Sales representatives need all the help they can get when it comes to talking with new leads. In this blog, we’ll explain how you can use CRM software to get a better understanding of your leads and guide them through the sales funnel. Consumers jump in the sales funnel at different points Back in the day, all leads use to enter the sales funnel at roughly the same point. That’s differ...

If your sales are falling short of your expectations, you may have an inefficient sales process. That is, it produces low conversions at different steps along the sales funnel, and protracts the average time required to convert leads into customers. Here are three possible inefficiencies:     Inefficient Handling of Leads That Reduce Conversion Rates From the moment a lead expresses inte...

You’ve likely heard about automated marketing and CRM software but perhaps have reservations about whether it’s appropriate for your business. Every business is unique in its own way and perhaps your concerns are valid. However, if these concerns are based on misconceptions, they could be holding you back from leveraging a powerful business tool. Here are four common misconceptions: It...

Don’t use your CRM as a database. Enterprise-level tools are often too complex and require too many different parts to be used in small businesses, especially if you have employees who handle multiple administrative tasks or angles in the sales pipeline. That makes many small businesses use the tool as a database or informational resource, instead. But if your employees are too busy entering...

Small businesses are different from larger ones. It’s not just a matter of scale. Larger businesses have to focus on juggling an expanding internal infrastructure, quality control for a variety of legacy products, and international offices. But small businesses need to focus almost exclusively on marketing. While cash flow issues and providing services without losing money are definitely pro...

Every employee has a case of “that’s not my job.” For some employees, it’s not a serious condition. There are occasional flare-ups, especially during the busiest seasons of the year, but they’re on top of the condition. But for some employees, it can be severe. It impacts their work-life balance, is bad for company health, and tends to have side-effects of extreme let...

Can you use automated marketing and CRM (customer relationship management) software to regain some control of the sales process? Experts believe that it is possible to use the tool as a way of positioning yourself advantageously in your niche. Here is how it works. Outbound versus Inbound Marketing The old sales model put the sales professional firmly in charge of the process. This expert was the ...

The sales process is all too often a glaring source of inefficiency within businesses. Companies can address this problem by getting set up with CRM software and committing to a more systematic process. Disorganization in the sales process There’s nothing worse than losing out on a lead’s business because of structural disorganization. Clever marketing campaigns and good products won&#...

Reviews are one of the most powerful aspects of digital marketing available to us, and any company taking charge of their online reputation has already begun manicuring their review collection and response procedures. How you ask for reviews and how you reward customers who leave reviews will shape the content of the reviews which in turn influences both your SEO results and how future customers w...

Many years ago the work of sales and advertising departments were separate entities. Advertising efforts were geared toward pushing out commercials, prints ads, and outdoor billboards. Sales agents spent countless hours dialing phones and trying to pitch their product to people at random. Over time, businesses came to recognize the power of inbound marketing. By providing valuable online content t...

There is an old adage: “Work smarter, not harder.” This, in a nutshell, is at the heart of marketing automation. What it is As explained by HubSpot, marketing automation is software that prioritizes and executes your marketing for you, freeing you up for other tasks. Rather than you taking your valuable time and money marketing to those who may not be interested in your services or pro...

Most anyone in business agrees that automated marketing and CRM (customer relationship management) can significantly improve a company’s bottom line. It allows for the incorporation of a human touch into automation that boosts sales and improves customer satisfaction. But did you know that it also has the power to target the coveted Millennial market? Understanding the Millennial Market The ...

  CRMs can often pose a challenge for organizations, no matter their size. Many companies are encouraged to sign up for CRMs with stars in their eyes and great expectations of its capabilities. Automating marketing functions, staying current with leads, and improving overall customer service are some of the plus points of a CRM that are touted early on in the process and often the basis for i...

                  Having a concrete understanding of your customer journey helps your marketing campaign on so many levels. In this blog, we’ll explain how you can define your customer journey with CRM. Why mapping out your customer journey is so crucial Leads tend to follow a similar journey when they discover your company. Knowing what interests...

Whether it was from the perspective of a subscriber or a marketer, you’ve likely discovered by now that campaigns that “blast” customers with messages are ineffective. Total volume of emails doesn’t mean anything if the content is generic and your list is unsegmented.     Here’s how to fix that problem in six steps: Create multiple campaigns There’s no...

Social media marketing campaigns are easy to manage at first. You have few accounts, few followers, and just enough content to keep your page active. As your campaign matures, it gets harder to keep under control. At some point, you’ll realize that you don’t have enough time to interact with followers, create content, and monitor brand mentions all on your own. Using social CRM and aut...

Business owners and management teams already know that automated marketing and CRM benefits companies. It boosts sales, leads to business growth, and enhances the efficiency of the sales department. But did you also know that this technology benefits the consumer? As such, it can lead to higher customer satisfaction ratings for your company. Understanding the Connection between CRM and Customer Sa...

The number one concern businesses have in regard to automated marketing is that it will lack a human touch. Fortunately, these systems are sophisticated enough that leads will never have the impression that they’re talking to a robot.  There are still a few things you can do, however, to go the extra mile. Here’s how you can make your automated marketing efforts more personalized and ...

To stay competitive in your business, you need a marketing strategy. With a strong marketing strategy, your business will prosper. You will attract potential clients and build brand awareness. Your business becomes interactive and engaging. Your marketing projects are streamlined and purposeful. You have the tools you need when your business strategy is marketing automation. Reach New Customers Yo...

Marketing automation is one of the most effective tools out there, but some businesses seem to think it’s a substitute for strategy. In this blog, we’ll explain why marketing automation is only effective if used correctly and within the confines of a holistic campaign.     Marketing automation is a useful tool… First, a quick word on marketing automation. We can̵...