today, a company website is an absolute “must.” It’s one way for your customers and potential customers to search for you and learn more about how you can solve their problems with instant information, communication and conversation.
#6: Social Media – Stand out and grab attention with visual content
Social media is all about the two-way conversation and the customer relationship. It gives you the opportunity to listen and learn from your customers…If you are not leveraging your social media efforts, we promise you — your competitors are.
#7: Search Engine Optimization (SEO) – Your secret weapon to gain competitive advantage
SEO works in conjunction with your content, website, social media activities, blogs and other online initiatives. As with all of your marketing activities, SEO needs to work alongside other efforts in order to get the best ROI and most effective results.
#8: Customer Service – Company ambassadors for your brand
Every person in your company represents the brand in voice, message and action. Take the time to train your staff and give them the authority
to deliver the ultimate customer experience.
How Do You Bring It All Together for Successful Marketing?
#8 ½: Blend the New and Traditional – Create your special recipe for business growth
Marketing for the success of your business requires a consistent, persistent, and continual effort. It must be an every day effort with proper planning. And you must answer all the questions your current and potential customers have on how you can be the solution and solve their pain points. Bring all of your marketing efforts full circle – find the perfect mix of marketing activities, whether they are digital or traditional.
It’s smart to blend new media with traditional marketing to boost your business. Recognize how marketing has changed and embrace the new — social media, blogs, video, websites and other new channels — while not forgetting the traditional methods that still work well for you .