The ever changing and evolving marketing best practices continues to show us that the correct mix and blend of time-honored and modern media is the best approach to branding you and your business.
Almost 50% of consumers welcome social media marketing messages from brands they follow, according to a newly-released survey conducted by Vanson Bourne on behalf of Pitney Bowes Software. The report, “Social Media: Contrasting the Marketing and Consumer Perspectives,” surveyed 300 B2C senior marketing decision-makers globally as well as 3,000 adult consumers.
“Marketing Charts” reports that social media has not replaced more vintage methods of brand interaction, yet:
“19% of consumers report using social media to contact companies they use, while 67% report preferring email, 31% calling and 30% providing feedback via the company’s website.”
Thirty six percent of consumers report being interested in messages about upcoming promotions, only 9% of marketers say they build such messages and 36% of consumers are fascinated in hearing about new products or services, while only about 19% of marketers have produced such messages.
There is clear support that we are still watching TV, reading magazines and newspapers (more online) and listening to the radio. Add to that, the corresponding world of content marketing with blogs, podcasts, e-marketing, mobile, text and social media platforms and we can and do get overwhelmed with all the decisions.
Here’s what’s most imperative to figure out:
The marketing vehicles (Media) that are best for you and your customers.
A clear marketing message (USP) about you, what you offer, why you.
Being consistent, looking professional and staying fresh.
Marketing yourself and your company is the most critical aspect of your business plan and can greatly effect your success or failure. More focus on your brand, engagement and transparency is, however, more important to consumers and will remain to be. Prove you’re reliable, earn trust and you will be rewarded.
As we all seek to cut through the clutter, choices and options, here are 13 marketing musts for 2013:
1. A clean, current, engaging, easy to navigate website.
2. A WordPress Blog where you can reveal your expertise and the expertise of others you admire.
3. A Entirely developed professional, active Linked In Profile, with recommendations.
4. A Facebook page that you use purposefully, respectfully and carefully.
5. Smart use of Twitter for branding yourself and others.
6. Podcasting and listening are hot. Feature quality content from yourself and others.
7. An email campaign to habitually engage with your permission based A list.
8. A local chamber membership or professional organization to engage in your community.
9. Going to key conferences to meet important people, in person, in your industry.
10. Seminars and workshops to increase your professional evolution and experience.
11. A Strong USP (Unique Sales Position) to keep yourself fresh and relevant.
12. Choose smart, strategic partnerships and alliances to add more value and reach.
13. Help out, pay forward, assist others, pro bono.
If you want to be taken seriously, then you have to act serious about adapting and adopting the new best practices. Get some help, hire a consultant, take a class, invest in your own professional education. This is not an expense, it is an investment in yourself and your business.
Are You Ready To Make 2013 Your Best Year Ever?
