Advertiser Platforms
Article | March 4, 2024
Step into the era of data-driven sales excellence with this article on the leading sales intelligence tools and elevate sales strategies for unmatched customer engagement and strategic growth.
Contents
1. Introduction
2. Impact of Intelligent Tools on Sales Outcomes
3. Top Sales Intelligence Tools for Thriving Enterprises
3.1 Salesken
3.2 Revenue Grid
3.3 QuotaPath
3.4 Scratchpad
3.5 Keap
3.6 People.ai
3.7 Dealfront (formerly Echobot & Leadfeeder)
3.8 Seamless.ai
3.9 Owler
3.10 BoostUp.ai
4. Closing Remarks
1. Introduction
In the growing commercialization, the infusion of intelligent technologies has brought a profound transformation within the sales domain, marking a transformation to a strategy rooted in data and analytical rigor. CRM systems, now augmented with machine learning and advanced analytics, have become pivotal in decoding complex customer behaviour to predict their preferences and future purchasing patterns. Such advancements enhance the precision of predictive analyses and elevate the quality of customer interactions through personalization without compromising the human touch that remains essential in sales.
Intelligent technologies facilitate market analysis, forecasting demands and revealing best practices in sales intelligence with an accuracy that allows businesses to analyze market dynamics proactively. This positions their offerings more strategically as automation and optimization of sales processes bolster operational efficiency, enabling sales professionals to prioritize value-driven engagements over routine tasks.
2. Impact of Intelligent Tools on Sales Outcomes
The ability to anticipate market trends and understand consumer behavior is indispensable for achieving competitive superiority. Sales intelligence trends and technologies represent a pivotal advancement, providing sales teams with a comprehensive array of tools designed to enhance decision-making and increase conversion rates. This suite, which includes data aggregators, customer relationship management systems, analytics platforms, and artificial intelligence for predictive analytics, facilitates a nuanced, data-driven sales approach. By enabling a personalized engagement strategy based on in-depth insights into customer preferences and behaviors, these tools are instrumental in optimizing resource allocation and focusing efforts on high-potential leads.
Sales intelligence technologies play a crucial role in aligning sales and marketing events, promoting a cohesive strategy that is essential for maximizing revenue generation. The application of predictive lead scoring and the analysis of opportunity insights allow for strategic prioritization, while the integration of continuous feedback loops supports the refinement of sales tactics based on empirical outcomes.
3. Top Sales Intelligence Tools for Thriving Enterprises
Sales intelligence solutions have flourished for enterprises aspiring to thrive in today's market. The top tools in 2024 listed below provide a methodology for deciphering customer experience and determining market dynamics, enabling sales forces to make data-driven decisions and escalate revenue growth.
3.1Salesken
Salesken's AI-powered conversation intelligence platform revolutionizes sales engagement by offering insights into customer interactions across calls, presentations, and webinars. Its analysis records, transcribes, and evaluates conversations, providing sales leaders with actionable intelligence to enhance sales performance and identify best practices for deal closures.
Features:
Empower sales teams with customized learning content to boost onboarding, productivity, and coaching.
Captures over 300K calls, yielding three million+ call minutes analyzed.
Integrates seamlessly with CRM systems, delivering real-time support and insights.
Utilizes AI sales assistants for deep conversation analysis and actionable feedback to improve sales engagement strategies.
A tool for organizations aiming to excel in sales effectiveness.
3.2Revenue Grid
Revenue Grid, a sales intelligence tool is recognized for its comprehensive solutions tailored for enterprises aiming to expand engagement and revenue at scale. It's celebrated for robust support and innovation, providing AI-driven valuable insights that streamline the sales process, alongside unique customization capabilities.
Features:
Entrusted by leading global enterprises across various sectors.
Offers enterprise-centric features including AI-driven insights and unique customization capabilities.
Ensures swift and effective onboarding and issue resolution with best-rated support.
Maintains data integrity without storing sensitive Salesforce or personal information.
Integrates seamlessly with Salesforce, SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft ecosystems to enhance CRM utilization and engagement response rates.
Saves significant time for employees while ensuring data capture and analysis that drive a substantial increase in CRM data volume and engagement.
3.3QuotaPath
QuotaPath is a commission tracking and sales compensation management software designed to automate and simplify the compensation process for revenue teams. Integrating seamlessly with major CRM, ERP, accounting, and data warehouse systems, QuotaPath offers accuracy in commission calculations, eliminating manual errors and streamlining compensation management processes. Its commitment to transparency and efficiency sets it apart, with a unique offering of a free trial and transparent pricing to ensure that sales teams can focus on what they do best.
Features:
Enhances commission visibility for sales representatives.
Promotes CRM data accuracy and aids managers in performance analysis.
Offers real-time attainment views, leaderboards, contests, and mobile-friendly dashboards.
Designed to motivate sales productvity and drive organizational growth.
3.4Scratchpad
Scratchpad introduces a revolutionary AI Sales Assistant, transforming pipeline management, deal inspection, and sales forecasting. Rated highly by RevOps, Sales Leaders, and Salespeople, this sales tool simplifies sales tasks by offering seamless Salesforce integration and automating updates to sales methodologies like MEDDIC.
Features:
Automates updating of sales methodologies like MEDDIC.
Provides custom AI prompts for capturing essential insights during sales calls.
Utilizes call intelligence and AI insights for deal inspection and performance tracking.
Offers a seamless experience that sales teams can adopt in under a minute.
3.5Keap
Keap is an all-in-one CRM and sales & marketing automation platform that accelerates business growth through advanced automation tools. Since 2001, Keap has facilitated a streamlined sales process from lead acquisition to conversion, with features designed to automate critical sales tasks.
Features:
Offers seamless automated follow-ups, appointment scheduling, and payment processing.
Features multiple sales pipelines, custom stages, and drag-and-drop functionality.
Supports custom ecommerce platforms with subscription services and payment processor integrations.
Provides a 14-day free trial without the need for a credit card.
3.6People.ai
People.ai stands at the forefront of the revenue operations and intelligence (ROI) arena with its AI-powered platform. This sales intelligence software transforms business activities into dynamic account and opportunity management solutions, enhancing sales rep productivity and propelling revenue growth.
Features:
Provides tailored business predictions and buyer insights from over 1 trillion sales activities.
Secures data while offering seamless integration with public generative AI tools.
Recognized by Gartner, Forrester, and featured on prestigious lists like Forbes AI 50.
Delivers comprehensive insights, deal summaries, and actionable intelligence for sales teams.
3.7Dealfront(formerly Echobot & Leadfeeder)
Dealfront, a sales intelligence software and a go-to-market platform designed for sales and marketing teams targeting the European market. With GDPR-compliant B2B data and a deep understanding of the European landscape, Dealfront offers targeted prospecting and comprehensive company profiles.
Features:
Utilizes over 100+ precise filters for targeted prospecting.
Features AI-driven algorithms to discover "lookalike" companies.
Integrates seamlessly with CRM systems, enhancing operational efficiency.
Fosters GDPR compliance without compromising on data quality or customer service.
3.8Seamless.ai
Seamless.AI revolutionizes sales prospecting with its AI-driven platform, providing sales teams with accurate and comprehensive B2B contact data. It automates list-building and prospecting, boosting sales rep productivity and facilitating rapid connection with ideal customers.
Features:
Features real-time data verification and AI recommendations for buyer discovery.
Includes premium offerings like Buyer Intent Data and AI-Powered Sales Copy.
Automates list-building efforts and maintains up-to-date prospect databases.
Trusted by over 700,000 companies, including Oracle and Wells Fargo.
3.9Owler
Owler, the sales prospecting tool is the world's largest community-based business information and insights platform, revolutionizing the prospecting process with Owler Max. It provides sales teams with the latest industry and company news, enabling personalized outreach and meaningful conversations.
Features:
Facilitates discovery of potential customers from an extensive database of over 15 million companies.
Delivers curated, real-time news alerts directly to users' inboxes.
Enhances the personalization of outreach efforts for sales teams.
Endorsed by professionals for its effectiveness in expanding prospecting bases.
3.10BoostUp.ai
BoostUp.ai is a revenue intelligence software designed to empower Chief Revenue Officers (CROs) and Revenue Operations (RevOps) leaders to scale revenue efficiently. It integrates advanced analytics, pipeline management, and forecast intelligence into a seamless platform, supported by an embedded data warehouse.
Features:
Recognized as a Forrester High Performer and a G2 RevOps & Intelligence Leader.
Trusted by industry-leading companies such as Cloudflare, Udemy, and Teradata.
Features AI-enhanced modules—RevBI, Pipeline Review and Management, and Forecast Intelligence.
Transforms complex data into strategic insights to optimize workflows, improve forecast accuracy, and elevate rep productivity.
Tailored to drive predictable revenue growth with its innovative approach.
4. Closing Remarks
Intelligent sales tools emerge as the game-changers in a world where understanding and anticipating customer needs becomes the key to business success. The exploration of top solutions in the sales intelligence space underscores the transformative impact of AI, ML, and analytics on sales strategies, offering a blueprint for enterprises aiming to thrive in performance management.
Sales leaders can be equipped with the right strategy to succeed in the market by providing the sales teams with sales enablement exposure, the required resources, and the necessary sales training. Stay ahead, stay informed, and let innovation drive sales success to new heights.
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Ad Tech and Martech
Article | May 14, 2024
Where’s the nearest click and collect? What time does our local store close in light of the latest COVID-19 restrictions? Where can I order that toy car he/she wanted for Christmas?
Our bet is Google is your first port of call for an answer to any of these questions.
If it is, you’re not alone. In fact, it’s estimated that Google processes 5.8 billion user searches per day. And, even though there are other search engines out there, like Bing and Yahoo, it is by far the most popular.
So, with so many potential customers – because let’s face it, of those 5.8 billion there are bound to be a few thousand searching for your specific products or services - businesses simply cannot overlook advertising on Google. And even more so now thanks to restrictions on physical stores across the world being put back in place to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
Nate Burke, CEO and founder of Diginius, an ecommerce solutions provider that specialises in digital marketing PPC management, explains how you can get the most out of your Google advertising activities.
The first round of lockdowns during the spring and early summer saw many businesses with physical outlets grind to almost a complete halt. Going digital was the only option for many in order to have some chance of survival.
This saw restaurants offering online order services, more retailers moving into ecommerce and professional services conducting remote meetings via video calls.
Despite some easing of restrictions, many have kept digital their focus. For example, video meetings such as Microsoft Teams, which grew by 894% between February to June in 2020, are now prevalent as the office’s new best friend. And restaurants for instance, have advanced their minimal contact table service, allowing customers to order and pay for food on their phones by scanning a QR code or downloading an app.
But now, with lockdown restrictions being re-enforced in Britain and many other parts of the world, businesses looking to maximise their sales and earnings ahead of the Christmas period, and before the New Year begins, can’t ignore the advertising opportunities available on Google.
PPC
PPC advertising is perhaps the most obvious opportunity. It’s the best way to guarantee that your brand is put in front of an audience and can help generate a spike in traffic and leads.
Paid Search identifies “buyers” immediately. People who have typed in and are clicking a specific keyword tends to already be in buying mode, even if only at the research stage of the journey, which is so powerful compared to the rest of the marketing mix
This is because searchers seek convenience. We have come to expect the first listing on a Search Engine Results Page (SERP) to provide an answer to our query. If it doesn’t, we are more likely to change our search than scroll through pages and pages of results.
Therefore, getting your brand on that all-important first page is crucial for success on Google, which is exactly why paid advertising is beneficial. Not only can it promise a guaranteed spot here, if, the price is right for you, but it could also, potentially, provide you with the number one position.
As well as SERPs, ads can be created for the display network, utilising visual aids in the form of graphics and videos to attract leads on the Google Shopping network, which is particularly beneficial for ecommerce businesses looking to increase sales.
However, to ensure your ads are shown to people who will add value to your business, PPC activity must be strategically mapped out and effectively managed. Account set-up, keywords and bidding strategies must be considered, monitored and then adjusted to ensure your activity is effective and a return on your investment is achieved.
This requires dedicated personnel, time and budget – for both ad spend and management practices for either training, wages or outsourcing the task to an agency.
But, despite the capital required to get started, there are a number of ways to ensure you yield results that make it worthwhile. For example, remarketing can help minimise lost leads and maximise budget by targeting potential customers who have already shown an interest in your product or service.
Automation strategies are another. Bidding and ad copy can be altered automatically, depending on factors including the time of day, location and the user’s specific query wording, for instance. This lessens the chance of clicks from users with little intention of purchasing or submitting an enquiry, and, consequently, reduces wasted budget. Another common way to get more out of search advertising is to replicate campaigns across Microsoft Ads, where there is typically less competition, cheaper clicks, and a better return on investment, albeit lower search volumes.
Local strategy
One of the greatest benefits of the internet is its ability to connect businesses and customers no matter the physical distance between them. And, with lockdown enforcements, an online offering presents an opportunity to reach an even wider customer base than a shop or physical facility that is restricted by location.
However, the internet is a big, old place. It houses greater competition than what many businesses are used to in the physical realm and, as result, it’s easy to become lost, especially if you are in the early stages of establishing an online presence.
So, no matter whether you’re a retailer offering click and collect or running business as usual albeit remotely, keeping things local is your best bet for online success.
In fact, Google uses a Relevance, Distance and Prominence model to determine search results. Those most relevant, the closest in distance to the searcher and most prominent or popular are more likely to be ranked higher on results pages.
In order to maximise your chances of ranking highly for those searching for your products and services in your local area, you should make the most of tools, such as Google My Business and reviews.
As well as providing potential customers with vital business information, such as your address, contact details and COVID-adjusted opening hours, you can also instil trust and confidence in them by presenting a business that appears to be well established and organised. This is particularly important as those consumer sentiments have declined due to the pandemic.
So far, businesses have done well in adapting their processes to changing customer needs in such a short amount of time and under incredibly difficult circumstances at that.
With the coronavirus crisis far from over and many facing an online future, the only thing we can be certain of at this point is that businesses and retailers must act now to grasp opportunity. By utilising platforms such as Google and Microsoft, business owners are not simply making the best of a bad situation but are more so positioning their brand at the forefront of their chosen industry, gifting a significant advantage when markets reopen in their newly digital-focused form.
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Advertiser Platforms
Article | February 22, 2024
PALM SPRINGS, Calif.—Let’s clear up some likely misconceptions about what happens at a cannabis convention: No, they do not shoot weed out of T-shirt canons. And they don’t give it away for free—that’s illegal, even in the most permissive states.
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Advertiser Platforms
Article | March 4, 2024
With the rise of sales innovation, discover the sales acceleration trends that will set businesses apart in 2024 digital marketplace and learn how the advanced systems revolutionize sales strategies.
Contents
1. Introduction
2. Sales Acceleration Trends for Veterans in 2024 (top 10 of these)
2.1. Projecting Market Insights and Growth
2.2. Prioritizing Automation in 2024
2.3. Adopting Sales Acceleration Software
2.4. Assessing Impact of COVID-19 on Market
2.5. Increasing Significance of Sales Engagement
2.6. Integrating Sales Technology with CRM Systems
2.7. Focusing on Virtual Selling, from In-Person to Hybrid
2.8. Implementing Influencer Marketing Strategies
2.9. Art of Selling in Personalized Servicing
2.10. Extensive Videos for Better Sales
3. Summing Up
1. Introduction
Currently, sales acceleration is heavily influenced by digital transformation. Businesses are leveraging technologies for predictive analytics and automating routine tasks to free up sales representatives for more strategic activities. Social selling has also become a staple, a trend accelerated by the global shift towards remote work, making video conferencing and digital presentations, the key-sales-process components.
Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the sales acceleration market to reach US$ 386.3 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate of 14.8% during 2024-2032.
In the growing industry of sales and customer engagement, the integration of novel technologies and innovative strategies has become paramount for businesses seeking to accelerate their sales processes and achieve a competitive advantage over other businesses. Emerging trends such as AI, machine learning, advanced customer relationship management systems, and automation tools are revolutionizing how sales teams interact with prospects, streamline operations, and close deals more efficiently. Also, the adoption of social selling, virtual selling techniques, and sales enablement platforms further enhances the ability of sales professionals to engage with customers in a more personalized and effective manner. Learn more about the sales acceleration trends and innovations in 2024 in the sales acceleration guide below.
2. Sales Acceleration Trends for Veterans in 2024
The sales acceleration industry is poised to witness significant growth in the coming year, driven by a renewed focus on customer experience and the adoption of data-driven sales strategies. Below are the top 10 trends, with their market insights, for businesses to follow and strategies to increase revenue with high returns of ROI:
2.1. Projecting Market Insights and Growth
Factors in sales acceleration market share, including market drivers and constraints, such as technological advancements and consumer behavior shifts, also affect the impact on the market. The use of segmentation analysis to pinpoint high-growth areas and applying forecasting models like linear projections or ARIMA is beneficial for future sales predictions. Leveraging advanced analytics and feedback from sales and customer interactions can enhance the accuracy of growth forecasts, helping to identify investment and expansion opportunities in rapidly evolving markets.
Not too many executives (except the top probable 2%) have the dedication to constantly read up and stay aware of what’s happening on the outside.
This signals a remarkable opportunity for veterans in the industry to capitalize on the expansion and lead in shaping the trajectory of the sector.
2.2. Prioritizing Automation in 2024
Automation has become non-negotiable in today's sale acceleration toolkit, and in 2024, the focus will turn to generative AI and large language models (LLMs) for enhanced sales and further enhancements. Intelligent solutions that automate mundane tasks, predict buyer intent and provide personalized recommendations will not only streamline processes but revolutionize the customer sales experience. Additionally, automation can help businesses automate redundant tasks like data entry and lead qualification, which instantly frees up sales teams to help them focus on more strategic tasks.
Around 40% of sales tasks can be performed by AI and automation.
2.3. Adopting Sales Acceleration Software
The adaptation of advanced sales acceleration software is crucial for a competitive edge. From platforms that optimize sales funnels to those that integrate seamlessly with customer relationship management systems, choosing the right software is a strategic decision that can significantly boost sales productivity and efficiency. The sales acceleration tools for 2024 promise a better future for accelerated sales.
In the post COVID-19 period, 8 out of 10 decision makers say that omnichannel is now as or more effective than traditional channels.
2.4. Assessing Impact of COVID-19 on Market
COVID-19 has irreversibly changed the way sales professionals approach their business. The inflection point of the pandemic accelerated the digital transformation that had been brewing in the sales industry for many years. Now that in-person selling is becoming more viable, the dynamics of sales interactions have transformed, with a lasting impact on customer expectations and engagement. Also, the COVID-19 impact on sales acceleration has led to better and efficient adoption of omnichannel sales and social selling.
In the post COVID-19 period, 8 out of 10 decision makers say that omnichannel is now as or more effective than traditional channels.
2.5. Increasing Significance of Sales Engagement
Engagement, perhaps more than any other factor, is the salient difference between a stagnant sale and a conversion. The focus on fostering genuine engagement is becoming paramount. Whether it's through personalized messaging, proactive communication, or creative digital outreach, the sales force must seek avenues to captivate their audience.
67% of buyers agree that business data can and should be used to better engage buyers.
2.6. Integrating Sales Technology with CRM Systems
Integrating sales technology with Customer Relationship Management systems is a significant move in sales acceleration, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness throughout the sales process. By synchronizing data across platforms, sales representatives gain real-time access to customer information, purchase history, and communication logs, ensuring a cohesive and customized approach to sales.
Between 2024 and 2028, the number of businesses adopting a CRM tool is projected to climb by 12% annually.
This connectivity fosters better lead management, improves follow-up precision, and increases conversion rates, directly impacting revenue growth. Additionally, the integration offers valuable insights into customer behavior and sales performance, allowing for targeted marketing strategies and data-driven adjustments to sales tactics. The seamless integration of sales technologies with CRM is essential to offer a comprehensive view of customer interactions. By ensuring all touchpoints with the customer are recorded and analyzed cohesively, sales teams can gain insights that lead to more informed and effective sales strategies.
As per Forbes, 85% of CRM users expected an improved customer experience to be one of the best benefits of Sales CRM Software.
2.7. Focusing on Virtual Selling, from In-Person to Hybrid
The shift from in-person to virtual and hybrid selling models marks a transformative trend in sales acceleration, driven by the digital age's need for flexibility, efficiency, and scalability. The emergence of hybrid selling models combines the convenience of virtual engagement with the personal touch of in-person meetings tailored to customer preferences and the strategic value of face-to-face interactions. This approach enhances customer experience and enables sales teams to optimize their strategies using advanced technologies and immersive demonstrations.
It is predictedthat by 2025, 80% of B2B sales interactions between suppliers and buyers will occur in digital channels.
The shift toward virtual selling is not about replacing in-person interactions but creating a flexible hybrid model that caters to both remote and local customers. This requires a nuanced approach to newer technology and strategies in sales utilization1, communication strategies, and the sales process itself.
2.8. Implementing Influencer Marketing Strategies
Influencer marketing, once the domain of consumer goods, is finding its way into B2B advanced system sales strategies. This nuanced approach leverages thought leaders and prominent figures within an industry to influence the purchasing decisions of other businesses. By identifying and working with the right influencers, sales can be accelerated with greater credibility and in alignment with the customer’s trust network.
Brands are poised to significantly ramp up their use of highly targeted campaigns, along with a focus on niche influencers or nano-influencers.
2.9. Art of Selling in Personalized Servicing
The art of selling in a world inundated with digital advancements lies in personalized servicing. This is not just about knowing a customer’s details and purchase history but also about understanding their preferences and industry dynamics and offering tailored solutions that speak to their specific needs. This human-centric approach amidst a technologically enabled market highlights the importance of emotional intelligence and rapport-building in sales.
44% of sellers deploypersonalized web experiences
2.10. Extensive Videos for Better Sales
Video content has proven to be an effective sales tool, allowing for personalization, engagement, and product demonstration in a single medium. Extensive video libraries and live demonstrations facilitate a deeper connection with prospective buyers, particularly when complemented by the right analytics to track viewer interactions and preferences.
Videoconference connections are critical and are preferred over audio or phone calls by 3 out of 4 B2B buyers
3. Summing Up
Looking ahead, sales acceleration is to become even more personalized and data-driven. Digitalization will continue to evolve, offering even more nuanced insights into customer behavior and effective sales acceleration strategies. One can expect greater emphasis on data privacy and security, with businesses adopting advanced measures to protect customer information in compliance with global regulations.
The integration of AR and VR into the sales process is anticipated to grow, providing immersive experiences that can significantly enhance customer engagement and conversion rates. Blockchain technology might emerge as a tool for ensuring transparency and security in sales transactions, particularly in industries where trust and authenticity are critical.
Summarizing the sales acceleration trends and innovations in 2024, sales acceleration can no longer rely on traditional tactics to ensure success. It demands a forward-thinking approach that incorporates the latest technologies with a deep understanding of personalized customer service. For veterans in the field, the challenge is both to unlearn outdated practices and to lead by example, showcasing how to leverage the new trends to drive sales growth. As we stand on the brink of a new era, the sales force that embraces these changes with enthusiasm and adaptability will write the success story of sales acceleration in 2024 and beyond!
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