Do you know if done in the right fashion, Digital PR can help a brand in several different ways from sales to branding?
Are you looking to pursue a Digital PR strategy but do not want to make some of the most common mistakes?
Have you tried listening to the advice of some of the leading firms and thought leaders in the field of Digital PR?
In the last few years, more and more brands want to pursue a Digital PR strategy in an aggressive manner. It needs to be pointed out that the needs and requirements of every business are not the same as Digital PR.
This means that a one-size-fits-all strategy does not work when it comes to Digital PR. In this article, we speak to some of the leading names in the PR world and ask them about five common mistakes, which brands should always look to avoid.
Digital PR: What is it?
Digital PR refers to a set of online marketing activities and strategies pursued by an individual or a brand with the following expectations-
Increasing the sales, revenues, and profits of a brand
Establishing and building relationships with existing and prospective target audiences
Creating collaborations and partnerships with journalists
Building brand exposure and visibility in its relevant niche
Attempting to become a thought leader in the industry
Whether it is search engines or social media, or press releases, digital PR covers almost all platforms. With the rise in the number of consumers searching for brands online, digital PR is also strongly linked to a brand’s reputation management.
List of 5 Most Common Digital PR Mistakes
1. Not establishing relationships with Smaller Publishers-
Many brands make the mistake of trying to establish and build relationships with only the big publishers. They do this because of the increased traffic on big platforms helps brands. However, if you start building relationships with smaller publishers, when they become bigger, they will not forget your favor. Brands should look to strike a balance.
2. Not paying attention to the quality of the Content-
Sometimes, brands end up spending so much time, energy, and money in making contact, negotiations, and getting the deal done that they fail to focus on the content. This is one mistake, which should be avoided under all circumstances. You should always ensure that content takes priority over everything else in your digital PR efforts.
3. Not fixing Objectives or KPIs?
Doing Digital PR just for the sake of it is not going to help you in any way. There should always be a strategy and a campaign, to help achieve some objectives. This means that brands should fix what they are trying to achieve from the digital PR efforts. This will help give the campaign a direction and make everyone understand what they are after.
4. Blindly believing in the Publisher-
Remember how the Influencer Marketing scam rocked the industry in early 2019? It was found that nearly all major influencers were paying for their followers and engagement. Brands have lost billions of dollars believing in the profile of influencers blindly. Make sure to verify and research everything before you proceed with the publisher. This will protect your investments.
5. Not taking help from Innovative Strategies and Technologies-
It is important to innovate and think-out-of-the-box at times. If you are not doing the same, you stand the risk of becoming obsolete because of following all the old strategies. Run something new and use CRM tools and data to inform your decision-making process. Without using the latest technologies or strategies you cannot expect your digital PR to perform in a certain way.
The Final Word
Making experts state that being successful at Digital PR is an art. This is the reason why some brands are tearaway success when it comes to this, while others are not. If you follow the article, you will be able to save yourself from committing five mistakes that will ultimately contribute to making your digital PR successful.
Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.
Leads are the foundation for sales. While we all wish that everyone we come across as brands would convert right on the spot, that's not how it works. People need to "think about it", some need to actually see the benefits of what it is you're offering, and others just haven't been convinced yet.
People are in different stages of your conversion funnel, and how they are convinced to ultimately purchase can vary a lot. To convert these individuals, you first need to gather leads, and then impact them time and time over, until they finally buy from you.
Everyone is talking about the importance of collecting leads and then working to get people farther and farther down the conversion funnel, but very few people actually talk about how it is done, and what goes into doing it effectively.
Additionally, there's a huge misconception about collecting leads that people make. Many people focus on acquiring as many leads as possible, and in doing so, they put zero thought into who those people actually are, which, means neglecting quality for quantity.
Then, when they've gathered thousands and thousands of leads, they celebrate and cheer, without realizing that the leads they gathered were completely irrelevant and that the reason for acquiring leads in the first place is not done for the sake of having lots of leads, but to ultimately get people to buy.
In this post, you'll learn how to build an email list from the people who come to your website, not by increasing the people who come to your site, but by optimizing the lead-generation process to increase your conversion rate of your visitors. And most importantly, you'll learn how you can improve the quality of the leads you get, and ensure that the ones you do get are laser-targeted to your brand and niche, and thus likely to convert into customers.
1. Create appealing subscription forms :
When working to collect leads, you almost always have some sort of subscription form. Through this form, you collect information about your prospect such as email address, name, profession, etc. You've probably come across subscription forms that only ask for your email address and you've probably experienced the type of subscription-forms that ask for your name, profession, habits, and so on, where you're wondering when the number of fields is going to end. We'll go more into detail about the reasons to why some brands choose to do this further on, but now, we're going to focus on improving the format of the subscription form to give it a better visual appeal.
When you're working to collect leads, you need to ensure that the subscription form is inviting and encourages people to sign-up. If the form just looks overwhelming and cluttery, you risk making your visitors confused, and ultimately losing them forever.
As an example, here's Send pulse subscription form:
As you can see, it is clear, concise, and asks for the most important information without coming off as intrusive or overwhelming. An important part of this is eliminating unnecessary elements of the subscription form which can risk confusing visitors.
A challenge that many marketers face when they are going to set up their lead-generation form to acquire leads is that they have absolutely no expertise in coding or designing, and most importantly, they have no idea how they're going to create a subscription form to maximize conversions.
The good news is that no longer, you need to have coding experience or be very good at designing in order to create a subscription form that performs well. The reason for this is that tools like Send pulse have done all of that for you. The absolute best part is that Send pulse gives you the option you to choose from their many pre-designed forms and then optimize it according to your brand and style. This means that you don't have to spend countless hours trying to figure out the format for a successful subscription form.
Because with Sendpulse's subscription forms, you already have access to tried and true formats right at your fingertips that have proven to drive the best results.
2. Ask for relevant information :
Here comes the answer to the cliffhanger that presented earlier about including lots of fields where you ask for information about your prospects (and why it can actually be a good thing).
You might think that the fewer fields you have that your prospects need to fill in, the better, because obviously, the more people will be willing to invest their time, but that's actually not always the case. The fact is that while having a few fields can increase the number of registrations, it can also mean that many of the registrations you get are of higher quality.
This is very relevant considering the fact that 61% of B2B marketers struggle to generate high-quality leads.
And remember, ultimately, it's not about how many leads you can collect, it's about how many quality leads you can generate. Because ultimately, these are the only individuals who will do what you want them to do in the future, which is, become paying customers.
Now, obviously, there's a fine balance between simply including too many fields that bring no value and having a high amount of fields that filter away irrelevant people, and to find the ideal length, you simply need to experiment and learn through trial and error, but the best part is that the SendPulse subscription forms allow you to add as many or as few fields as you'd like. Even better, it also allows you to add or remove whichever fields you'd like, whenever you'd like. This allows you to have full control over your lead-generation subscription forms, and at the same time be able to change and optimize them with ease within a matter of seconds.
Since you are after quality leads, not quantity, don't be afraid of asking for a lot of information about the people signing up. The more relevant questions you ask, the more certain you can be that the leads you generate are very hot.
3. Include images :
Humans are visual creatures, and so I cannot emphasize just how important including visual content in your subscription form is. When it comes to creating appealing subscription forms, visuals play a huge part, and they also play a huge part in people's first impression of it, and if they decide to complete it or not. Just creating a subscription-form with text can be very overwhelming for your visitors, and this means that you risk losing people in the process. If you do, however, include images in your subscription form, you can grasp your audience's attention, and convince them to sign up.
Again, if you are designing your lead-gen forms manually, including images, changing formats, and optimizing them can be a full-time job due to its complexity, but using the Send pulse subscription forms allows you to effortlessly upload and store images in any format on their server. The best part? It can be done free of charge!
4.Create responsive subscription forms :
Believe it or not, but people are still using unresponsive lead-gen forms. Some just don't know how to optimize them for all devices, others just don't believe or know that it is necessary.
But with the increased usage of mobile devices, making your forms responsive is crucial for increasing the number of leads you generate, because if your form isn't responsive, you can be sure that almost 100% of the people who experience an unresponsive form will leave without signing up due to a terrible experience (or because they're just not able to sign up).
Manually creating forms that are responsive can be difficult, to say the least, but when using Sendpulse's subscription forms, you don't have to pay a single thought on that, because all forms are responsive.
5. Use subscription formats that are relevant to your needs :
The format of your subscription forms and where they are presented have a huge impact on its performance.
Sendpulse offers four different types of forms that you can use for your sign-ups, all of which support different needs.
Based on how your visitors use and navigate your website, different forms can work differently well. The best part is that using this subscription forms service, you don't have to guess or ponder what might work the best. Simply put each and every one of these subscription formats into practice, and see for yourself which format works best for you.
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When it comes to digital marketing, automation tools are no longer just a futuristic concept; they have become a fundamental part of the marketer's toolkit.
Automation not only enhances efficiency but also brings a level of sophistication and precision to marketing campaigns that were previously unattainable. To explore its applications further, here’s a look at how automation tools are transforming the field of digital marketing, backed by facts and recommendations that may not be commonly known.
The Emergence of Automation in Digital Marketing
The digital marketing world is inherently fast-paced and dynamic, with an ever-growing need for more efficient and effective strategies. This is where automation tools step in. They are designed to automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks such as email marketing, social media posting, and ad campaigns.
But apart from streamlining repetitive and time-consuming tasks, there are several other ways in which automation tools have impacted the field of digital marketing. These are as follows:
Enhanced Personalization and Targeting
One of the most significant impacts of automation in digital marketing is the ability to personalize content at scale. With advanced data analysis capabilities, automation tools can segment audiences more precisely and tailor messages to meet the specific needs and interests of different groups.
This granular approach to targeting not only increases the relevance of marketing messages but also boosts engagement rates. For instance, automated email marketing campaigns are known to result in a 70.5% higher open rate and a 152% higher click-through rate compared to standard emails, as per Campaign Monitor’s data.
Streamlining Marketing Operations
Automation tools streamline various aspects of marketing operations, from lead generation to customer retention strategies. They allow marketers to set up triggers based on user actions, ensuring timely and appropriate responses.
For example, a user visiting a particular product page can automatically receive targeted emails or ads related to that product. This streamlined approach not only saves time but also ensures a cohesive and consistent marketing effort.
Other Benefits and Recommendations
Here are some other benefits of using Automation tools in the field of digital marketing:
Predictive Analytics for Future Planning
Beyond just automating tasks, some sophisticated automation tools now incorporate predictive analytics. This feature uses historical data to forecast future trends and consumer behaviors, allowing marketers to plan more proactive and strategic campaigns.
Automated A/B Testing for Optimized Results
While A/B testing is a known practice, automating this process can significantly enhance its effectiveness. Automated A/B testing can simultaneously test multiple variables, providing quicker and more accurate results to optimize marketing strategies.
Integration with Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Integrating automation tools with CRM systems can create a more seamless customer journey. This integration ensures that all customer interactions, from initial contact to post-sale service, are tracked and managed effectively, leading to improved customer experiences and loyalty.
Data-Driven Insights
Marketing automation tools provide valuable data on user interactions, allowing marketers to make informed decisions. It helps identify audience preferences, optimize campaigns, and improve overall performance.
Consistent Branding
Automation tools maintain a consistent style across marketing channels, including visuals, content, and communications. This consistency enhances brand reputation in the competitive digital space.
Social Media Integration
Social media automation tools enable scheduled posts across platforms. Marketers can create content in advance, post at optimal times, and engage with audiences more efficiently. This results in better social media presence and increased engagement.
Lead Nurturing and Generating Quality Leads
Using automation tools allows marketers to nurture leads at every stage of the customer journey. For instance, when a user downloads a brochure from your website, marketing automation can automatically send personalized follow-up emails based on their interactions.
This personalized approach increases the chances of conversion. Furthermore, 86% of marketers believe that marketing automation has improved lead quality. By analyzing user behavior and personalizing content, automation tools help attract and retain high-quality leads.
The Challenges and Ethical Considerations
While the benefits are substantial, there are challenges and ethical considerations in using automation tools. One major concern is the potential for a lack of personal touch. Marketers must balance automation with human interaction, especially in customer service and content creation.
Additionally, data privacy and security are paramount. This is one of the most crucial considerations when it comes to using automation tools in digital marketing. Transparency and consent are absolutely essential. Hence, marketers must always inform users about data collection and usage beforehand.
Moreover, with automation tools handling vast amounts of personal data, marketers must ensure compliance with regulations like GDPR and prioritize data security to maintain consumer trust.
We have discussed some other challenges and ethical considerations of using Automation tools in digital marketing:
Quality vs. Quantity
Using automation tools can help to generate large volumes of leads but not all of them will be high quality. Focusing on the quantity of leads as opposed to quality can harm conversion rates. Hence, marketers should prioritize lead quality along with quantity to build meaningful relationships with customers.
Customer Experience
Overuse of automation tools can lead to impersonal interactions and can make brands seem robotic and detached. This spoils the consumer’s experience with the brand and results in a loss of authenticity. Hence, organizations should only use automation to enhance personalization not replace genuine human connection.
The Future of Automation in Digital Marketing
Looking ahead, the role of automation in digital marketing is set to become even more significant. Advances in AI and machine learning are expected to introduce even more sophisticated automation capabilities.
As per Gartner’s prediction, by 2023, 40% of infrastructure and operations teams in large enterprises will use AI-augmented automation, resulting in higher IT productivity. We have explored some of the predictions and trends below:
Automating High-Value Actions:
Brands will move beyond automating repetitive tasks. They’ll focus on automating quality customer experiences, especially as consumers prioritize personalized interactions.
Marketing, Sales, and Success Alignment:
Teams (marketing, sales, and success) will collaborate more closely. Automation workflows will account for user behavior beyond marketing, ensuring a seamless customer journey.
Automation as a Vital Part of CRMs:
CRMs will integrate automation seamlessly. Sales professionals will leverage technology to close deals, enhancing efficiency and customer relationship management.
Across a Company’s App Stack:
Automation won’t be limited to marketing. It’ll extend across various business functions, optimizing processes and improving overall productivity.
Business Chatbots as Full-Time Agents:
Chatbots will evolve beyond simple responses. They’ll handle complex interactions, provide real-time assistance, and enhance customer support.
AI for Automated Decision-Making:
Artificial intelligence will drive data-driven decisions. Marketers will rely on AI algorithms for campaign optimization, targeting, and content recommendations.
Automating Data Collection and Reporting:
Automation tools will gather and analyze data efficiently. Real-time insights will inform marketing strategies and performance measurement.
Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
RPA will help businesses become more productive by automating repetitive tasks, reducing errors, and freeing up human resources.
Improve Efficiency and Productivity With Marketing Automation
Today, automation tools are not just transforming digital marketing; they are redefining it. By embracing these tools, marketers can unlock new levels of efficiency, personalization, and strategic insight.
In this process, it’s crucial to approach automation with a balance, ensuring that the human element of marketing remains intact. As we continue to navigate the ever-changing digital landscape, the integration of automation in digital marketing strategies is not just a trend – it's a necessity for staying competitive and relevant in today’s digital marketplace.
For further support, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an experienced digital marketing agency.
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Project management is a critical skill for any organization, and it involves the planning, execution, and monitoring of projects to ensure their successful completion. However, learning project management can be challenging, especially if you are new to the field or lack experience. Fortunately, there are various resources available that can help you develop your project management skills, including podcasts.
Podcasts have become increasingly popular as a means of acquiring knowledge on different topics in recent years. They offer convenient access to information that can be consumed at any time and place.
Moreover, they often feature expert guests who share their experiences and insights on various aspects of project management. In this article, we will explore the benefits of learning project management through podcasts and provide recommendations for some of the best podcasts for beginners as well as experienced project managers.
The Benefits of Learning Project Management through Podcasts
The acquisition of project management skills through informative podcasts offers numerous advantages, including enhanced efficiency, improved time management, and increased productivity for individuals seeking to improve their professional careers.
The importance of audio learning cannot be overstated as it allows listeners to absorb information while multitasking. Podcasts are portable and can be downloaded and listened to on the go, making them a convenient option for busy professionals.
Furthermore, podcasts offer insights into various time management techniques that can help individuals prioritize tasks effectively. Project managers need to juggle multiple responsibilities simultaneously; therefore, mastering time management is crucial in ensuring project success.
By listening to podcasts on this topic, individuals can learn from experts who have mastered the art of managing their time efficiently. Overall, the benefits of learning project management through podcasts extend beyond just acquiring knowledge; they also have practical applications in improving one's career prospects and enhancing workplace performance.
Top Podcasts for Beginners in Project Management
Novice project managers can enhance their knowledge by listening to these recommended podcasts, providing a strong foundation for understanding the fundamentals of project management. Several podcasts cater specifically to beginners in project management and offer valuable insights into basic concepts.
One such podcast is The Project Management Podcast, which covers various topics like risk management, communication skills, and stakeholder engagement. The podcast also features interviews with experienced professionals who share their expertise and provide practical tips for managing projects.
Another highly recommended podcast for beginners is PM Point of View, produced by the Project Management Institute (PMI). This podcast covers a wide range of topics related to project management, including leadership skills, team-building strategies, change management techniques, and many more.
The program also includes interviews with experts in various fields who offer valuable insights into successful project management practices. Overall, these podcasts provide excellent resources for novice project managers seeking to learn new skills and improve their performance in managing projects effectively.
Advanced Strategies for Experienced Project Managers
Experienced project managers can elevate their skills and enhance their project management proficiency by incorporating advanced strategies that have been proven to produce successful project outcomes.
One such strategy is effective risk management techniques, which involve identifying potential risks, analyzing their likelihood and impact, developing mitigation plans, and monitoring the risks throughout the project's lifecycle. By implementing a thorough risk management plan, experienced project managers can proactively identify and address potential issues before they become major problems.
Another important strategy for experienced project managers is stakeholder engagement. This involves building strong relationships with key stakeholders and ensuring that their needs are met throughout the project's lifecycle.
Some effective stakeholder engagement strategies include regular communication channels, involving stakeholders in decision-making processes, and actively seeking feedback from them on progress made. These strategies can help ensure that the final outcome of the project meets the expectations of all stakeholders involved while also fostering a collaborative working environment.
Navigating Agile Methodologies
Navigating Agile Methodologies requires a thorough understanding of the principles and practices that underpin this approach to project management. The Agile methodology emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and iterative delivery of products or services. An Agile team is composed of cross-functional members who work collaboratively to deliver value to customers through incremental product development cycles.
To navigate the intricacies of Agile methodologies successfully, it is imperative to have strong knowledge of Agile team dynamics and Scrum certifications. Understanding the roles and responsibilities of each member of an Agile team is crucial for effective communication and collaboration among them.
Moreover, obtaining Scrum certifications can help project managers gain a deeper understanding of Scrum framework practices, including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, retrospectives, etc., enabling them to guide their teams toward successful project completion. With these skills at hand, experienced project managers can navigate complex projects with ease while delivering high-quality results on time using the Agile methodology.
Leadership and Communication Skills for Project Managers
Developing strong leadership and communication skills is vital for project managers to effectively guide their teams toward successful completion of projects. Effective delegation is one key aspect of leadership that project managers must master to ensure tasks are assigned appropriately and team members are empowered to contribute meaningfully. By delegating responsibilities, project managers can focus on high-level tasks while also ensuring each team member has a clear understanding of their role in the project.
Conflict resolution is another essential skill for project managers as they navigate the complexities of working with diverse teams across different departments or even countries. Inevitably, conflicts will arise during any project, but effective leaders can identify underlying issues and mediate disputes before they escalate into larger problems.
Project managers who possess strong conflict resolution skills can help restore balance within the team dynamic and maintain morale throughout the course of a project, ultimately leading to higher levels of productivity and better outcomes.
Putting Knowledge into Practice: Real-World Examples and Case Studies
Real-world examples and case studies are essential tools for project managers to understand how leadership and communication skills can be applied in practice. These real-world applications provide valuable insights into how successful project managers have navigated complex challenges, overcome obstacles, and delivered successful projects. By analyzing success stories from different industries, project managers can learn from the experiences of others and adapt their approaches to meet the unique demands of their projects.
Case studies help project managers identify critical factors that contribute to successful outcomes. They also provide a framework for evaluating trade-offs between competing goals, such as cost, schedule, quality, or scope. Project managers can use these case studies to compare different approaches and determine which strategies work best in particular situations.
Furthermore, they can also evaluate how well they communicate with stakeholders during each stage of the project life cycle. Real-world examples and case studies not only help project managers improve their communication skills but also reinforce the importance of effective leadership in achieving organizational objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I access these podcasts?
One can access informative podcasts through popular platforms for podcast listening such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts. These platforms offer a wide range of podcasts on various topics, including project management.
Are there any costs associated with listening to these podcasts?
Monetization strategies for podcasts include freemium models, where basic content is free but premium content requires payment. Whether there are costs associated with listening to specific podcasts depends on the individual podcast's monetization strategy.
Can I earn any certification or accreditation by listening to these podcasts?
Listening to project management podcasts can provide skill development opportunities, but typically do not offer certification. However, some podcast hosts may offer courses or resources that lead to certification outside of the podcast platform.
How often are new episodes released for these podcasts?
The frequency and availability of new episodes for podcasts on project management vary depending on the specific podcast. Some may release new episodes weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, while others may have irregular schedules. It is important to check each podcast's website or subscribe to their newsletter for updates on new episode releases.
Are there any opportunities to interact with other project management professionals while listening to these podcasts?
Networking opportunities and collaborative learning are available through project management podcasts. Professionals can connect with others in the field through online forums, social media groups, and virtual events to discuss topics covered in episodes.
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