Author: Laura

10 Ways Lead Management Can Help Your Business Grow

10 Ways Lead Management Can Help Your Business Grow

The goal of a good Lead Management program is to nurture and build up a trusted relationship with your leads so that when they are ready to buy they actually reach out to you. Done well, it can help generate many more qualified sales opportunities for your sales team and maximize the ROI of your marketing efforts.

Here are 10 ways Lead Management (LM) can help your business get the most revenue from your marketing-generated leads.

1. LM ensures that all new leads are followed-up with in a timely manner and none fall between the cracks or are (essentially) lost.

2. LM allows you to easily capture all web leads directly into your CRM database and to immediately respond.

3. LM educates and informs leads who might be familiar with your product/service but not ready to buy now.

4. LM saves you time by automating the follow-up process with lead nurturing tracks based on of pre-written email templates.

5. LM helps close more deals by providing your sales team with sales-ready opportunities rather than unqualified leads.

6. LM automatically assigns leads to your sales team so you can track their status/progress and re-assign to someone else if needed.

7. LM grades your leads by monitoring their activity (email opens, downloads, etc.) so you know who to call back first.

8. LM allows you to keep your partners up-to-date on your products so they can easily refer your business (when appropriate).

9. LM can be used to re-engage past customers who have not purchased from you lately.

keeps track of the actual sales revenue from each lead so you can optimize your marketing strategies for the best ROI.

These are just a few of the many benefits of a well-thought-out Lead Management program. Every business should consider implementing an automated Lead Management program to ensure you get the most sales revenue from the leads in your database.

For more information check out the CRM and Sales Management tool from LeadMaster.…

Article Marketing Automation – Can it Really Help You?

Article Marketing Automation – Can it Really Help You?

Article marketing automation is considered to be the best tool to make money, if you wish to provide publicity for your articles in a restricted period of time to a large group. Most individuals, who are involved in affiliate marketing, use article marketing software so that they can expand their outreach.

In most cases, people using this option are pure crazy about it owing to the manner in which it simplifies a large amount of work and completes it in a record time. However, there are also others who have had frustrating experiences with this tool and decided to never use it again.

A key reason for this is because people fail to realize the perfect situation to make use of an article marketing automation tool.

When should you use this option?

If you wish to boost the page ranking of your site, this tool will work like a charm. A key function of this tool is link building and you can be assured of good results in case you make use of this. It is possible to insert up to three links in the body of the article without much difficulty.

When search engines come across this feature, they are much more likely to push your page ahead in the results as it ensures that your page is actually credible and worth coming up in the list.

When else should you use this tool?

If you are aiming to launch a marketing scheme for your articles, ensure that you are including this tools as a part of your article marketing schemes. This option alone can associate your articles with blogs that have contents, which are in tandem.

Consider the case of an article talking about different diets, when you use an automation tool, your article will be linked to the blogs that talk about losing weight.

When should you avoid using any automation tool?

If your aim is to rewrite original articles, then any marketing software is not for you. People that have tried to do so managed to get thoroughly annoyed and gave it bad reviews in the end. The amount of time that an automation system needs is significantly higher than the time needed by a person to redo the article from scratch. Therefore, avoid using this tool, if you want an article to be rewritten.

When else should you avoid using this option?

There are some people out there who would like to be aware of the location of their article and where it is going to be submitted. This tool can do nothing beneficial for them.

It is next to impossible to track such blogs and find out where essays are being submitted. A common grouse with users of this tool is that articles tend to get submitted to blogs that have not been regularly updated from a long time.…

E-Mail Marketing Surviving Social Media ‘Threat’

E-Mail Marketing Surviving Social Media ‘Threat’

Social media is undoubtedly useful for business-to-business (B2B) marketing, with websites such as Facebook and Twitter revolutionising the way that certain advertising methods are undertaken. Despite the rapid rise of social media, e-mail marketing is continuing to prove an effective medium through which small, medium and large size enterprises can advertise their brands.

A recent study carried out by Epsilon that examined no less than 7 billion e-mail messages highlighted the value of e-mail marketing in B2B communications. According to Epsilon, open rates pertaining to e-mail campaigns reached 23.3 per cent by April this year – a success rate of almost one quarter.

Click-through rates, which are critical to B2B lead generation, were also relatively high at 5.9 per cent. Click-to-conversion rates – the holy grail of e-mail – rose by 26.5 per cent from the same period in 2010. As such, it could be argued that, despite the phenomenal rise of social media, e-mail marketing is very much holding its own when it comes to B2B lead generation.

Marketing opportunities in the commercial sphere need not be limited to e-mail, of course, but the web’s most convenient and traditional form of communication should not be overlooked in place of new media. E-mail marketing has a proven track record in delivering results and it is unlikely the medium will suffer a major dip in the near future; indeed, current trends suggest e-mail marketing is set to increase this year and next.

According to the 2011 Digital Marketing Survey, which was undertaken by the Society of Digital Agencies, 70 per cent of marketers intend to increase investment in niche e-mail marketing throughout 2011. At the beginning of the year, a survey carried out by BtoB Magazine found that a massive 63 per cent of marketers hoped to increase spending on direct e-mail campaigns for the next 12 months and beyond.

E-mail is especially useful as marketers can track B2B lead generation using relatively simple methods and technologies. It is also the case that B2B e-mail marketing requires very little cost compared to other forms of advertising.

Although once considered a threat to e-mail, social media is proving to be a useful area in which marketers can promote a brand – but not one that is blind to all other forms of advertising; indeed, social media and e-mail can be utilised in combination to produce strong results for businesses. Ultimately, e-mail marketing is surviving the social media ‘threat’.…

Selling Products and Services Through Article Distribution

Selling Products and Services Through Article Distribution

Every business owner is looking for the next big secret. Article distribution services would like to share a very valuable secret with you today: article marketing automation. They’re offering the ability to plan your article marketing strategy up to three years in advance in some cases.

Discovering the newest technique people are whispering about in the marketing world before it is widespread is a huge advantage. The secret to selling with article distribution is simple: offer potential customers relevant, valuable information so they will want to continue on to your web site for more.

With article distribution, being an expert in your topic will draw in more readers, and those readers are all potential customers. Having as many articles as possible published with links back to your site will help you increase your readership, which will lead to an increase in sales. Offering up your knowledge to niche consumers means you gain their trust before they even click over to your site to browse your products or services.

Relevant Information

The most vital part of a successful article marketing campaign is information. The articles you write are providing a service to potential customers, instead of making a sale right away you are using your expertise to educate the customer and let them know you’re trustworthy. Every consumer feels more confident in making a purchase from someone who really knows about what they’re selling.

The content you write also allows you to share your voice as well as any enthusiasm and passion you may have for your area of business. Many consumers love knowing that they’re making a purchase from someone who really cares, and the content you create can do a lot to share with them that you do care.

Quality is key when you’re creating your content. Readers are much more likely to click over to your website if they believe that you can provide the solution to their problem.

Marketing with article distribution can be a challenge for some business owners who have experience in marketing because sometimes a shift in thinking is required. The important thing is to concentrate and focus on information instead of selling.

If there is too much specific information about a certain product, consumers will feel like you are just trying to make a sale instead of providing an answer to their question. With your articles, your focus should be demonstrating to consumers that you know your topic like the back of your hand.

Article Distribution

After quality content, the number of articles you submit is a huge part of marketing online. By writing as many articles as possible in your niche, you increase the number of times searching consumers will find you. The more topics you explore, the more you increase your chances of being perceived as an expert in your field. The more sites you are published on, the more likely readers are to find your articles and end up at your website.

Submitting …

Lead Nurturing – Marketing Automation For Small Companies – Perception Can Change

Lead Nurturing – Marketing Automation For Small Companies – Perception Can Change

There is a misconception about lead nurturing and marketing automation software tools that it is only for big organizations who have lots of leads to process and a million customers. The real fact is different: lead nurturing is applicable and beneficial to small size businesses, as it is to the big size companies. In the past CRM software solution was also considered expensive investment, only large companies could afford it but the situation have changed, even the smaller and mid size companies have Salesforce and Sugar CRM accounts.

Let us understand the overall process with the help of an example: a local corporate travel service business which provide traveling service, car rental and ticketing to the organizations. The first thing they would consider is to generate a database of prospects and leads form promotional events such as online inquiries off their website or competitions and so on. As in many other businesses, companies have a need to approach them, here lead nurturing technology can be of great help. The important aspect here is to be in front of the organizations when they think about travel service and build a lead nurturing program which will reach out to the companies with messages, updates, and other important content to stay fresh in their memories.

I would like to share an experience with you: I have been receiving email messages from a newly opened business service. I scanned the introductory email for the first time but never took it seriously or explore it further. They followed up with food festivals, discount schemes and other special offers but I didn’t open those. After few weeks a potential client was visiting our office-at that moment that hospitality chain came to my mind. I searched for it in my inbox and browsed through lots of information they have provided. Here, I had a thought in my mind that if this business had a lead nurturing system in place it would have benefited them before i had a chance to look at other options.

It is not at all expensive or complicated to set up a lead nurturing program as it is believed to be. As Salesforce opened the doors for several small and mid size companies with their CRM, we can hope to see lead nurturing and marketing automation taking a similar path.…

Marketing Automation For The Savvy Business Person

Marketing Automation For The Savvy Business Person

Marketing automation is a top notch strategy for the company that is out to improve on its business strategies or increase its market presence. This kind of automation has been around for years and ought to be part and parcel of any company’s marketing campaign. This will ensure that the business in not only at the forefront of the industry, but also that numerous consumers are reached using this particular plan.

In order for the marketing campaign to be a resounding success, there are several things that have got to be taken into consideration. First and foremost, the data that is being sent out has got to be understood by the individual. As such, it should be simplified and straight forward enough so as not to bog the client down with unnecessary information while getting the product or service information across to them.

In order for the information to be considered effective, it has got to be both solid and pertinent to the client in question. As an example, the consumer should have access to the products selling points as opposed to just general information on the pros and cons of the goods or services.

Even though all the content that the customer is being bombarded with might be relevant, it is imperative that the company avoid email fatigue. This is counter productive for both the client and the company in question, but is unfortunately more widely practiced by new and old companies alike. In such situations, the client is bombarded with unnecessary information which works against what the company is trying to achieve because in most instances, the information is sent straight to the spam folder. This can be avoided by sending out emails that are both relevant and to the point. When this is combined with effective conversational marketing, it gives the client the confidence that the information is relevant and can be used to make an informed decision on the products they are about to spend money on.

In as much as marketing automation with an emphasis on conversational marketing makes sense for the modern organization, it has got to be functional in order for the expected results to be achieved. This in turn enables the company to increase and decrease its potential market with ease. Functional marketing could make or break a company and before it is undertaken; the target market should be thoroughly researched in order to make the marketing campaign as impact as possible.

Conversational marketing is an achievable feat regardless of the size of the establishment but as with all other forms of direct or indirect marketing adequate research has got to be done. This is what will ensure that the marketing campaign is a resounding success for all those concerned.

Marketing automation is for the company that is out to reach a wider target audience with a minimum amount of effort for the concerned party.

In conclusion, the savvy business person should look into different …

Do You Use Special Days As Email Marketing Ideas?

If you are searching for email marketing ideas then why don’t you consider taking a rather obscure path and do something that your email list members will probably find amusing, entertaining and helpful, especially if you can weave the subject matter into the message that you are giving.
This idea centres on the use of a "Day". You may ask what on earth this is all about. Once you see for yourself the number of "Days" there presently are you will no doubt start to realize that there is great potential marketing opportunities waiting to be exploited. You just need to research and decide on which "Day" you could use to begin with.
So what is meant by the term "Day"? There seems to be an ever growing list of a day being dedicated to something or other. Now, some of the causes are very plausible and some are just weird. The never ending list goes from Peanut Butter Lovers’ Day, Plant A Flower Day, Old Stuff Day, National Frozen Food Day to Ear Muff Day and covers almost every conceivable interest you can think of.
You are probably thinking if there is a specific day that has been created for an interest you have and whether you can use such a topic as the basis of an email or series of emails. The lesson here is to undertake some research to identify whether there is a "Day" for your particular niche. If so you can then take advantage of it and perhaps run a promotion on the lead up to it and make a very special offer just for those twenty four hours. The marketing opportunities are endless so you should start by writing down ideas and see what you can come up with.
If your niche does not have a "Day" then why not either ride on the coat tails of another "Day" that would appeal or amuse your niche and could be worked into your email marketing? The key is to create an email headline that raises intrigue and virtually compels the reader to open hit, where you then weave into your marketing message the story behind the "Day" which can include the special offer you have created just for this occasion.
Though what if you find that there is no official day that has been created for the niche you are marketing to? There is nothing to stop you inventing a day especially for your email marketing purposes. You can create your very own special day when there are special offers, discounts and free stuff, even a competition. The only limits are your imagination and energy!
This idea of riding on the coat tails of a specific "Day" and weave it into your email marketing is one that most information marketers do not take full advantage of. Normally such topical marketing is centred on the main holidays of the year. For those that do take this idea, the result will be emails that are not only …

Using Email To Market Your Product Sucessfully

Have you ever thought about getting into email marketing yet you aren’t sure where you want to start? If so, this article has some great ideas to help you begin. Continue on for some great tips and tricks that will help you successfully implement email marketing strategies.

Only send messages to those you know and those who have signed up. People who you have not built a relationship with will look at your unwanted email intrusion as spam. They will wonder if they know you and whether or not they care about what you’re offering. This most likely will lead them to throw your email in the trash, which in turn just wasted your efforts.

Always get permission before adding someone to your email list. You will lose customers and possible even your website host if you engage in spam.

Limit your message to one clear one per email. With a deluge of information in your email, you can create an overwhelmed or bored reader, very easily. Create the specific message using brevity and conciseness. Your clients will be happy to not have too much information.

Don’t over use words like “Buy now!” Stay away from harsh sales techniques such as bombarding them with the need to immediately “Buy Now!” This approach appears like spam and you will lose your customers this way. Trust me, all of them know you are trying to sell a product or service; however, you will realize greater success if you first build a relationship with them and then promote both yourself and what you are offering, professionally. They will appreciate your efforts and be more likely to purchase from you.

Before you send out emails, make sure to proofread them. Correct any emails or newsletter problems you may have. Test your email layout by sending it to yourself first; that is a sure way to be certain everything is displayed perfectly. Don’t forget to test any hyperlinks in your email, too. Make sure those links work properly.

The more you allow your customers to customize their experiences, the better your campaign will be. Let subscribers choose how many messages they want to receive, how often they want to receive them, and how much information they wish to disclose. They will feel more comfortable if they feel they have more control.

Make sure that you have an unsubscribe link that is easily visible within your emails. Don’t fail to include one or bury it so that it is not readily apparent. Your customers must be made to feel that they are choosing to subscribe, and not that your emails are being forced upon them.

Teach yourself what not to do by scoping out some spam. Get a free email address, post your new email address in various places on the Internet, and it won’t be long before your inbox is jammed with spam. Take a look at those emails and learn what you don’t want yours to look like. If you see any similarities, adjust …

5 Things Every New Home Business Owner Online Should Know

If you’re just starting out online as a home based business owner and Internet marketer undoubtedly you’ve discovered just how much information is available telling you what to do, how to do it and when to do it. Unfortunately, you may get several different opinions from so called experts who are commenting on the same topic.
In order to help you wade through the plethora of data and differing points of view on the web here are 5 things every beginner should know before embarking on their Internet marketing career:
1. Find something you enjoy doing and something you know about. Don’t settle for the first program someone is promoting just because they’re guaranteeing success. Discover a topic you’re passionate about and you’ll greatly increase your chances of success.
People who love their jobs and who can’t wait to get out of bed in the morning to go to work are the people who will put in the time and effort necessary for any new business start-up to thrive and do well.
2. When you find the system or the Internet marketing program you enjoy take action immediately. For various reasons people fail to move forward with their business idea when they’ve found it. This happens even when the how to do it strategy is laid out for them in a step-by-step fashion.
Whether it’s a fear of failure, a fear of success or some other phobia you must recognize it and confront it and then take the action necessary to become the success you’ve envisioned.
3. Now that you’ve found your passion and you’re doing what you need to do to make it work you now need to be consistent and keep doing it. First time Internet marketers often make the mistake of trying a new home business idea for a few weeks or a few months and if they’re not seeing the results they expect they desert their strategy and start looking for something else.
Once you decide on a plan stay with it for the long term and give it a chance to become profitable before you abandon it. People make the mistake of jumping from one idea to another without really giving them a chance to achieve their goals. When you find something you enjoy doing stick with it and stop looking for the newest big money maker online.
4. When you’re just starting out on the web try to surround yourself with successful Internet marketers and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Visit the top forums and chat rooms related to your topic and try to strike up relationships with some of the top marketers on the Internet.
As with any enterprise, whether it’s offline or online, networking is a vital component of your success. These people have achieved what you’re striving for and any information or advice they can offer may help get you there quicker.
5. Just because you’re new to this field don’t be afraid to offer help to anyone who’s …

3 Marketing Techniques That Can Propel Your Business

Marketing is a game that very few understand, and the small business owners who do understand make it a point to keep their “business success” to themselves. Luckily, their “secrets” are simple, ordinary tasks that even a baby can do. So what are some of these “ordinary tasks” that these business owners are doing? Well I’m glad you asked.
In today’s lesson, I’m going to show you some ways to market your business and how take immediate control over your niche starting right away. These are techniques that have been proven to work for me, and a lot of other businesses that I follow. Here’s technique number 1.
1) Use Google Places
Have you ever heard of “Google Places”? It’s a section on Google where business owners can add their local business to, in return for targeted traffic on autopilot. I’m confident that many of your competitors are using this strategy for themselves, while you still wonder in the dark about how to market your business.
Google Places is very easy to use. You will want to upload your listing, along with pictures and videos of your place of business. This will help to attract prospects to you since you’re kind of giving them an overall “tour” of your business. Never just fill out the essentials – add pictures and videos so that your prospects can get a better look at your company, and so that they can call you if they have any questions. Here’s another marketing technique that successful business owners do.
2) Join business related forums
This is a great way to gain friends and to hear advice for your business from other business owners around the country. So let’s say you’re a chiropractor who lives in Los Angeles. You could go online and find a chiropractor forum where you can post and leave messages to other forum members. This is a great way to stay on top of the marketplace, and learn what works versus what doesn’t. Here’s the last marketing technique for you:
3) Offer something for free
If you want your prospects to take action now, then offer something for free. Your free gift should be something that isn’t available anywhere else, and that can truly improve the lives of your target market. To promote your free offer, make it the topic of each ad that you run.
In your ad, tell your prospects that they will receive a free gift from you in return for their contact information. Once you get their information, send out the free gift along with a pitch for your products and services. After your first month of contacting your lead, continue to contact them once a month with another free gift, and a pitch for your products and services.
This simple strategy of offering something for free can really blow the lids off your sales and profits. If you don’t believe me, simply put these strategies to work in your business today. You’ll be more than happy that …

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