Here’s the situation: You have followed the basic marketing fundamentals and you are now ready to amp up your game. You’re seeking professional strategies that will maximize your marketing ROI (return on investment). To achieve success and get the most from your marketing plan, you must build in elements that are effective, efficient and based on proven marketing techniques. But where do you begin?
Don’t worry. We have the answer. Seven strategies are offered to help you take your marketing to the next level (at the right investment). They will empower you with the tools that will help create a roadmap to success. The strategies are based on proven methods, and designed to help you measure, monitor and drive more leads and sales.
Marketing Techniques
While marketing may lack the structure and control of a science, it can still occupy a significant portion of your budget. To get the ROI you desire (and deserve), it’s important to evaluate and analyze each component. To maximize your efforts and make the most out of your marketing investment, here are a few techniques to consider:
Research & Planning
Research is critical to any marketing strategy and serves as the foundation upon which success is built. Learn as much as possible about your market, your customers, and the competition. Utilize the available online resources, tools and third-party data to help you gain the intelligence needed to make informed decisions.
Marketing Automation
Marketing automation is a highly effective tool to help maximize return and optimize marketing efforts. When this is combined with effective customer relationship management, it can deliver an even greater advantage. Automation enables you to streamline, optimize and measure performance in real-time.
Content Development
Content is still king. Creating, curating and optimizing quality content is the best way to connect with an audience online, capture leads, engage customers, and generate sales. Content optimization needs to be ongoing as new content is created and the message evolves. It may be a longer play, but managing content effectively is one of the strongest marketing techniques. Check out some of our other content marketing resources.
Email Marketing
Email marketing is an effective way to nurture leads, build relationships, and convert prospects to customers. Utilize list segmentation, and dynamic content, and deliver meaningful messages that are tailored to the customer’s interests. Use triggered emails as part of a lead nurturing plan that is geared to keep your messages top-of-mind and in front of prospects.
Promotion
Promotional efforts go beyond advertising. Promotion is a value-added approach to marketing techniques that can trigger a response that results in increased ROI. Consider the following:
Social Media
Social media programs are an excellent way to reach target audiences, create brand recognition, and drive leads. Utilize channels such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to spread messages. Utilize creative campaigns to build a following, and engage the public in meaningful conversations that lead to leads, and eventually, sales.
Influencers
Influencers are influential people that can have a great impact on a brand’s performance. Explore ways to identify and collaborate with the leaders who can share positive messaging, encourage consumer loyalty, and result in customer acquisition and increased sales.
Advertising
Advertising can be expensive and difficult to manage but an effective program can drive ROI like no other. Consider the following:
Data-Driven Advertising
This type of advertising uses data to precisely target the best potential customers. Even small companies benefit from this method. Utilize available data to identify high-value prospects and target them with personalized messages that emulate success.
Re-Targeting
Re-targeting is a highly effective means of turning prospects into customers. Utilizing this method, you can capture the attention of people who have visited your website with practical and cost-efficient means. Following an analysis, you can craft messages tailored to their interests, and compel prospects to revisit your website and convert.
What is the most efficient and cost-effective way to measure my marketing ROI?
Measuring marketing ROI is the best way to determine how well your marketing techniques are working, and if changes need to be made. The most efficient and cost-effective method is to track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as conversions, customer attainment, engagement rates, cost per acquisition, and sales growth. These KPIs will provide insight into effective strategies and determine the success of your marketing campaign.
What metrics are important to consider when tracking marketing ROI?
When tracking marketing ROI, it’s important to measure the following key metrics:
- cost-per-conversion (CPC)
- cost-per-click (CPC)
- cost-per-lead (CPL)
- cost-per-acquisition (CPA)
CPC should be tracked to measure the cost for each click that your ad receives. The CPA should be monitored to measure the cost for each customer acquired. The CPL should be used to measure the cost for each lead generated. And the CPC should be used to measure the cost for each conversion.
How can I identify and target new and existing customers effectively to maximize ROI?
The best way to identify and target new and existing customers is to segment your customers into different groups based on their interests, and create campaigns tailored to their interests. Utilize micro-segmentation and personalization tactics to create highly relevant campaigns that are tailored to each group. Utilize data-driven insights to identify existing customers and uncover new opportunities.
How can I use the 7 proven strategies to drive more marketing leads and sales?
Utilizing these seven marketing techniques can create a powerful ROI optimization machine. Research and plan your strategies, combine them with automated marketing and effective CRM systems, optimize your content and emails, and leverage social media, influencers, and data-driven advertising. Each of these strategies serve as a powerful and effective tool to promote your brand, capture leads, engage customers, and drive sales.
Conclusion
Maximizing ROI requires an understanding of marketing, customer preferences, leads, and acquisition. To get the best return from your investment, take the time to research, analyze, and evaluate each aspect of your marketing plan. Research, plan, utilize marketing automation, produce quality content, execute effective email campaigns, focus on social media, partner with influencers, and utilize data-driven advertising. By utilizing these seven strategies, you can be sure to achieve success and get the most from your marketing investment.
For more info, and to get started if you’re truly a beginner, check out Google’s introductory courses for digital marketing.