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The Marketing Process is one that involves the consideration and implementation of multiple parts of a business's overall marketing campaign. Marketing in today's constantly-connected world is much different than it was even just ten years ago, thanks in large part to the internet.

The most sizable contributions to the marketing process that the internet has introduced are:

1. Social Media Marketing

Before the internet, social media would have been impossible -- and is actually quite difficult to even fathom. Virtually all serious companies today leverage social media to the benefit of their marketing platform. Being able to reach thousands upon thousands of people every day, for the low cost of free, is something that would be difficult for anyone to turn down.

2. Pay-per-click advertising

Pay-per-click advertising is a great way for businesses to get off the ground and take off running -- especially well funded ones. Part of the reason why pay-per-click advertising is still an absolute necessity -- even with free marketing options available, like social media -- is people can't avoid it. Using social media is an active choice people make. Pay-per-click advertisements have become so pervasive that it is almost impossible to avoid them, even if one tried.

3. Search engine optimization

This is perhaps the head honcho of them all and is primarily concerned with getting a business to rank as high as possible in search engine results for a specific group of keywords or phrases. Getting started in optimizing a website's SEO is simple enough, but taking to the the level that could eventually get a site to the front page of Google, is another.

If you would like to know more about the marketing process please feel free to contact us and we would be more than happy to elaborate on it for you.

Having the best tool at your disposal is critical in this fast-paced ultra-competitive environment. It seems every business is feverishly looking for an edge on the competition. Finding, implementing and fully integrating a tool that can be a sustainable competitive advantage is difficult but well worth the effort since it can be the difference between atrophy and growth. Utilizing superior sales tracking software will help your staff close more sales and be more productive. . .a sustainable competitive advantage that can't be beat. Once you've found that superior sales software that fits your business, the next step is establishing best practices that will optimize usage and performance.

Developing best practices around efficient processes is essential. Having a tool that is intuitive, therefore, is paramount. One great way of uncovering efficient processes is to have staff members conduct friendly competitions using different methodologies for the same task. Also, you could have multiple teams collaborate and compete to see which team can come up with the most efficient and/or quality results for a given task.

Once efficient best practices have been established it is important to insist on consistency. This ensures quality control but also enhances productivity. If there is a steady stream of turnover in the sales staff this also allows for smooth transitions when there is new personnel coming on board. It also gives the training department or mentors the opportunity to teach new members best practices quickly. Finally, this strategy makes it possible for staff to cover for each other in case someone is temporarily out of the office (ill, doctor appointment, etc.) or you decide to permanently rearrange sales teams.

Last but not least is the importance of repetition. The old saying "practice makes perfect" is not accurate. What is correct is "PERFECT practice makes perfect." Having staff members repeat these sales tracking software best practices consistently during every single interaction will help them achieve proficiency. Balancing the art and science of sales can be tricky, so allowing sales staff to incorporate their own style into the mix is critical for employee satisfaction and performance. Having the right tool will make it much more likely that they will actually use the tool and best practices.

One of the main things sales staff will complain about is their sales tracking software. Equipping them with a superior tool will improve employee morale and performance. Once equipped with a superior tool, it becomes so much easier and more enjoyable to collaboratively develop best practices as a team. If you're looking for a superior tool to build best practices around, please contact us; we have what your sales staff wants.

For any questions on CRM software or anything else, contact us. Thanks.

One of the driving thoughts behind CRM software is that if businesses are more thorough and methodical, they'll ultimately finalize more sales. CRM keeps sales representatives on track so that they're concentrated on each individual customer.

A problem with old sales techniques is that they relied too heavily on the memory of representatives. Sales were based off of personal relationships rather than data or information. While a personal touch is still important in sales today, this style leaves room for error as there's no real routine.

Programs like ACT! or Salesforce introduce routine into sales. They compile information about clients and present it in a neat and organized way. This way, when clients are ready for another order, sales representatives know their buying habits and needs.

A recent Business 2 Community article discusses the implementation of CRM software and explains how it can improve a business' sales process. According to the article, CRM software ensures that sales representatives are more though in their approach:

“Knowing exactly where each of your leads or potential clients is along this line makes it easier to allocate your time. Nobody will fall through the cracks, get forgotten or get too many calls when they’re not interested. Most CRM systems should literally allow you to move people along a sales process in a systematic way until the deal is done. Working in a methodical way like this, ensures your business grows in a sustainable fashion.”

In addition to helping company representatives during the sales process, CRM software benefits clients as well. Clients will enjoy the more systemic approach to purchases because it's more efficient and accurate. They won't have to worry about missing an order or having to start from scratch with a new sales representative.

The overall effect of CRM software is improved continuity in businesses. Sales representatives are more informed and aware of approaching sales, and clients are guided by a knowledgeable representative through their purchase order.

If you would like more information about CRM software, contact us.

An issue that many businesses face is how they can improve and grow. Businesses want to build relationships that will become profitable in the future. Communication is also a hurdle that some businesses have to figure out. Businesses and teams want to be able to manage their communications and enhance efficiency.

ACT! software can be used to help business owners and the employees increase their effectiveness. Their effectiveness can be improved by easily managing the contacts and all of the various relationships more easily. As a business owner or an employee, you will be reminded of any incomplete tasks and follow-ups with customers.

Your database can be organized with different keywords and categories that will make your client search much easier. You can complete your clientele search in a few seconds.

Why Should You Consider Purchasing ACT! Software?

Sales

ACT! software will help you keep track and manage all of your sales. You can focus your efforts and time on the best deals. As a result, you can shorten all of the sales cycles, while lowering the cost of selling.

Users can access details about all of their contacts from one interface.

As a result, you have time to focus on growing your business. You no longer have to waste time searching for information that should be readily available.

Contact management software should not be confusing.

ACT! software is not a difficult tool to implement. It is an intuitive application, and all users can easily get started with little trouble.

Your work day can be managed much more efficiently and effectively.

All of your managing tools, such as calenders and schedulers will help everyone stay organizing throughout the busy work day.

ACT! Software Is Cost-Friendly

Many database or customer management software want you to pay monthly or per use. When you implement ACT! software, you will only pay for the software one time. You will then own it, that is until you decide to upgrade your software.

If you are a business owner looking for a cost-effective customer relationship management software that allows you to record all of the customer's information, track all of the communication, and manage sales and marketing ACT! is waiting for you. Contact us for more information.

Market segmentation is crucial to a business’ sales and marketing programs. If they’re going to be successful in marketing their product, they need to target people who would actually have a need for it. Otherwise, businesses would be spending tons of money on unprofitable ventures.

Market segmentation is generally looked at as a part of the marketing process. Sales representatives aren’t supposed to think about their target audience, rather they’re supplied with it by the marketing team. The communication between the sales and marketing teams is crucial for the effective targeting of the market segment.

With CRM software, however, the process changes a bit. With all the data stored about customers in the software, businesses can easily find their specific target market. This information needs to be communicated between the sales and marketing teams. When done correctly, this process is more efficient and effective.

A recent Toolbox article discusses marketing segmentation and the use of CRM. According to the article, businesses can improve their segmentation with CRM software:

“There's an art to effective market segmentation, but it's an art that can be learned. What's more, modern CRM tools can help you come up with effective segmentation and guide you in producing strategies aimed at maximizing returns on the segmentation approach.”

With CRM software, sales representatives are better equipped to finalize sales with the data and information about customers stored in the system. The data allows them to predict customers’ needs and wants based on their past order history.

In addition, marketers are better informed with CRM software because they have information about their target market. They can analyze statistics and incorporate the new information into their market segmentation process.

If you would like more information about CRM software, contact us.  Enjoy your Labor Day!  

In regard to the best ways to devote time and effort as a business, increasing efficiency is one of them. Accomplishing this can be done in a multitude of ways, which means email marketing software is an option to take into consideration. While you can market your business through email manually, depending on how many customers you deal with on a daily basis, this can become overwhelming and too challenging to handle without sacrificing the quality of response you provide. Using email marketing software will help you success as a business in various ways.

Immediate Notifications Allow for a Speedy Response

It is not a viable option to spend every minute looking at your email, and this is not a recommended task to have your employees doing as nothing would ever get accomplished except for answering emails. Fortunately, you can use email marketing software to ease this difficulty as software can lead to receiving immediate notifications, which allow you to respond as quickly as possible.

Results Are Analyzed in an Efficient Manner

When it comes to making business decisions, you should really not rely on chance. In this case, email marketing software is extremely useful as it provides proper analytics. Instead of guessing which methods are bringing the greatest success, you will have concrete information with statistics. Email marketing software is also capable of tracking click behavior, which can make a rather substantial difference on your overall success when you adjust your marketing to cater to the results.

Communication as a Whole Can Be Improved

Making the best use of email for your business means your communication as a whole will improve. It is very common for businesses to connect with each other through email, and then there are customers that are imperative to the success of your business. Features such as instant notifications and proper analytics will ensure you are able to provide high quality communication to those of importance.

Contact us to learn more about marketing software for your business. Enjoy your labor day weekend!

The combination of Customer Relationship Management(CRM) and social media can be a fantastic combination that will allow your brand to connect with your customers much better than before. Social media can help improve and enhance your normal CRM methods because you will be able to engage in numerous social media conversations. You can also track leads on Facebook, Twitter, and any other network you choose to interact with.

Your social media marketing process should focus on the efforts that will have content that attracts and encourages your audience. As a result, your audience will share it with their networks. A message that comes from a corporate site or page that spreads among the users will resonate because the message will be looked at as a legitimate source.

Teamwork Makes The Dream Work

There is a growing need for some type of engagement with your marketing and your social media's customer service. There is a growing pressure to come together to make social media engagement better. When the day is over, the brands will be depending on the two sides to come together, and work closer together.

Customer Experience

You are able to interact with customers based on their preferences. Whether it is Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook, you should reach out and connect with your customers. Customers are at the center of what can be the difference between a trusted relationship or a forced relationship. Instead of pushing messages out to customers, your brand should collaborate with your customers to come up with unique ideas and solutions.

What Can You Do For Your Employees?

We are all a little opposed to any kind of risks, but social media and CRM aren't new things. There are numerous conversations happening constantly, whether publicly or privately. You can't control everything, but you can add tools and other policies to show people how to do things the right way. Set certain guidelines and basic rules. Teach your employees everything you know, and then sit back and put your trust in them. The employees who are considered "social" will understand that you're not only selling to the customers, but to the community surrounding your business.

Social media is an inexpensive podium that gives you an opportunity to enhance you marketing processes.

If you would like more information on social media marketing processes and CRM, contact us.

CRM software can have a powerful impact on a business' sales process. Sales representatives are better equipped with data and information so they can be more effective in their talks with clients. The data gathered and compiled by CRM software can increase efficiency within a company.

Considering all of these benefits, there's certainly an opportunity cost associated with CRM software. In other words, choosing not to invest in CRM software can actually cost a business money. Instead of enjoying the benefits of the software, the company would be staying stagnant while their competitors pass them by.

A recent Business 2 Community article discusses CRM software and explains how a business can lose money by not investing in the software. This perspective also takes into account the rising costs of the service:

“Another built-in benefit of choosing a robust platform at the start of managing associations comes in the form of future savings. Manpower, equipment upgrades, loss of opportunities and allowing your competition to hurdle you add pressure to those deciding to switch relationship database software later down the road. Costs will inevitably grow, constraining business growth.”

CRM software is a long-term investment. Businesses that worry about the initial cost aren't focusing on the long-term benefits of the software.

Another thing companies should keep in mind is how their competition will benefit from the software. Any business that has crucial data about their target market has an edge over their competitors. It may not make a big difference in the first few weeks, but after a few months it will be evident. If a business doesn't want to fall behind in their market, they should focus on collecting data and information about their sales and customers.

Businesses should think of the opportunity cost if they're unsure about CRM software. Choosing to save money now may be a bad financial decision in the long run.

If you would like more information about CRM software, contact us.

Relationships between sales representatives and customers are crucial for businesses. While it's more of an old-fashioned strategy, some companies still rely on these relationships for future sales.

It's okay if companies have this strategy, but they have to invest in order to fortify it. Placing the entire weight of a business' sales on the shoulders of sales representatives just isn't fair. You can't expect them to memorize each little detail about clients and close every sale.

You can, however, support sales representatives to lighten their burden. Sales tools, such as ACT!, Hubspot, or Salesforce (CRM software), make it easier for sales representatives to stay organized. This way, they can look back on information about the past sales of a client and utilize it in future negotiations.

A recent Small Biz Trends article talks about the benefits of CRM software. The article explains how the software can help keep representatives organized by creating a contact list and making information easily retrievable:

“When dealing with hundreds or even thousands of customers, it’s easy to become disorganized and overwhelmed. Fortunately, the right CRM software makes it simple and intuitive to keep customer information organized and retrievable. By maintaining a contact list, it gives you quick access to a wealth of information like customer email, telephone, buying history and birthday.”

CRM software takes some of the weight off of sales representatives' shoulders. They no longer have to memorize and record each sale or order. The information is organized and presented in a way that's easy to interpret and understand.

Companies can still rely on their representatives for sales. An investment in CRM software simply hedges this bet. Sales representatives are better equipped to do their job, which should translate to more sales for the company.

If you are interested in CRM software or would like to keep your sales representatives organized, contact us.

CRM software is particularly effective in the financial advising industry. Now more than ever, financial advisors rely on statistics to make the most prudent decisions. CRM software makes this possible by collecting, organizing, and presenting data.

A recent Tech Page One article discusses the benefits of CRM software for financial advisors . According to the article, CRM software improves the overall business process while still reducing costs.

“These systems boost productivity and reduce costs. They allow advisors to store data so that it’s easier to access and analyze, to monitor communications with clients within their practices, and to execute transactions. Some leading firms in the advisory space say that they’re handling four times their previous workload with the same-sized staff. Others say that they’ve linked their CRMs to dramatic growth in assets under management and revenues.”

Data collection is the most important benefit for financial advisors. They not only have access to more data, but it's also presented in a way that's easy to access and understand. This gives advisors a significant edge over their competitors.

Improved communication also comes with CRM software. Nowadays, clients want to consistently be in touch with their financial advisors. Communication now plays a more important role than ever, and financial advisors have to respect this. CRM software like ACT! or Hubspot make communication with clients easier and more organized.

CRM software also can be integrated into the transaction process. This makes transactions easier for both advisors and clients. The system is easy to monitor so businesses can instead focus on the data and communication aspects.

All of these benefits combined make CRM software an essential component of a financial advisor's practices. Despite all of the services offered, CRM software is a long-term investment and will even reduce expenses.

If you are a financial advisor and would like more information about CRM software, contact us.