CRM software (or customer relationship management software) refers to technology that companies use to manage and analyze customer data and interactions. By using CRM software, companies hope to improve customer relationships, increase sales, and increase customer retention.
If you’re starting a new business or have an established company and want to see your sales increase (and who doesn’t?) then integrating a CRM software might be just the ticket.
The perfect sales tool
The value of CRM software can often be misinterpreted. Often, employees may perceive the adoption of CRM software as a way to police their activities as opposed to an invaluable piece of software that will help them meet their sales quotas. CRM software will allow your team to consolidate all customer data into one easy-to-access and read section. From contact information to communication history, everything is one easy location. This makes serving customers easier and faster.
How will automated CRM software help my business grow?
New technology means new ways to promote further and grow your business, and automated CRM software is no exception to the rule. An automated customer relationship management system is all about making it easier to manage customer interactions. By doing this, you will notice that you will be saving tons of time on collecting information since all that will already be stored within the CRM platform.
When you’re dealing with customers and attempting to make a sale, the last thing you want to do is a waste of time. If you’re forced to exchange information between sales reps and scramble to find information, your customers (either current or prospective) are likely to get frustrated. Using CRM software streamlines your connection to your customers by making sure that every authorized user within the company has access to the same information, all in one place and all at the same time. Knowing other people have access also helps encourage more active input by employees about any new conversations or interactions with a customer.
Automated CRM software can help automate some of the more tedious tasks, like adding form submissions to lead lists. This will free up your employees for more hands-on tasks.
Integrations with automated CRM software
While automated CRM software can do things like automatically record and store email, phone interactions and even social media interactions, the automation possibilities don’t stop there. If you automate your sales with Spiro’s CRM, you will get the benefit of the program guiding your sales team through the sales process, offering suggestions for further actions, like creating contacts or reminders and automatically highlight inconsistencies in the pipeline. This will mean less wasted more, more successful sales, and more accurate reports.
SalesForce Automation
You can further expand the functionality of your CRM software with SFA tools. When SFA tools are integrated with a CRM platform, they can help make it easier to navigate the sales process and offer improvements. SFA will help track every interaction with a customer, which helps make sure that your marketing efforts are optimized for the best possible results. This will help streamline sales operations by allowing SFA tools to monitor the entire sales funnel.
I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.
Content marketing has been around for quite a long time, and it is the go-to marketing strategy for many businesses nowadays. But everybody uses it, and the results they get are more or less along the same lines…in terms of the time they take to materialize.
What if you’re looking to get better results from your content marketing endeavors? What if you want to do some smart work rather than hard work?
In this post, let’s take a look at some answers to this question.
What Is Content Marketing?
Content marketing is basically defined as the type of marketing that involves creating and publishing/distributing content to a certain audience. The purpose of distributing this type of content is to increase awareness of the product/services so that they can be sold more. While “content,” in this context, refers to the content of all types, mostly written stuff is utilized for marketing purposes.
This type of marketing takes different shapes and forms.
Some people can engage in content marketing by writing and publishing blogs regularly. Others can utilize their product pages as a medium to engage in marketing, i.e., by making the descriptions and the visuals, etc., appealing and attractive.
Actually, instead of mentioning them here somewhat haphazardly, let’s look at some of the content marketing methods in detail before moving on to the tips.
What Are Some Common Methods Of Content Marketing?
Here are a few of the common ways in which content marketing is employed.
Blogs: Blogs, especially when created by a professional writing service, have a key role that goes beyond just advertising products or services. Their main goal is to educate and engage readers. This approach helps grow a brand's readership and audience. By providing valuable and informative content, the brand naturally attracts more people. This isn't just a marketing strategy; it's about genuinely helping readers. As more people find the blogs helpful, they start to trust and follow the brand, leading to increased business opportunities. With the help of a blog writing agency such as Compose.ly, brands can consistently deliver high-quality content that connects with their audience.
Emails: Email marketing is technically a marketing strategy on its own, but since it almost always utilizes content of some sort, it can also be mentioned in content marketing. In an email marketing campaign, individuals are reached out separately by the brand. These emails can either inform the recipient about some sort of new product release, a sale or a special discount, etc.
Newsletters: Newsletters are technically emails, but they are not like other messages that are typically used and sent in an email marketing campaign. While the latter, for the most part, directly promote the offerings of a brand, newsletters are geared toward educating the readers. You can think about them to be a type of hybrid between a blog and a typical email marketing message.
E-books: While this one is a more elaborate step than what brands usually do, it is a good way to engage in content marketing.
Now, with all that out of the way, let’s take a look at some tips that you can follow to get better results from your content marketing endeavors.
Tips For Getting Better Results From Content Marketing
As we mentioned earlier, while content of all types can be employed in content marketing, written content is the most common…and perhaps the toughest to create. That is why our tips will be geared towards it in particular.
Don’t Write Like A Robot, And Don’t Write For Robots
In that rather wordsmith-is line, we’ve summed up one of the most important principles of writing online content.
Firstly, when you write content for marketing purposes, be it of whatever type and kind, you should make sure that your tone is friendly, communicative, and human-like. Mind you, there are exceptional cases where a totally opposite tone would be more suitable, but we are talking about the common cases here.
This is what we mean by not writing like a robot.
Here is what you can do to make your writing tone fall into this criterion. Of course, depending on the situation at hand, some of these tips may not be very applicable.
Try and refer to the reader as “you” and yourself as “I” or “we.” This is one of the basic and simplest ways to make your tone look more natural and human-like.
Since you have to make your written content look more like a conversation than a piece of written text, you should reduce your overall use of passive voice. People hardly use passive voice when they speak. I mean, I could have just said, “The passive voice is hardly used by people when they speak,” but I did just make my point.
Keep sentences short. Keeping your sentences short can also give a natural touch to your writing and make it more reader-friendly.
The second part of our tip was Don’t write for robots.
We should actually clear this up a little before moving on.
Nowadays, a lot of content marketing is done via search engines. When people write blogs, they channel them to their readers via search engines. The same goes for a lot of other types of content, like product descriptions and e-books, etc.
Now, in a bid to make their content look nice to the search engines, a lot of people can end up making it look too mechanical, erratic, and awkward for human taste.
Consider the following example:
We offer the best ramen in Tokyo. Our quality ramen store in Tokyo is very good. Buy quality ramen near me in Tokyo. (Note the atrocious keyword usage)
Good content? For the search engine, maybe. For the reader? It’s just gibberish.
You have to avoid doing this sort of stuff when writing content for your audience. You should strike a balance between making the content appealing for SEs as well as your human readers.
Do Proper Research…And Use It
When it comes to content marketing materials such as blogs and newsletters, your aim should be to provide reliable and educative content to your audience. This can only be done if you do proper research and then utilize it when writing the content itself.
In this part, let’s look at how you can do research properly and what benefits you can get from it.
Here are some things that you can do for effective research:
Look for popular and reliable sources on the internet. Before you start gleaning information from anywhere, you should establish its reliability first.
Once done, be sure to find out relevant facts and figures to add to your content. This tip is, of course, subjective. In some types of content, adding facts and figures may not be very suitable. However, it can be a good idea in things like blog posts, emails, and the like.
If you find yourself in a situation where you have to use some material from a source verbatim in its actual form.
(More important than implementing theoretical and conceptual information is the utilization of the data you get from audience research. In other words, you should conduct audience research and then use the details that you find to adjust your content as per the needs of the audience. When we say “audience research,” we basically refer to using analytical tools to find out necessary information and details about your audience, such as the details about their age, gender, location, and so on.)
Now let’s look at what benefits you can get by doing and incorporating research into your work.
Authority: When your content is backed with research, it comes off as authoritative. For example, when you present a stat for a certain situation or occurrence, it looks more grounded as compared to an opinionated guess.
Up-to-date information: Conducting research can also get you in touch with up-to-date information. By not researching your material before writing it, you can get stuck with old, outdated information that can neither help you nor your readers.
Value: When your content is based on research, it provides value to your readers. For problems, it can provide solutions. For choices, it can provide expert opinions.
This sort of content is a lot more potent in building a better readership and for growing your brand.
Aim For Content Perfection
Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.
Vince Lombardi
It’s a bit of a dramatic way to start off this heading, but it does make the point that we want.
No content is perfect because perfection (least of all in written content) is not achievable. But if you aim for the bullseye, you can land somewhere close to it.
That is why you should make all the effort possible to remove all types of imperfections from your content.
Grammar errors: Grammar errors are by far the most common and most harmful errors that you can make in your content. You should be proactive about avoiding such errors during the writing phase. And once you do write the content, you should take steps like proofreading the content and using an online grammar checker to weed out the remaining ones.
Clunky readability issues: Readability issues, such as confusing words, long-winded sentences, and weird phrase choices, can also adversely affect the quality of content. you can remove these types of imperfections from your content by using an online AI-driven paraphrasing tool. A good AI paraphraser can improve the readability of the provided content during the rephrasing process.
Plagiarism: Plagiarism is like the diamondback of content imperfections. You can’t spot it quickly enough, and it can kill the quality of your write-up without you realizing it. Removing this imperfection is necessary and tricky at the same time. The best way to go about it is to use an online plagiarism checker and then analyze the results to take the steps you need.
Conclusion
A lot of brands do content marketing nowadays. But, to bring yourself a cut above the others, you have to follow some best practices. We’ve outlined a few of those in the post above.
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Are you ready to give your e-commerce business the boost it needs to stand out in a crowded online marketplace? Digital marketing can be a game-changer when it comes to driving traffic, increasing sales, and building your brand. However, with so many agencies out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your business.
In this article, we'll share seven tips for choosing the best digital marketing agency to partner with for your e-commerce SEO. From evaluating their track record of success to assessing their expertise in technical SEO, we'll provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision. So, whether you're a startup or an established business owner looking to take things to the next level, we’ll help you find the perfect partner for success.
Let's dive in!
The Importance Of SEO For Ecommerce
E-commerce businesses rely heavily on organic search traffic to drive sales and revenue. Studies show that at least 43% of e-commerce traffic comes from Google’s organic search. This means that if your e-commerce website isn't optimized for search engines, you could be missing out on a significant amount of potential customers.
Additionally, e-commerce businesses operate in a highly competitive online marketplace, where thousands of other businesses are vying for the attention of the same target audience. Effective SEO can help your e-commerce business stand out from the crowd and rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs), making it easier for potential customers to find and choose your products over your competitors.
Finally, SEO has a long-term impact on the success of an e-commerce business. While other forms of digital marketing, such as paid advertising, provide quick wins, SEO is an investment that can yield ongoing benefits for years to come. To learn more about SEO for e-commerce, you can check out this link: play-media.org/seo-for-e-commerce/.
For all these reasons, finding a competent digital marketing agency that understands e-commerce on a deeper level is crucial. Let’s explore the best ways you can do that.
1. Specify Your Goals And Target Market
Before hiring a digital marketing agency, take the time to define your goals and target market clearly. This involves setting specific objectives you want to achieve within a certain timeframe, such as increasing website traffic, generating more leads, or boosting sales. You should also identify your target market, including their demographics, interests, and buying behaviors.
By doing so, you can provide the agency with a clear direction, and they can tailor their marketing strategies to reach and convert your target audience, ultimately helping you achieve your e-commerce goals. So take the time to define your objectives and target market, and let your marketing agency do the rest!
2. Define Your Budget And Schedule
Your budget will determine the scope of marketing services you can afford, so it's crucial to establish a clear understanding of what you can realistically invest in marketing efforts. This will also help the agency recommend a package of services that aligns with your budget and objectives.
Look for a digital marketing agency that offers transparent pricing, and remember that cheaper is not always better, and you might need to invest more to achieve better results.
In addition, establishing a clear schedule will help ensure you and the agency are aligned on deadlines and deliverables. Discuss your preferred timeline for the project and establish the project scope, including specific milestones and deadlines. This will help both parties stay accountable and ensure the project runs smoothly and gets done on time.
3. Do Some Background Research
In addition to reviewing the information on a marketing agency's website, conduct additional background checks to ensure they are credible and reputable. This could involve searching for customer reviews or testimonials, speaking with past clients to learn about their experience working with the agency, and researching any awards or industry recognition the agency may have received.
Additionally, visiting the agency's office or meeting with their team members can provide valuable insight into their operations and culture and help you determine if they are a good fit for your business.
4. Ask For Case Studies
Before partnering with a digital marketing agency, you should see real-world examples of their past successes. One way to do this is by asking them to show you their case studies. A case study is essentially an in-depth analysis of a particular project or campaign the agency has worked on, highlighting the specific strategies they’ve employed and the results they’ve achieved.
By reviewing case studies, you can get a sense of the agency's approach to marketing, the results they have achieved for other clients, and how they will help you reach your business goals.
5. Look For E-Commerce Experience
E-commerce marketing is a unique and complex field that requires a deep understanding of the industry's specific challenges and opportunities. A marketing agency with e-commerce experience will have the necessary expertise to navigate the nuances of online retail, including optimizing product listings, managing inventory, and implementing effective marketing campaigns.
Furthermore, a competent marketing agency will be familiar with the various e-commerce platforms and tools, allowing them to help you select the best solutions for your business needs.
6. Ask For Consultations Before Hiring An Agency
A consultation can help you determine if the agency is a good fit for your needs and if they have the expertise and experience required to achieve your desired outcomes.
It's also an opportunity to understand the agency's communication style and work ethic, which is critical for long-term success. During the consultation, don't hesitate to ask plenty of questions and clarify any concerns you might have. This will help establish trust on both sides and prevent misunderstandings in the future.
7. Asses The Agency’s Knowledge Of Technical SEO
As we mentioned previously, search engine optimization (SEO) is the most critical factor in e-commerce success, and that includes the technical aspect. Technical SEO refers to optimizing your website's technical infrastructure, including site speed, crawlability, mobile-friendliness, and security.
To assess if an agency has strong technical knowledge, ask them about their approach to optimizing websites for search engines. Technical SEO experts should have a solid understanding of the following:
Website architecture, including URL structure, sitemaps, and internal linking.
Optimizing website speed by minimizing file sizes, reducing server response time, leveraging browser caching, and using website speed testing tools.
Optimizing a website for mobile devices by using responsive design, and improving page load times.
Website security best practices, including SSL certificates, HTTPS protocol, and firewalls.
Industry-standard tools like Google Search Console and Google Analytics for measuring website performance.
With the right expertise in place, you can focus on growing your e-commerce business and leave the technical SEO details to the specialists.
Plan For Long-Term Partnership To Skyrocket Your E-Commerce Business Success
Planning a long-term partnership with your agency allows you to establish a relationship built on trust, communication, and shared goals. Also, your agency can truly get to know your brand, industry, and target audience, leading to more effective and personalized strategies over time.
By following the tips we've covered in this article, you can find an agency that can provide the expertise and support you need to take your business to the next level. Good luck!
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Small businesses and startups often find it much easier to borrow the lion’s share of their capital. Finding an investor is never completely off the table, but it is not an easy task to do. It is much easier to find lending organizations, who are ready to test out the abilities of the new entrepreneurs to multiply their monies.
Very soon, a time arises when the creditors expect at least a part of their invested money back. Now, this is a time most entrepreneurs know will come, but none are ready to face. It is almost always "too early" or "too sudden."
Online marking, when you are already in massive debt?
Gaining momentum for a new business not only takes time and effort, but it also takes some serious marketing skills. By marketing, we do not mean TVCs, hoardings, and pamphlets. Those are ancient forms of advertising that no one even notices anymore. If you are in such a situation, what you need is a stable dose of online marketing that will make you visible to your target audience.
Here comes the biggest conundrum in the world. When a business is already nose-deep in debt, can it afford to plunge further in by going in for online marketing? That entirely depends on your perspective of online marketing. Your contenders and contemporaries may think online marketing to be an added expense, but you know what almost 71% of the US population is already online and looking for businesses like you. So, would you deem online marketing as an added expense or a smart investment?
You need a website first :
The first step of online marketing is getting your own presence established online. It means an excellent site. By nice, we mean something that's functional, professional, SEO optimized, and capable of attracting and converting traffic. It should represent your selling theme, services, and products perfectly.
Building a website is no easy feat. You may have the enthusiasm to build a website from scratch, but not all entrepreneurs can have the coding skills and analytical skills needed to construct a working business website. Building a website from scratch can take up a lot of time, and it takes a lot of algorithms to perfect the buying and payment process. Either you can opt for DIY website builders like WordPress or Joomla, or you can surely approach a professional website builder.
A professional website builder will again cost you a few bucks. If you are thinking of building a PHP based website from scratch, it will also take considerable amounts of time. Now, this is not going to be cheap for your business. Therefore, it is not uncommon for entrepreneurs to wonder if going for online marketing is the best way to a debt solution.
The inspiration you need :
So, let us tell you a real-life success story. Initially a nobody, Rank Fishkin started out with his own tech startup and went plummeting into a $500,000 personal debt. From there he is now the owner of the world’s largest SEO, social media, and content marketing website Moz that is netting about $40 million in revenue for the last seven years. That is a success story better than any fairy tale you will ever hear. Was it easy? Did it involve magic spells? No! It required endless hours of smart digital marketing strategies and intelligent investment moves.
The moral of the story is: just because you are nose deep in debt, does not mean you can invest in something new. Digital marketing and social media marketing are the new ways to reintroduce your brand to a new world of potential buyers. People are waiting out there right now to hear from you about your products and services.
How to find them?
Finding the right people at the right time is the only “magic” you need to perform. You will need a few social media listening tools like HootSuite, Buffer, and Social Sprout. These offer a few free services. Their premium services cost less than a Grande. Of course, you will need to work on your social media account before you start listening to what people are saying about your brand online! So get started. Create a professional Facebook page, Twitter account, and at least an Instagram page. You need to post daily. Sometimes twice a day. Engage in regular conversations with your customers. Stay visible and exciting.
If you ever run out of original content, do not shy away from asking your followers for some. Do it tactfully. Introduce new photo contests, quizzes, and polls with attractive rewards. That is the way to create user-generated content. It is the most efficient way to keep your page and wall filled with meaningful content every minute of staying online.
Investing is not the problem, not spending in the right places is :
Online marketing is an investment in every way possible. It is like putting a bait to catch the bigger fish. Using the right keywords in your product descriptions, doctoring your URL to suit the liking of the bots, and including image tags to become visible during Google image searches are all parts of that investment. Still, you may want to consult your personal financial advisor before you take the plunge. You need to be in touch with your financial reality before you can make new investments. Your financial advisor or your debt counselor should help you in understanding the debt program's details. Your current debt program may have reservations about making new investments or certain kinds of investments unless you pay off a certain fraction of the amount you have borrowed.
Most businesses end up in a fiscal dead-end due to ignorance and bad decision-making, rather than investing in new marketing. We have seen companies drown because they were not adventurous enough and they have always played safe. In 2017, online marketing is not a luxury or an option. It is a compulsion you need to embrace before your competitors take away all your potential clients. Making yourself more visible on the internet will get you more sales and profit. It will help you make more money and pay off your debts faster than usual.
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