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- 19 Jun
Content: Gate or Not? That is the Question
- Jun 19, 2018
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- Content Marketing, Conversion Strategies, Lead Generation
Whether you recognize the term or not – you’ve all seen and many of you have created gated content. That term refers to putting something on your website or landing page that people want. And then, asking them for information in exchange for that information.
That’s The Locked Gate and They Have the Key
The challenge with gated content is that you need to offer something that has great value if you want people to actually trade you information about them in exchange. The question is how many fields should you require. Studies show that the more information fields required, the fewer people you will get to actually complete the transaction. The best practice rule of thumb is no more than three fields if you want a higher conversation rate.
Read the full article on McLellan Marketing Group.
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- 18 Jun
Linkedin Carousel Ads Have Arrived
- Jun 18, 2018
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- LinkedIn, Social Media, Social Media Marketing
by Conor Bond
Telling a story through your advertisements works. It is an excellent way to foster a connection between consumers and your brand. And, this connection is increasingly crucial for your brand and ad campaigns to succeed.
It’s a Matter of Attract, Intrigue and Engage
People, particularly younger adults, want shopping experiences that resonate with them. They want to feel engaged. And it’s far easier to leave a meaningful impression on a consumer when their interaction with your brand begins with a compelling marketing campaign.
That’s why social video marketing continues its meteoric rise
But what if you don’t want or can’t afford to create sparkling video ads for your LinkedIn advertisement program? Well, they now have the answer for you. They now offer another effective way to attract attention on social media – the carousel ad, familiar from Facebook – has made its merry way to Linkedin.
But, what exactly is a carousel ad? What makes carousel ads special? And, do carousel ads work? To find out, read the full article at WordStream.com
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- 16 Jun
This is How Blockchain Could Change Digital Marketing Forever
- Jun 16, 2018
- admin
- 0
- B2B Marketing, B2C Marketing, Conversion Strategies, Digital Marketing
by Raj Chander
By now you have probably either heard of, or read a story about the explosive disruption that some refer to as the future universal currency. Others consider it a “disgusting…noxious poison.” But, what could elicit such extreme feelings in complete opposite directions? Bitcoin, of course.
It’s Really All About What Makes Cryptocurrency Work?
But the real story of Bitcoin and other forms of digital money isn’t their investment potential. It’s the Blockchain technology that underlies it. Blockchain is, in its simplest form, a method of digital record-keeping that creates a ledger of transactions. But, it is transparent and, most importantly, impossible to tamper with.
But, how could blockchain influence digital marketing?
Many facets of business and communication could be affected by blockchain. But much of the discussion to date has been about its impact on banking and financial transactions. While those two areas alone are significant, blockchain’s impact could go beyond currency and finance to affect marketers of all products and services. To learn exactly how blockchain could Change digital marketing forever, read the full article at HubSpot.com
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- 15 Jun
Integrating a Podcast into Your Marketing Strategy
- Jun 15, 2018
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- B2B Marketing, Content Marketing, Digital Marketing
by Nicki Kamau
By now, there should be no debate. Video works and can be a very powerful weapon in your marketing arsenal. And that’s not just the case for B2C markets. Plus, it is a force to be reckoned with for B2B marketing as well.
That Brings Up the Idea of Podcasting
One way to begin to leverage video in your B2B marketing is though the use of podcasting. Hosting or appearing on a podcast can have a number of benefits for B2B marketers. For one, it can help in the nurturing of your buyer personas, It can serve to extend your audience reach beyond your current market boundaries. And, it can offer your content in an audio format, providing additional value to your community.
But the question is, how can you gain subscribers? Or, how can you nurture contacts into becoming listeners (and vice-versa). And then, how can you collect data on how your podcast is influencing ROI?
Here are the tactics to consider to get you started and to get your show noticed at ChiefMarketer.com
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- 14 Jun
The Definitive Facebook Marketing Guide for Business
- Jun 14, 2018
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- Facebook, Facebook Advertising, Facebook Marketing
Why should your business invest in Facebook marketing? For starters, it’s the world’s largest social network with a whopping 2 billion users. In the United States and Canada alone, 183 million people use Facebook every day. To put that in perspective, that’s 80 million more people than the 103 million viewers that tuned into the 2018 Super Bowl.
There is Good News Though
The good news is you don’t need a budget of Super Bowl proportions to get into the game. Sharing valuable content that connects with fans and potential customers is your most important play.
And to help you out, here is the definitive Facebook marketing guide for your business. And in this piece, you will learn how to create a Facebook marketing plan in 9 steps at Hootsuite.com
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- 13 Jun
The Changing Face of B2B Marketing
- Jun 13, 2018
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- B2B Marketing, Google, Marketing to Millennials
from think with Google
The business-to-business marketplace is changing. While this may not come as a surprise, the way things are evolving might serve as a wake-up call. And, that’s because over the past two years, there have been some rather interesting shifts. Not just in how B2B buying decisions are happening, but also in who’s responsible for them.
So what’s changed?
And to find out, Google partnered with Millward Brown Digital to find out. Approximately 3,000 B2B researchers were surveyed about their research and purchase habits as well as their use of digital (specifically, search, mobile, and video). In addition, Google analyzed 13 months of clickstream data from Millward Brown Digital’s desktop panel. The study, which was fielded in 2014, mirrors research from 2012, enabling us to see the shifts over the past couple of years.
And the results debunk a number of widely held beliefs and have major implications for B2B marketing strategies. So, to see more insights and data, read the entire post at think with Google.
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- 12 Jun
Why Businesses Can’t Ignore Google AMP Stories
- Jun 12, 2018
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- Conversion Strategies, Lead Generation, Mobile Marketing
by Neil Patel
The Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) project was launched by Google in February of 2016. It had the stated goal of putting mobile performance above everything else on the web.
And Google definitely met their goal.
Today, AMP powers more than two billion mobile pages and 900,000 different domains. Pages with AMP now load twice as fast as pages without added AMP elements. And if you think you can ignore AMP, you’re wrong. AMP has some pretty awesome features and benefits that can take your content creation efforts to the next level.
But, if you don’t take the time to understand or use AMP stories, you’re missing out. And, here’s why businesses can’t afford to ignore them at KISSmetrics.com
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- 11 Jun
The Most and Least Important PR and Corporate Communications Tactics and Trends
- Jun 11, 2018
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- Content Marketing, Marketing Communications, PR. Public Relations
by Ayaz Nanji
The big question is, when it comes to PR, what works now? There are a lot of tactics and techniques out there. But, there are some things that are rising to the top of the heap.
Why Not Ask the People Who Do PR to Find Out?
It seems fairly simple, if you want to know something, ask the people who do it for a living. And that is exactly what Sword and the Script Media and Ned Lundquist’s Job of the Week did. In February of this year, they polled 155 corporate communications and PR professionals.
They asked them what it is that they intend to use more and the directions they are moving towards. And they found some trends worth watching [view original report].
As an example, respondents ranked storytelling as the trend/tactic that will matter most over the next 12 months. Surprisingly, content marketing ranked second. And, this was followed by thought leadership, aligning with Marketing, and influencer marketing. But, to see more of the data and insights, read the full article at MarketingProfs.com
NOTE: A Free Registration pop-up opens on this site. Registration is not required to read the article.
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- 09 Jun
5 Proven Ways to Improve Website Conversion Rates
- Jun 09, 2018
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- Conversion Strategies, SEO, Website Conversion Strategies
Being able to get traffic to your website is great. But if the traffic isn’t converting? Then all of your search engine optimization (SEO), Keyword strategies and planning efforts will be wasted.
Sometimes it’s All Dust. Sometimes it’s Movement.
It is common for some businesses to find that their traffic numbers are solid. But the leads, sales and revenue, well they’re just not there. So if your marketing campaigns, SEO efforts or paid advertising are grabbing the attention of your audience, why do you have a low conversation rate?
Here’s five ways improve your website conversion rates at ChiefMarketer.com
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- 08 Jun
Time Spent With Traditional Media Drops As Mobile Internet Use Blossoms
- Jun 08, 2018
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- Digital Marketing, Marketing Strategies, Mobile Marketing
from MarketingCharts.com
This year, people around the world are expected to spend about 8 hours a day consuming media. And that represents a 12% jump from 2011. This, according to Zenith in a new media consumption forecast.
The Beginning of the Mobile Only Era . . . Or the Zombie Apocalypse
So, it seems that the rise of mobile devices is the biggest contributor to this shift. In fact, it is having a far larger impact on media consumption patterns than previously noted. And, according to the report, as increasing amounts of time are spent with the mobile internet, there has been decreases in the level of consumption of traditional media. But, most noticeably, this has had the greatest impact on print newspapers and radio.
And with the rise in time spent with the mobile internet, there are drastic changes taking place with some traditional media. And if you are trying to hit your market, you need to read the full article » at MarketingCharts.com.
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- 07 Jun
The Social Networks B2B and B2C Marketers Value Most
- Jun 07, 2018
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- B2B Marketing, B2C Marketing, Facebook, Social Media Marketing
by Ayaz Nanji
We all accept the fact that there are differences between B2B and B2C marketing. And, of course, we assume those differences are reflected in how social media is used.
Question, questions, questions . . . But Where are the Answers?
But, what are those differences? How is social media best used today. And what trends are surfacing in the use of the social media platforms for marketing? And more importantly, what work best for B2B or B2C?
So, to understand how marketers are using social media and what is working best, Social Media Examiner launched a study. And now, they have recently released their 10th annual study. Their report, the 2018 Social Media Marketing Industry Report brings some significant insights. And, more importantly, the data on trends on what is working best. So, to see the data and some insights, read the full article at MarketingProfs.com
NOTE: A Free Registration pop-up opens on this site. Registration is not required to read the article.
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- 06 Jun
How to Create and Execute a Successful Lead Gen Strategy
- Jun 06, 2018
- admin
- 0
- Conversion Strategies, Lead Generation, Marketing Strategies
by Ryan Lynch
Your audience no longer wants their attention bought. They want it earned. And, this means lead generation strategies need to be revamped across the industry. Plus, those strategies now need to better meet the needs of target markets.
Nobody Said It Would Be Easy
But where to start? Well, the first step in this evolution is to create compelling content. And the second is to use that content to convert visitors into leads. But, of course, this is easier said than done.
The importance of a powerful lead generation strategy cannot be understated. A solid lead gen strategy can mean the difference between success and failure. So it is incredibly important to get it right. And to help you do that, read How to Create and Execute a Successful Lead Gen Strategy at HubSpot.com
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- 05 Jun
8 Ways to Cross-Sell/Upsell Customers with Search & Social Ads
- Jun 05, 2018
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- Loyalty Marketing, Search Engine Marketing, Social Media Marketing
Did you know that 32% of customers order again from the same company. And they tend to do that within their first year of becoming a customer?
The best – and cheapest – opportunities are the ones you already have
Running efficient advertising campaigns to re-convert past customers can a gold mine. Now, while it might seem counter-intuitive to re-invest in the same individuals, running paid campaigns for cross-sell/upsell has high value. But, experience shows that it can increase each customer’s lifetime value. Plus, it can boost the over all average order value of that customer. And that means increasing your revenue within your existing customer base.
So, to see how you can do this through search and social ads, read the full article at WordStream.com
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- 04 Jun
How to Successfully Sell on Facebook
- Jun 04, 2018
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- Conversion Strategies, Facebook, Social Selling
It’s incredibly easy to get sidetracked from sales. There are so many ‘moving parts’ go into selling now. And, adding social media into the mix, makes it really complicated.
In this modern, ‘digital forward’ world, traditional selling is becoming tricky
If you have tried social media to help sell, you’ve probably seen mixed results. In fact, the prevailing opinion has been that you simply can’t sell on social media. It’s impossible to sell on Facebook, right?
No it’s not
Actually, there are a growing number of businesses that do sell on Facebook. And the do so very successfully. But, you need to remember one thing: The purpose of your investment in social media is ultimately to sell. So, to see how you can harness Facebook’s potential as an online store, read more at MarketingProfs.com
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- 02 Jun
Tech Update: Mobile and Social Media Usage, by Generation
- Jun 02, 2018
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- Generational Marketing, Mobile Marketing, Social Media Marketing
from Marketing Charts.com
Millennials continue to be the generation with the broadest access to smartphones and the heaviest use of social media. But Gen Xers are more apt to be using tablets and a majority of Boomers are also “embracing” digital technologies. This, according to a report [download available] from the Pew Research Center.
Smart Phone Adoption is Growing at a Huge Pace
Also, not surprisingly, smartphone ownership has blossomed in recent years. Less than 5 years prior than this latest study, in May 2013, just half of the adult population owned a smartphone. Today, that number has swollen to 82% of all cell phone users. The marketing implications for this alone is huge and highlights the growing importance of a mobile-first strategy in the coming years.
To see more of the data, to read more insights and to download a copy of this report, read the full article at MarketingCharts.com
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- 01 Jun
Happy Customers Are the Biggest Marketing Opportunity of 2018
- Jun 01, 2018
- admin
- 0
- B2B Marketing, B2C Marketing, Marketing Strategies
Today, people – your customers – are more informed than ever before. They have seemingly limitless options at their disposal, and unprecedented clarity into how businesses treat their customers. These changes have translated to a sharp shift in power from business to customer. And this has resulted in dramatically higher customer expectations.
Your customers are less trusting and less patient than they’ve ever been
Potential buyers care less about what you have to say about yourself. They, and more than ever, want to learn about what your customers have to say about you. No matter how good, nothing you can ever write or create will be as trusted, as motivating, or as influential to potential customers than what your current customers have to say about you.
And that’s why Happy Customers Are the Biggest Marketing Opportunity of 2018. And to see how you can leverage that, read the full article at HubSpot.com
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- 31 May
GDPR Is Here: A Simple Marketing Guide for Compliance
- May 31, 2018
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- B2C Marketing, Marketing Communications, Marketing Strategies
by Kay Kienast
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) initiative has caused quite a bit of confusion, and turmoil. And, it has posed more questions than answers for US based companies.
Just Another Bureaucratic Stumbling Block or a Timely Tool?
Designed to put customers back in the driver’s seat of their preferences and personal data, the legislation has drawn broad criticism. However, customers and prospects will now own their personal data and have control over the communications they receive.
And as marketers, we are supposed to represent the voice of the customer. And in a manner, the EU’s GDPR can help us do that by focusing on the “customer first.” So, here’s how to make sure you not only comply with GDPR’s regulatory requirements and provide customers what they need at MarketingProfs.com
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- 30 May
Social Media Marketing Update: Preferred Platforms and Content Types in 2018
- May 30, 2018
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- Facebook, Social Media, Social Media Marketing
from Marketing Charts
What’s trending in social media marketing? The latest annual Social Media Marketing Industry Report from Social Media Examiner set out to find out. And, they were able to offer some insights into marketers’ preferences surrounding social media platforms and content.
Risk vs Benefits of Social Media Still Being Weighed
Even with the sustaining popularity of social media, there are some continuing concerns for marketers. It seems that just 44% agree that they’re able to measure social ROI. That is a figure that’s even higher than reported by CMOs in a recent CMO study. And slightly fewer than half agree that their Facebook marketing is effective.
But despite questions about Facebook effectiveness, respondents seem enthusiastic about the benefits of social media marketing. So, to see all of the data and insights, read the full article at MarketingCharts.com.
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- 29 May
Four Key Metrics for Evaluating Event Marketing Performance
- May 29, 2018
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- B2B Marketing, Event Marketing
by Dax Callner
ROI is a misleading metric for evaluating event-marketing performance. This is especially true, since most B2B events are way more than just selling opportunities.
Attribution and Linking Events to Sales is Difficult
But, determining what an event costs can get really complicated, really fast. Do you include the hard costs of a venue or exhibit space? Event staff time? And how much revenue an event drives is no easier to decipher either. Unless your company is selling products at a B2B event (which does happen in some industries), it’s difficult, if not impossible, to attribute a converted sale to the event. And as is the case, in B2B sales, there are typically several touchpoints that contribute to a sale.
While events are important, remember that it’s just one touchpoint
So, how can you target in on the return of value of a show or conference? After all, events can contribute to pipeline. But they should also build brand affinity and strengthen customer loyalty, all important contributors to a business’s success and goals. And with that in mind, let’s look at four metrics that matter to event marketing at MarketingProfs.com
NOTE: A Free Registration pop-up opens on this site. Registration is not required to read the article.
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- 25 May
Advanced Remarketing: How to Build an Intent Map (And Get More Conversions)
- May 25, 2018
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- Google AdWords, Remarketing, Website Conversion Strategies
by Allen Finn
WordStream has devoted tens of thousands of words to remarketing. They’ve touted best practices, #hacks, and cross-platform strategies, shared superlative creative. And they have made note of just about anything that relates to getting your ads in front of your most valuable prospects (again).
But What About Taking Your Remarketing Program to the Next Level?
It’s no secret that remarketing is integral to sustained success in online advertising. After all, it allows you to reach prospects already familiar with your brand. It can provide them ample opportunity to return to your site and complete some sacred, coveted [desired action]. In fact, WordStream’s Senior Data Scientist, Mark Irvine, has discovered that people are 2x more likely to convert after seeing your ad 6 times.
So, whether you’re a SaaS company looking to fill your funnel and push leads to trial and, eventually, purchase. Or if you’re an ecommerce shop looking to move units, read the full article at WordStream.com to learn Advanced Remarketing: How to Build an Intent Map and Get More Conversions.