Tag Archives: marketing

HOME

Simplified Automation of Free Marketing Automation Tools

Leave a comment

Simplified Automation of Free Marketing Automation Tools: Streamlining Your Strategy

Marketing automation has become an essential tool for businesses looking to streamline their marketing efforts, increase efficiency, and engage customers effectively. Such tools facilitate the orchestration of marketing campaigns, management of customer data, and tracking of the performance of marketing initiatives. With the advent of free marketing automation software, small businesses and entrepreneurs now have access to powerful capabilities that were once the preserve of larger organizations with substantial budgets.

Multiple digital marketing tools connect and work seamlessly together, creating a simplified and efficient automated process

The selection of the right marketing automation tool can have a significant impact on a company's marketing operations. Free tools offer a variety of features, such as email marketing, social media management, and user engagement tracking, all of which can contribute to enhanced customer engagement and better business outcomes. Understanding the scope and limitations of these tools is crucial for businesses aiming to implement automation without incurring high costs.

Key Takeaways

  • Effective marketing automation streamlines campaign management and data analytics.
  • Free tools bring advanced marketing capabilities to budget-conscious businesses.
  • Choosing the right tool impacts customer engagement and overall business success.

Exploring The Landscape Of Free Marketing Automation Tools

The landscape of free marketing automation tools is vibrant and dynamic, offering a variety of options to enhance the efficiency of marketing efforts for small businesses.

Defining Marketing Automation

Marketing automation refers to the software and technologies designed to effectively market on multiple channels online and automate repetitive tasks. These solutions help streamline sales and marketing organizations by replacing high-touch, repetitive manual processes with automated ones.

Key Features to Look For

When assessing marketing automation tools, look for the ability to create email marketing automation campaigns that allow for personalized communication, such as drip campaigns. Essential functionalities also include lead capture and audience segmentation, empowering businesses to target their customers effectively. Additionally, insightful analytics to track campaign performance is crucial for refining strategies.

Top Free Tools for Small Businesses

For small businesses looking to harness the power of automated marketing without incurring high costs, several free marketing automation tools stand out:

  • Mailchimp: Recognized for its generous free plan, Mailchimp supports up to 2,000 contacts and includes essential automation features such as email campaigns and basic analytics.

  • Simplified: This tool excels at easing the selection process for businesses by offering a user-friendly interface and AI-powered marketing automation, which can be a game-changer for resource-strapped entities.

To effectively navigate this landscape, small businesses should meticulously evaluate each tool's offerings against their specific marketing needs, considering factors like integration capabilities, user experience, and scalability.

Maximizing Efficiency with Automation

Various marketing tools seamlessly working together, streamlining processes with minimal human intervention. Automated systems efficiently managing tasks

Automated marketing tools are crucial for enhancing efficiency in digital marketing strategies. They enable businesses to streamline operations, engage customers effectively, and integrate seamlessly with various ecommerce platforms.

Streamlining Marketing Workflows

Marketing workflows serve as the backbone of digital campaigns, and their optimization is crucial for operational efficiency. By utilizing free marketing automation tools, companies can automate routine tasks such as lead qualification, customer segmentation, and content distribution. For example, tools like Mailchimp automate the deployment of personalized emails, reducing manual effort and minimizing the scope for human error.

Leveraging Email and SMS Strategies

With the right email automation tools, businesses can schedule and send emails automatically, nurturing leads without constant oversight. SMS campaigns, on the other hand, offer immediate reach and high open rates. Integrating SMS with a marketing strategy, using services like Twilio, enhances the scope of direct and timely engagement, enriching customer communication channels.

Integrating with Ecommerce Platforms

For ecommerce ventures, integration between marketing automation tools and ecommerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce can lead to increased conversion rates. This integration allows for personalized product recommendations and abandoned cart reminders via email and SMS, potentially boosting sales. Moreover, using these tools' APIs can afford deeper customization, syncing seamlessly with the existing tech stack of the business.

Enhancing Customer Engagement

Effective customer engagement is a critical factor in successful marketing. It revolves around the strategic use of data and tools to deliver personalized experiences, manage leads effectively, and create targeted advertising campaigns.

Personalizing Customer Experiences

Personalized marketing stands at the forefront of customer engagement. By leveraging data from CRM systems, companies can segment their audience and tailor the customer journey for each segment. Autoresponders, for instance, can be employed to send customized messages based on specific customer interactions, thereby increasing the relevance and effectiveness of communication.

Utilizing Lead Scoring and Management

Lead scoring enables businesses to rank prospects against a scale that represents the perceived value each lead represents to the organization. Criteria such as demographic information, engagement level, and behavioral data are used. This process, integral to lead management, ensures that sales teams focus their efforts on leads most likely to convert.

Creating Targeted Ads and Campaigns

Data-driven strategies are utilized to create effective Facebook ads and other targeted campaigns. By analyzing campaign performance, businesses can adjust their tactics in real-time, ensuring that the ads reach the appropriate customer segment. Behavioral targeting amplifies this effectiveness by catering to the specific actions and interests of users, thus enhancing the chances of engagement and sales conversion.

Understanding the Business Impact

When it comes to free marketing automation tools, businesses must measure the effectiveness of their campaigns against the costs—both apparent and hidden—associated with scaling operations. Recognizing the true value these tools provide and the potential complexities that arise with growth is essential.

Analyzing Marketing ROI

Return on investment (ROI) is a crucial metric for any marketing strategy. By utilizing analytics, businesses can track the performance of their automation efforts. For instance, the efficacy of a tool can be quantified in terms of lead generation and conversion rates. It's important to leverage detailed reporting and analytics features offered by platforms like Salesforce Pardot to gain insights into marketing performance and make data-driven decisions.

  • Key ROI Metrics:
    • Cost per lead
    • Conversion rate
    • Customer lifetime value

The insights garnered from these metrics can then be used to refine strategies, targeting those that yield the best returns and reducing or eliminating underperforming tactics.

Considering the Price of Scaling

Price and budget are significant for businesses, especially when determining the long-term viability of an automation solution. While initial costs might be low or even non-existent for some tools, scaling often introduces new expenses. The pricing plan of a tool can evolve from free to a substantial monthly fee as the needs of a business grow. It's particularly important for small businesses with limited budgets to understand the limitations of free plans and the potential costs associated with upgrading to enterprise solutions.

  • Pricing Concerns:
    • Number of users
    • Additional features
    • Support and training

Companies must consider whether the costs tied to advanced features will continue to align with their ROI as they scale up their operations. They should also assess whether the level of support provided at different pricing tiers fits the needs of their growing business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing the right marketing automation tools can significantly improve the efficiency of business operations. It's crucial for small businesses to understand the tools available to them, how they can implement these tools effectively, and recognize the potential benefits and limitations.

What are the top free marketing automation tools available for small businesses?

Small businesses can leverage a variety of free marketing automation software, with popular choices including HubSpot for its comprehensive platform, and Systeme.io for its integrated sales funnel builder and email marketing capabilities.

How can a small business implement marketing automation without incurring costs?

Businesses can implement marketing automation without costs by utilizing free plans offered by software providers. They can take advantage of tools like Systeme.io which allows saving contacts and sending unlimited emails, thereby facilitating automated marketing with no initial investment.

What features should you look for in a free marketing automation tool?

One should look for essential features like lead capturing, email sequencing, and analytics in a free marketing automation tool. Additionally, the ability to scale with the business without significant cost increases is beneficial.

How does email automation integrate with free marketing automation tools?

Email automation is typically a core component of free marketing automation tools. It allows businesses to send trigger emails, perform email sequencing, and deliver personalized content, as seen in platforms like Systeme.io.

How can free marketing automation tools impact sales and customer engagement?

Free marketing automation tools can enhance customer engagement by delivering personalized experiences and timely responses. They aid in nurturing leads through automated processes which can contribute to increased sales and customer loyalty.

What are the limitations of using free marketing automation tools compared to paid versions?

Free marketing automation tools often come with limitations in features, scalability, and the extent of customer support available. They may also impose restrictions on the number of contacts or emails a business can manage, constraining growth as compared to more robust, paid versions.

 

ecosystem for entrepreneurs

Tim Moseley

HOME

Marketing Survival 101: Navigating 2024’s Shifting Trends and Tools

Leave a comment

Marketing Survival 101: Navigating 2024's Shifting Trends and Tools

Marketing is an ever-changing industry that requires businesses to stay ahead of the curve to remain competitive. As we approach 2024, there are several trends and tools that marketers should be aware of to survive in the industry. With the evolution of marketing, staying up-to-date with the latest marketing trends and tools is essential for businesses to maintain a competitive edge.

Understanding the 2024 marketing trends is crucial for businesses to build effective marketing strategies. Digital marketing tools are expected to become more complex and sophisticated, making it essential for businesses to adapt to these changes. The role of AI in marketing is also expected to grow, with businesses leveraging AI to improve customer experience and drive sales. Building trust and authenticity with customers will also be essential for businesses to succeed in 2024 and beyond.

Key Takeaways

  • Staying up-to-date with the latest marketing trends and tools is crucial for businesses to maintain a competitive edge.
  • Digital marketing tools are expected to become more complex and sophisticated in 2024.
  • Building trust and authenticity with customers will be essential for businesses to succeed in 2024 and beyond.

The Evolution of Marketing

 

Marketing has come a long way since its inception, and it continues to evolve rapidly. With the advent of digital technology, marketing has shifted from physical to digital. This shift has brought about a significant change in the way businesses interact with their customers. The incorporation of AI and machine learning has further revolutionized marketing, making it more efficient and effective. The emergence of the metaverse has added a new dimension to marketing, creating new opportunities for businesses to engage with their customers.

The Shift from Physical to Digital

The shift from physical to digital has been one of the most significant changes in marketing. With the rise of the internet and social media, businesses can now reach a global audience with ease. Digital marketing has become an essential part of any marketing strategy, and businesses that fail to adapt to this shift risk falling behind.

Digital marketing encompasses a wide range of activities, including search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, email marketing, and content marketing. Businesses must have a strong online presence to succeed in today's digital age.

Incorporation of AI and Machine Learning

The incorporation of AI and machine learning has revolutionized marketing, making it more efficient and effective. AI-powered tools can analyze vast amounts of data, providing businesses with valuable insights into their customers' behavior and preferences. This information can be used to create personalized marketing campaigns that resonate with customers.

Machine learning algorithms can also be used to optimize marketing campaigns in real-time. For example, if an ad campaign is not performing well, the algorithm can automatically adjust the targeting parameters to improve its performance.

Emergence of the Metaverse

The emergence of the metaverse has added a new dimension to marketing. The metaverse is a virtual world that is created by the convergence of physical and digital realities. It allows businesses to create immersive experiences for their customers, enabling them to interact with products and services in a virtual environment.

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies are key components of the metaverse. These technologies can be used to create virtual showrooms, product demos, and other interactive experiences that engage customers in new and exciting ways.

In conclusion, marketing continues to evolve rapidly, driven by digital transformation, AI and machine learning, and the emergence of the metaverse. Businesses must adapt to these changes to remain competitive in today's marketplace. By embracing these new technologies and trends, businesses can create more effective marketing campaigns that resonate with their customers.

Understanding the 2024 Marketing Trends

 

As the world becomes more digitally-focused, marketing trends are shifting to keep up with the changing times. In 2024, businesses will need to stay ahead of the curve to remain competitive. Here are some of the top marketing trends to watch out for in 2024.

Predictive Analytics and Data-driven Decisions

Predictive analytics is a tool that uses data, statistical algorithms, and machine learning techniques to identify the likelihood of future outcomes based on historical data. In 2024, businesses will increasingly rely on predictive analytics to make data-driven decisions. By analyzing data from various sources, businesses can predict customer behavior and preferences, identify trends, and make informed decisions about marketing strategies.

Personalization and Customization

Personalization and customization will continue to be important in 2024. Customers expect personalized experiences, and businesses that fail to deliver will be left behind. In 2024, businesses will use data to personalize marketing messages, product recommendations, and customer experiences. Personalization will go beyond just using a customer's name in an email. Instead, businesses will use data to personalize every aspect of the customer experience, from product recommendations to customer support.

Conversational Marketing and Chatbots

Conversational marketing is a two-way dialogue between a brand and a customer that takes place in real-time. In 2024, businesses will increasingly use chatbots and other conversational marketing tools to engage with customers. Chatbots can help businesses provide personalized customer support, answer frequently asked questions, and even make product recommendations. As chatbots become more sophisticated, they will be able to handle more complex interactions, such as booking appointments or placing orders.

In conclusion, businesses that stay on top of these marketing trends in 2024 will be better equipped to succeed in the digital age. By using predictive analytics, personalization, and conversational marketing, businesses can create more engaging and effective marketing strategies that resonate with their target audience.

Digital Marketing Tools for 2024

 

Digital marketing is constantly evolving, and 2024 is no exception. As businesses strive to stay ahead of the competition, they need to keep up with the latest trends and tools. Here are some digital marketing tools that will be essential in 2024.

SEO and Long-tail Keywords

Search engine optimization (SEO) is still one of the most important digital marketing tools. In 2024, businesses will need to focus on long-tail keywords to improve their SEO. Long-tail keywords are longer and more specific phrases that people use to search for something. They are more targeted and have less competition than short-tail keywords. Businesses that use long-tail keywords will have a better chance of ranking higher in search engine results pages (SERPs).

Programmatic Advertising

Programmatic advertising is an automated way of buying and selling digital advertising. In 2024, programmatic advertising will become even more important as businesses look for more efficient ways to reach their target audience. With programmatic advertising, businesses can target specific demographics, interests, and behaviors. This means they can deliver more relevant ads to the right people at the right time.

Social Media Platforms

Social media platforms will continue to be an essential digital marketing tool in 2024. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok are just a few of the platforms that businesses can use to reach their target audience. In 2024, businesses will need to focus on creating more engaging and interactive content to stand out on social media. This could include live videos, stories, and user-generated content.

In conclusion, digital marketing tools are constantly evolving, and businesses need to keep up with the latest trends to stay ahead of the competition. In 2024, businesses will need to focus on SEO and long-tail keywords, programmatic advertising, and social media platforms to reach their target audience. By using these tools effectively, businesses can improve their digital marketing strategy and achieve their goals.

The Role of AI in Marketing

 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been making waves in the marketing industry in recent years. As technology continues to evolve, AI is becoming an increasingly important tool for marketers looking to stay ahead of the curve. In this section, we will explore the various ways in which AI is being used in marketing, including customer engagement, marketing operations, and generative AI in content creation.

AI in Customer Engagement

One of the most significant benefits of AI in marketing is its ability to enhance customer engagement. Chatbots, for example, are becoming increasingly popular as a way to provide customers with instant support and assistance. By using Natural Language Processing (NLP), chatbots can understand and respond to customer queries in real-time, providing a seamless customer experience.

Another way in which AI is being used in customer engagement is through personalized recommendations. By using machine learning algorithms, marketers can analyze customer data to identify patterns and preferences, allowing them to provide personalized recommendations and offers to individual customers.

AI in Marketing Operations

AI is also being used to streamline marketing operations, making it easier for marketers to manage campaigns and track performance. For example, AI-powered tools can analyze data from multiple sources, including social media, email, and website analytics, to provide insights into customer behavior and campaign performance. This allows marketers to make data-driven decisions and optimize their campaigns for maximum impact.

Generative AI in Content Creation

Finally, generative AI is being used in content creation to automate the process of creating high-quality content. For example, ChatGPT is an AI-powered tool that can generate human-like text based on a given prompt. This can be used to create blog posts, social media content, and other types of marketing materials, saving marketers time and resources.

Overall, AI is becoming an increasingly important tool for marketers looking to stay ahead of the curve. By leveraging the power of AI in customer engagement, marketing operations, and content creation, marketers can improve their campaigns' performance and provide a better customer experience.

Building Trust and Authenticity

 

In 2024, building trust and authenticity will continue to be important in marketing strategies. Consumers are becoming increasingly wary of companies that do not prioritize transparency and authenticity. Companies that prioritize these values will be more successful in building long-term relationships with their customers.

Transparency in Data Use

One of the ways companies can build trust with their customers is by being transparent about how they use customer data. Customers want to know what data is being collected, how it is being used, and who has access to it. Companies that are transparent about their data use are more likely to build trust with their customers.

To achieve transparency in data use, companies should consider creating a privacy policy that clearly outlines their data collection and usage practices. They should also ensure that customers have control over their data by providing options to opt-out of data collection and allowing customers to access, modify, or delete their data.

Real-time and Engaging Content

In 2024, real-time and engaging content will be crucial in building authenticity with customers. Customers want to feel connected to the brands they support, and real-time content can help companies build that connection.

Real-time content can include live streams, social media updates, and interactive content. By providing real-time content, companies can show customers that they are listening and responding to their needs.

Engaging content is also important in building authenticity. Companies that provide content that is informative, entertaining, or useful to their customers are more likely to build trust and loyalty. Engaging content can include blog posts, videos, infographics, and more.

Overall, building trust and authenticity will continue to be important in marketing strategies in 2024. Companies that prioritize transparency, real-time content, and engaging content will be more successful in building long-term relationships with their customers.

Marketing Strategies for Business Resilience

 

In today's constantly changing business environment, companies must have marketing strategies that can withstand economic downturns, emerging trends, and shifting consumer behaviors. Here are some effective marketing strategies that businesses can adopt to build resilience:

Targeting and Lead Generation

One of the most effective ways to build resilience is by targeting the right audience and generating high-quality leads. Companies can achieve this by understanding their customers' needs and preferences, segmenting their audience, and creating personalized marketing messages that resonate with their target audience. This approach not only helps companies attract and retain customers but also helps them optimize their marketing spend and improve their ROI.

Investment in Digital Transformation

Investing in digital transformation is another key strategy for building business resilience. Companies that embrace digital technologies can improve their operational efficiency, enhance their customer experience, and gain a competitive advantage. This includes investing in tools such as customer relationship management (CRM) software, marketing automation platforms, and data analytics tools. By leveraging these tools, companies can gain valuable insights about their customers, optimize their marketing campaigns, and improve their overall business performance.

Adapting to Emerging Trends

Adapting to emerging trends is also crucial for building business resilience. Companies that keep up with the latest trends and technologies can better anticipate changes in the market and adjust their marketing strategies accordingly. This includes staying up-to-date with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), voice search, and augmented reality (AR). By embracing these trends, companies can create innovative marketing campaigns that capture the attention of their target audience and drive business growth.

In summary, building business resilience requires a combination of effective marketing strategies, investment in digital transformation, and adaptation to emerging trends. By adopting these strategies, companies can build a strong foundation for growth, even in the face of economic uncertainty and shifting consumer behaviors.

Conclusion

 

In conclusion, businesses must adapt to the shifting marketing trends and tools to ensure success in 2024. Marketing strategies must be tailored to meet the needs of the target audience and align with the latest business trends. Digital marketing strategy is crucial in today's world, and companies must embrace new technologies and platforms to stay ahead of the competition.

To survive in 2024, companies must focus on providing value to their customers through personalized experiences and relevant content. They must also keep up with the latest trends in video content, social media marketing, and cookie-less tracking.

In summary, the key to success lies in being flexible and agile in adapting to the changing marketing landscape. With the right marketing strategies and tools, businesses can thrive in 2024 and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the predicted macro trends for marketing in 2024?

According to industry experts, the macro trends that are expected to shape the marketing landscape in 2024 include the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), the increasing importance of personalization, the growing influence of social media, and the emergence of new technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR).

What are the global marketing trends for 2024?

Global marketing trends for 2024 include a focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility, the importance of mobile-first strategies, and the growing role of voice search and smart speakers. Additionally, marketers are expected to continue to prioritize social media and influencer marketing as key channels for reaching consumers.

What are the top business trends that will impact marketing in 2024?

In 2024, businesses are expected to prioritize customer experience and brand purpose, with an emphasis on building trust and establishing long-term relationships with customers. Additionally, businesses are expected to embrace new technologies and data-driven approaches to marketing, with a focus on delivering personalized experiences across all channels.

What are the predicted design trends for marketing in 2024?

Design trends for marketing in 2024 are expected to include a continued focus on minimalism and simplicity, with an emphasis on bold typography and bright colors. Additionally, designers are expected to incorporate more animation and interactive elements into their designs, as well as embrace new technologies such as AR and VR to create immersive experiences.

What are the top digital marketing trends for 2024?

Digital marketing trends for 2024 include the continued growth of social media and influencer marketing, the increasing importance of voice search and smart speakers, and the emergence of new technologies such as blockchain and AI. Additionally, marketers are expected to prioritize mobile-first strategies and personalized experiences across all channels.

What are the predicted LinkedIn trends for marketing in 2024?

LinkedIn trends for marketing in 2024 include a focus on building thought leadership and establishing credibility through content marketing and thought-provoking discussions. Additionally, marketers are expected to embrace new LinkedIn features such as LinkedIn Live and LinkedIn Stories to create more engaging and interactive content for their audiences.

markethive

Tim Moseley

HOME

A Beginners Quick Start Guide To The Customer Journey

Leave a comment

If you are new to business and online marketing, welcome! I know from experience that it can feel both exciting, yet overwhelming to know where to start. This article shows you how to get off the mark with the customer journey to your first few clients. It will address three core reasons why businesses fail as it relates to the customer journey. The three areas are, no product to market match, no compelling offer, and lack of funding. It will also cover some free and low cost assistive tools for online deployment.

Business Failure: No Market to Product Match

Before looking at all the bells and whistles that might comprise your marketing resources and essential toolkit, it's important to take inventory of what you are looking to bring to the table through your gifts and talents by way of a product or service. Having determined that, who is your target avatar and how does your product or service fit with the market? 

Research

Since a no product to market match is one of the cited reasons a business fails in the first few years, it is important to avoid the temptation to second guess the market. Let the market give you the feedback.

Step 1 – Collate

Compile research on your topic area from both a market data and educational perspective. Look at opposing viewpoints too. A simple free tool to start is to use your google browser to type in a buyer keyword to see what people are predisposed to buying in your category. Artificial Intelligence has also developed free tools such as SIRI and Google Voice. Google Keep and Evernote are valuable tools for capturing information.

You could also use social media sites such as facebook, linked in and google ads, or you could use special interest forums. Alternatively you can use sites like Fiverr or Upwork as a low cost way to get your research off the mark.

Step 2 – Engage

It's important to speak to your target market, in order to further test how your product or service will meet their needs. This will help you develop and refine your offer as you customize for an optimal fit. You can use typeform or google forms as a free tool to compile a brief survey. You could also print your form off and do this informally in your community or at your local business event. If you want to gather survey data on a more global basis, you might want to consider survey monkey as a more specific alternative to social media ads. This is a paid service.

Bear in mind that any data and research will form part of your marketing collateral later. Here is a free guide on how to create a lean canvas, which is a streamlined one page diagrammatic layout for your business model with research tips, by Ash Maurya. Keep it simple.

The Customer Journey

The whole process of sales and profits is not simply about how good your product is but also about the prospect you foresee becoming your customer. So it pays to understand the journey of sales from their perspective, not just yours.

Source Image: Customer Journey

For example there are various models which give out a structural formula from your perspective, and the most common one I see is the AIDA formula, which stands for Awareness or Attention, Interest, Desire and Action. That is client acquisition from your perspective, so you may wish to consider a more expansive process that covers the relationship from initial awareness to what it would be like to have a long term customer who is happy to espouse your services to others.

It is worth taking the time to profile your client as that will give you a depth of understanding which will enable effective communication as you create touch points. Psychographics is the term often used to describe this activity, where you examine attitudes, buying behaviours, desires etc.

Touchpoints

Touch points are the various ways in which you will communicate and educate your prospect throughout the customer journey. This may include email, direct messaging, business events and phone conversations. They will take on board the demographic profile of your prospective customer too. Demographics are to do with location, job, income for example.

If your solution is solving a problem a potential client does not even know they have, education is going to be a key part of your communication process. Bear this in mind as you move forward. Touchpoints should be a secondary consideration to building on the foundation of understanding your customer, as Mckinsey & Company conclude.

“We found that a company’s performance on journeys is 35 percent more predictive of customer satisfaction and 32 percent more predictive of customer churn than performance on individual touchpoints. Since a customer journey often touches different parts of the organization, companies need to rewire themselves to create teams that are responsible for the end-to-end customer journey across functions.” 
McKinsey & Company

You can create a visual template that maps out the customer journey using free tools such as mural. Or you could use microsoft dynamics. Here is an example of a simple design overview.

Source Image: Customer Journey Template

Education

This is an important factor and needs to be done in a way that rather than simply persuade, will help your prospect make an informed decision. This means including the benefits but also the downsides, or who this is not for. This approach helps to build trust, which is at an all time low in general. So be willing to take the time to build trust. An automated way to educate your prospects in a drip feed manner is by the use of an autoresponder. This way you can pre-sequence and deliver content at a reasonable pace.

Autoresponders do not come cheap and increase as your audience grows. The only exception to that which I found is trafficwave.net which keeps a consistent low price regardless of audience size. Better still is Markethive’s free autoresponder which has a one click sign up facility and great deliverability. For a walk through on the setup of this autoresponder watch this video tutorial.

You can combine that with a medium to educate your prospects such as live events or video. You can use audio too if you are camera shy but video is best in a world where trust is at an all time low. Education is where you get to showcase your expertise as to how your offer will significantly benefit your prospect. This may happen in an experiential online or offline event. 

The more you can show rather than just tell, the better.  You want your prospect to be able to experience a different future as a result of purchasing from you. Assistive free tools you can use are zoom’s video conferencing tool to interact, which is free to use for 40 minutes for a maximum of 100. You can also record videos too. OBS is a free video and live broadcasting tool which you can download to your computer and create educational content too. Markethive will shortly be coming out with its own inbuilt video conferencing in due course as it comes out of beta. So watch this space.

Business Failure: No Compelling Offer

When you offer your product it is important that it is a compelling offer, otherwise you will fail on execution. This is where proof of concept comes in.

Proof of Concept

Proof of concept is where you get to test the viability of your product or service through confirmed sales, prior to a full launch. This may come in a break even or beta form, where you give a discount in return for your prospects trial of your offer, and their video feedback for example.

The results can become part of your marketing on a bigger scale later. In the meantime, it is important to bring clarity and confidence to the prospect if they are to buy from you. While it is possible to conduct sales manually, you will also need to consider an online website and payment structure. 

When it comes to websites, your choice will depend on your business model. You could use a simple lead capture page to start with, which will allow you to integrate your chosen autoresponder. Markethive also offers free capture pages. WordPress is a popular free drag and drop website platform with free themes which shape the look and feel of your site. 

You will need a domain name and hosting for your website if you choose this route. You also may need to acquire a bit of technical knowledge to put it together. Here’s a tutorial. A less usual but cheaper and faster alternative is amazon S3 web buckets. Canva is also a great free resource where you can use templates to build websites and create graphics to get started.

For a cottage industry, you might prefer to start with a low key way to test the water and build community so one option might be Buy Me A Coffee, which has less of a corporate feel, and where you can connect to a payment provider called Stripe. For payments in general, you can always use paypal, stripe or wise, both of which have an invoice feature, and are global providers.

Business Failure: Insufficient Funding or Lack of Capital

This is a common reason for business failure and many funding attempts fail and are unable to compete with global corporations. However, If you construct your business plan in the manner described in this article, you will stand a better chance because you will have demonstrated a compelling offer to market match.

New funding sources are emerging all the time yet many of the conventional ways still are not working for entrepreneurs. Creativity is needed and it may be that you start simple with a self-liquidating approach where you use a skill as a side hustle to acquire cashflow for your business.

Another consideration that has serious merit is Markethive. Markethive is an example of an innovative ecosystem which has overcome the product to market match, has a compelling offer and a funding solution for the new and existing entrepreneur, in action.

Firstly, Markethive is meeting a demand in the markethive place with a compelling suite of offers in both free and paid membership. Built from the ground up, it is now powered by the blockchain as a social network and inbound marketing ecosystem combined, with free and cost-effective tools to help level the playing field for the entrepreneur just starting out. 

If you need to acquire marketing tools to reduce costs, you get at least $2000 worth of that in the free membership alone, including an autoresponder and lead capture pages to name a couple. You also get rewarded for contribution to the platform. When it comes to cash flow its unique ILP offer [initial loan procurement] provides a paid subscription which gives you even more tools while sharing in the profits of the company as the company grows. 

This unique offer is shortly to expire, so check out all this ecosystem has to offer and see where it might fit your needs. It was built for you. Consider how it will help you future proof your business.

Launch Party

When you finally launch your offer, celebrate! Consider having a launch party where you create a special offer for first time customers.  It is no mean feat to have created an offer to market match and one that is compelling. You have set your business up for success! Although this article has addressed how to get off the mark, the sale is just the start, and it will bode well to remember that. 

How you nurture your client, so that they become a returning customer, where appropriate, is going to be down to how you nurture and support that relationship, as well as the value-added improvements you make to your offer. You will also need to consider how to scale and automate key parts of your business, such as social media content sharing so you can focus on your expertise.  

Also remember to continue to communicate with those who did not purchase. Many buy later in time. Lack of follow through is also responsible for lost sales. According to one report 60% of customers reject offers four times prior to an eventual purchase.

On a final note, the beauty of surveying prospects is that they too can become a part of the journey of your compelling offer, helping you to craft the perfect offer through their feedback. This makes them more than a purchaser, someone who has become part of the creative journey and solution. They are your community, the ones that are likely to act like your marketing arm or ambassador in the future. Look after them and your business success will increase.

 

 

About: Anita Narayan. (United Kingdom) My life's work is about helping individuals to greater freedom through joy and purpose without self-sabotage, so that inspirational legacy can serve generations to come. Find me at my Markethive Profile Page | My Twitter Account | and my LinkedIn Profile.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tim Moseley

HOME

The Psychology Of Marketing

Leave a comment

The Psychology Of Marketing

 

Marketing aims to identify and satisfy customer demands by providing products and services. The marketing process includes exploring, creating, and delivering value to meet a target market's needs, whether online or at trade shows and public events. 

The decision to launch a marketing campaign is reasonable based on several factors, such as the availability of products, the need to correct erroneous information, or a desire to drive traffic to a particular website. 

You can implement a marketing campaign to emphasize specific themes or attributes and select a target audience. These themes or features may inform customers about the value of that particular product or service or inspire them to purchase it. It is essential to know your target demographic, as it allows you to tailor your ads to meet their needs and desires.

Marketing arose as a result of the rapid development of civilization. As long as there was an excess of demand over supply, manufacturing companies could concentrate on production only. However, with the rapid growth of technology, the production process accelerated, and gradually the market began to satiate until supply began to exceed demand. At that moment, solving how and what to produce was already necessary. 

With the modernization and simplification of production, the number of companies on the market also grew, and consumers got more choices. With increasing competition, companies began to address the question of what steps to take to make consumers choose their products. And hence there was space for the emergence of marketing.

 

Thus, marketing creates links between the market and businesses. It is based on human needs and desires. The human factor is applied and manifested both on the demand and supply sides. It is evident that psychology will also play a role in marketing.

Five Basic Psychological "Tricks."

1. Reciprocity (commitment)

    – give a little something for free, and then it'll come back to you

      as no one wants to be in debt 

2. Liquidation Offer and Consistency

    – we don't all like to make decisions 

    – we are afraid of the new and the unknown

    – we'd better shop at a friend's

3. Price Anchor and Contrast

     – When something's on sale, we go and shop

4. Paralysis of Decision-making

    – make it easier for people to make a choice and make an offer that, at a glance, 

      is the best possible solution you can buy

5. Social Proof

    – a lot of people have already bought it.

More About These Five Points:

What is the principle of reciprocity?

One person gives another a "gift," and the donee feels obligated. Thus, they feel a natural obligation to return the gift (to meet the following requirements of the donor).

What is a liquidation offer?

It is an offer so convenient and cheap that we do not have to think about buying for a long time. The price tag of such a liquidation offer is often meager, so we just do not have to consider for a long time whether it will pay off for us or not.

How does the principle of consistency work?

The principle "advises" us not to take risks and do what we already know and have tried. It protects us from the fear of the unknown. It is the principle people follow when they shop in the same supermarket for years, even if a few meters away is a new modern supermarket, which is cheaper and has a broader range.

What is a price anchor?

Discounts in marketing can work precisely because of the price anchor. It is the price tag or value of the goods. For example, when a product costs 100 USD, the price anchor equals 100 USD. When the goods suddenly have an "action" price of 69 USD, it seems advantageous to us thanks to the price anchor.

What is the paralysis of decision-making?

It is caused by more similar offers where the customer hesitates on what to choose.

Eliminate selection where possible or pre-select the most crucial option – the most effective solution to decision paralysis.

How does contrast work in marketing?

It is similar to a price anchor. In short, we compare two variants (more expensive / cheaper). And naturally, we choose the more profitable one. 

If it is not evident at first glance which offers are better, then follows a decision paralysis. In this case, customers often choose neither because they are looking for the best possible solution (convenience, savings, etc.) and cannot make a choice.

What is social proof?

It's confirmation from other people that our decision is the right one. These are references, sales figures, but also, for example, restaurants full of people.

 

 

Half of all our activities are based on habit. 

In marketing, on the contrary, we need to break the potential customer out of his habit. But psychologists have observed that we are most accessible when we have a life change – we are moving, we have a baby, we are approaching 20., 30., 40., 50…. birthday. 

Finally, Something About Colours

Colour psychology is the study of hues as a determinant of human behaviour.

Carl Jung was one of the pioneers of the interpretation of colours and their significance for the human psyche.

Jung said,"colours are the mother tongue of the subconscious." Colour influences perceptions that are not obvious, such as the taste of food. Colours have qualities that can cause certain emotions in people. They can carry a specific meaning.

        

 

What Is New In The Last Years

Biochemical marketing, as the new type of marketing is called, can increase efficiency by up to half and reduce costs by 70-80% in the format of low-cost multi-layered marketing. And in doing so, it is enough to know and use the biochemistry of four substances generated in a healthy human body: serotonin, dopamine, endorphin, and oxytocin.

Each of these substances has its own features and functions. Still, they are all responsible for positive changes in the human body, increasing the level of trust between people, reducing stress and anxiety, and creating a sense of well-being. And thanks to this, low-cost marketing can be done through public relations, social media, events, etc., with the help of biochemistry.

 

In no case should we forget, whatever methods we use, that our goal is a satisfied customer who returns. The applied psychology of the marketing world helps to find the necessary keys to understanding how the human mind works and is the basic knowledge of getting potential customers to buy your products eventually.

 

Although, at first glance, marketing may seem like a simple matter, if you delve into the issue more, you may start to feel a little lost. Markethive will provide you with comprehensive marketing tools. It is a platform for entrepreneurs with many innovative features. You will find all the tools for your business under one roof and have the opportunity to contribute to the spirit of friendly cooperation.

"Marketing is a war of perceptions.“         Ivo  Toman

 

Sources:

https://www.marketingovenoviny.cz

https://foxentry.com

https://www.dusansoucek.cz

 

 

 

Tim Moseley

HOME

THE ESSENCE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Leave a comment

THE ESSENCE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP

 

 

The entrepreneurial spirit is a gift that inspires others to become the best they can be. Entrepreneurship is the act of starting a business, and it requires creativity, drive, and the ability to solve problems. 

An entrepreneur takes a risk and works hard to make money. There are many types of entrepreneurs. Some start businesses from scratch, and others buy already-established companies. Some entrepreneurs work alone, while others need employees to help them run their businesses. 

The word “entrepreneur” comes from the French word “entreprendre,” which means to start or undertake a business venture. Although it can be a lot of work, entrepreneurship is rewarding and very fulfilling. The essence of entrepreneurship is having a dream and a vision for changing the world, being willing to take risks, and sometimes being misunderstood. 

Also, be willing to put in the work, put in more than those around you, and be ready to be the one who is not afraid of the darkness but rather the one who steps into it first. Entrepreneurship is more than just having a great idea and starting a business; it’s about changing lives and improving our world.

 

 

From passion and positivity to leadership and ambition, here are the entrepreneurs that best define the entrepreneurial spirit.

Armour Of Entrepreneur – Main Features

Passion

No one embodies the word "passion" quite like Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin mega-brand. Part of Branson's passion lies in his insatiable appetite for starting companies. Founded in 1970, the Virgin Group has expanded to more than 200 companies, ranging from music, publishing, mobile phones, and even space travel. "Businesses are like buses," he once said. "There's always another one coming."

Positivity

Jeff Bezos knows the power of positive thinking. Living by the motto that "every challenge is an opportunity," Bezos set out to create the biggest bookstore in the world with a little internet startup called Amazon.

Adaptability

Having the ability to adapt is one of the greatest strengths an entrepreneur can have. Every successful business owner must be willing to improve, refine and customize their services to continually give customers what they want.

Leadership

A good leader is someone with charisma, a sense of ethics, and a desire to build integrity within an organization–someone who's enthusiastic, team-oriented, and a great teacher. All of these attributes were embodied by the late Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics, a company that has helped more than half a million women fulfill their dreams of owning a business.

Ambition

At age 20, Debbi Fields didn't have much. She was a young housewife with no business experience, but what she did have was a great chocolate chip cookie recipe and a dream to share it with the world. 

Fields opened her first Mrs. Field's store1977, despite being told she was crazy to believe a business could survive solely on selling cookies. Fields' headstrong determination and ambition helped her grow her little cookie store into a $450 million company with more than 600 locations in the U.S. and 10 foreign nations.

 

Once More – The Main FIVE

– Passion, Positivity, Adaptability, Leadership, Ambition

Most of it you cannot learn from books. It is in your character, in your experience, and in your life journey. 

You hear it all the time from famous entrepreneurs: Long before they were running multimillion-dollar companies, they were flexing their entrepreneurial skills by selling lemonade on the corner, building gadgets in their garage, or hosting weekly college beer pong tournaments. It seems that behind every successful mogul is a kid who grew up knowing they were born for business.

 

If you notice where those who represent some of the most successful entrepreneurs come from, much of the world is missing out. In many countries, private business was interrupted by political developments – it was sometimes very limited, often totally prohibited. In some parts of the world, it was not possible for teenagers to sell products house-to-house or set up their first small business in a garage.

Those who spent their youth in countries with limited opportunities now have to catch up with many. Sometimes it's like jumping on a moving train and not knowing where the train is going. And that's why people from these countries, without business tradition or continuity, need something extra. A good dose of :

 

  • Courage 
  • Enthusiasm
  • Self-confidence
  • Persistence
  • Support of their loved ones

While they often lack the money for investment to have a good start, if they have true entrepreneurial courage in their hearts and can mobilize their energy, then with a little luck, they have a chance of success. 

 

 

 

Tim Moseley

HOME

The Marketing System For Rejuvenating Struggling iHubGlobal Business

Leave a comment

Several months ago I stumbled across a marketing system that has forever changed the way I operate on a daily basis.  That marketing system is called iWebatool.  It is unlike any other marketing system I have ever seen.  iWebatool is jamb packed with all the capture pages, landing pages, videos, autoresponders, tutorials, etc. . . all the tools a marketer could ever need.  The entire platform is designed to provide all those marketing tools to anyone who wants to use them but they have already been pre-built with several preselected opportunities.  At this point in time, there are approximately 25 different opportunities that have been chosen by the CEO and his team of experts have built a complete marketing package for each one of those 25 businesses.

That's how the system operates.  They don't go to all the trouble of building out those powerful marketing funnels, complete with professionally written followup emails, for just any opportunity.  These 25 or so opportunities have been hand picked by the CEO himself.  One thing I absolutely love about this system is that it is only $25.00 per month.  And believe me, that is super cheap when you consider all the time and effort you save in building out the funnels themselves. 

   

One such funnel was built (and is continually being updated and enhanced) for the iHub.Global business.  As a matter this is his favorite of the entire group.  This particular funnel is being used by marketers around the world and it is estimated that this funnel has been and still is instrumental in over 160,000 enrollees into the iHub.Global business.

iWebatool and Markethive have many similarities yet they are different in many ways.  I love Markethive and iWebatool both.  I feel they compliment each other nicely.

So if you have a iHub.Global business and you are struggling with enrollment, you may want to take a look at the funnel you could be plugging into for only $25 per month.  Here is an example of what I am talking about:  THIS LANDING PAGE IS DESIGNED TO GET NEW iHub.Global AFFILIATES FOCUSED ON THE RIGHT THINGS

The CEO gives multiple ZOOM meetings on a weekly basis.  Some are specifially for iHub.Global business owners and the Zoom meeting on Monday is how to use the iWebatool Marketing System itself.

One last item, the CEO buys upwards of half a million clicks a year all from the same source and as a result he gets a massive discounted price per click.  A perk that all members get when purchasing these high quality clicks is we also get to buy clicks at that massive discount which help enormously when it comes to building your list right there at iWebatool.  Members also get to send daily broadcasts to their lists and I can attest that many signups for my various programs have come from the followup work I do from that list at iWebatool.  I just can't say enough about how effective iWebatool is.  

There are so many other items I could cover here but I will save those for another time.  So if you are an iHub.Global business owner already that link above is for you but if you are not an iHub.Global business owner yet, then you need to CLICK HERE.

Tim Moseley

 

Tim Moseley