Tag Archives: marketing tactics

Bloggers Group Meets Up for Discussions

ABC Akron Bloggers CommunityYesterday at the ABC Akron Bloggers Community meet-up we had a lot of lively discussion in a just an  hour and a half:

  • Where to look for tips to drive traffic to the blog
  • How to write content faster
  • Where to find good photos to illustrate your posts
  • How to size photos faster
  • Social media how-to’s and a seminar series
  • Writing guest postings — pro’s and con’s
  • Offering guest postings on your blog — pro’s and con’s
  • Book reviews and why they are growing medium
  • How to figure out to figure out what blog topic to focus on when you’re trying to get started
  • Which software to use when you want to start a quick blog for a mini topic
  • Long tail results and how to encourage more of them
  • New keyword analysis tools that help to tag and help interested readers to self identify

You can do a lot by reading everything you can find on the internet, but actually sitting down and having a cup of coffee with folks who do this all the time is a great boost for a blogger.

Because we have experienced bloggers and newbies in the group, there are all levels of questions, answers and discussions going on.  We’ve found that everyone has something to offer. 

If you’re in NE Ohio and working on your blog or starting a new one, you may want to consider joining us at our next meet up: Feb 25, 9:30 to 11, Mocha Joes Coffee House 3707 Darrow Road at 91 and Graham in Stow, Ohio 44224.

RSVP here, (not required.)

How to Use a Specific Marketing Technique to Improve Sales Conversion Process Results

Marketing techniques used to improve the sales funnel processThe main purpose of a marketing program at most companies is to increase the number of leads, or speed up sales conversions, or otherwise improve the sales process. Click on the small chart to the right to see where marketing techniques overlap in the sales process.

Improve Sales Results with Marketing Tools

So which specific marketing techniques do you use to improve your sales results? Here are some examples:

  1. Use tracking mechanisms for all your awareness building programs. Know your numbers in Google Analytics with unique viewers, key word phrases and best blog posts. Focus your awareness building marketing on gaining entry level trial as well as the home run.
  2. Remember to ask “where did you hear about us?” And keep track! Review your stats quarterly at a minimum.
  3. Use a “code” in your calls to action, like “Call today and ask for Alice!” (That is unless you have an Alice person who works at your company. In that case, try another name!)
  4. If your call to action is really an email to action, set up a specific email address for each one of your marketing tools to help identify which one works the best. Once you know your “best”, tweak it. Testing a control eventually leads to improvement!
  5. Create a specific landing page on your website that is specifically related to that technique. For example, you speak at event and offer the audience a hand out or another tool if they visit a specific website available only to them.
  6. Create a telephone extension specifically for a marketing program, so you can track the number of inbound calls going to that number.
  7. You must track conversions at each step and even track return conversions in order to know what is the improvement. Remember the adage: “What gets measured, gets managed.”

The sales process is an opportunity for creating an on-going improvement process. Tweaking each one of the sales steps by improving the marketing techniques you use at each step in your sales will improve your overall sales results.

What marketing techniques do you use that have improved your sales results? If you are the sales & marketing professional for your company, perhaps you don’t have time to test or even implement these techniques. Perhaps it is time to consider bringing in a marketing consulting firm that also provides marketing services.

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5 Cost Effective Marketing Resources to Help You Reach New Customers

Marketing strategy tools and resources chartBefore you begin your marketing, you need strategy. Who will you target? What’s the best positioning message? Which media will you use to communicate that message to your market? And how will you measure success? Yes, strategy must come first.

But without the implementation and execution of marketing tactics — cost effective tactics — you’ll never realize the strategic marketing plan. This post is about the resources you need to get it done!

If you’re working on your company’s marketing, but not sure where to find the tools to take that next step to realize your marketing and branding strategy, you may find some resources here that will help:

  • Dot Calm web design in Mohawk Valley Utica, New York: Success tools such as websites, software and other products that promote a smooth workflow and make the job easier. Veronika Freeman (@dotcalm) lists a dozen “must have” resources for marketing and design professionals.  I like how she described each resource next to its logo.
  • In house marketers can learn and build strategy with my business friend Ivana Taylor, who has more ideas and energy than 12 experts.  She shares generously at DIY Marketers and on her tweet chat #DIYMKT click here to learn how to attend her seminars on Twitter.  Next chat features Jennifer Cox of National Network of Embroidery Professionals (NNEP).
  • You’ll also want to check out Understanding Marketing. They feature tons of “Do-It-Yourself” marketing and PR information, providing advice to small businesses in every industry to help you remain competitive and also realize tight budgets.
  • I’d be remiss not to mention my own company’s resources at the Marketing Resources & Results tools web page… or, of course, our Branding & Marketing blog. But those go without saying!
  • Bonus (or Curse!) Here’s an overwhelming list of resources — not for the beginner — that’s for sure! Via Twitter @tocki from The Global Social Media Network, from Peter Kim.  This exhaustive list of resources made my head spin, but may be helpful for the more seasoned professional who is looking for just the right tool and have something very specific to find.

I’m sure I’ve forgotten something important.  What is your Number ONE marketing and branding resource?