Advertiser Platforms
Article | March 18, 2024
Measuring the ad performance on your website is critical for understanding how well your revenue stream is optimized. Ad sizes, placements, and color are common measures, but they may not necessarily work for you. As a publisher, you must focus on four prime metrics that give you a clear idea of an ad campaign’s performance.
Let us take a look at them:
4 Ad Performance Metrics You Should Track
CPM (Cost per mille)
CPM stands for advertising cost per thousand views. It is the benchmark used to calculate the approximate cost of an advertisement or ad campaign across various media. CPM can be calculated by dividing how much it costs to place an advertisement by the number of impressions (in thousands) that it achieves. This metric helps compare the difference in ad opportunities based on efficiency and to evaluate the overall campaign cost.
CTR (Click-through rate)
CTR is the ad click-through rate that measures how well an online ad campaign is progressing on a website. It is denoted as a percentage and is calculated by how many times an ad is clicked divided by how many times an ad is shown.
RPM (Revenue per mille)
RPM is the revenue generated per 1000 ad impressions. It is similar to CPM but instead of cost, it measures revenue. It is an especially important metric for publishers. If the RPM of a campaign is low, you should replace the campaign with one that earns a higher revenue and RPM rate.
RPC (Revenue per click)
RPC is the revenue generated per click. It tells you how much the average revenue is for every click on your ads and PPC (pay-per-click) keywords. You can easily understand how much you earn every time someone clicks on one of your ads. Comparing RPC and RPM values can give you insights on your ad spend and the money you earned through the ads.
Streamlining Ad Campaigns with Ad Performance Measurement
Here are some tips to streamline your ad campaigns with the insights your ad metrics provide:
Use the right data: First-party data can help you optimize your programmatic ad campaigns along with your content.
Capitalize on returning visitors: Play with ad location on pages with returning visitors. Mix and match to maintain the interest of the visitors.
Optimize your content: Find out the type of content that attracts your visitors and optimize your content strategy based on your findings.
Maintain optimal ad placement and size: Place your ads in the middle of the page, use in-image ads at the bottom of mobile web pages, experiment with different ad sizes and positions to check how users react.
Final Thoughts
Data-driven optimization is the secret to getting the ad revenue you expect. Testing and improving with the help of data insights can help you identify the areas that need attention.
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Advertiser Platforms
Article | January 9, 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 | March 12, 2024
Embark on a historical journey charting CRM’s capability in businesses from organizational tools to a central strategic force in driving business innovation and deepening customer connections.
Contents
1. The Evolution of CRM: From Customer Records to Strategic Business Tool
2. Advanced CRM Technologies and Innovations
3. Data Management and Security in CRM
4. Top Provider Companies of CRM
4.1. SuperOffice
4.2. Teamleader
4.3. ePROMIS Solutions
4.4. Keap
4.5. HighLevel
4.6. Miles IT
4.7. FranConnect
4.8. CAS Software AG
4.9. SoftPro
4.10. Rapidops
Final Thoughts
1. The Evolution of CRM to Strategic Business Tools
The transition of customer relationship management (CRM) from an elementary collection of customer data to a strategic business tool signifies a notable change in how firms communicate with customers and make strategic decisions. The initial purpose of early CRMs was to facilitate the organization of customer information and enhance service quality, thereby establishing the foundation for a more individualized customer experience. Nevertheless, the emergence of digital marketing and technological progress revolutionized CRM, making it a formidable force in marketing with the ability to do intricate data segmentation, tailored interaction, and seamless connections with many digital platforms.
Notwithstanding the technological developments, the efficacy of any customer relationship management system is contingent upon the human factor, encompassing crucial aspects such as proficient user training, efficient data management, and a customer-centric organizational culture. The ongoing development of CRM highlights the significance of integrating technology with a strategy focused on providing outstanding customer value. The continuous evolution of CRM from an essential instrument to a fundamental business ideology promises CRM capabilities in contemporary businesses and can potentially alter the field of customer relationship management in the foreseeable future.
2. Advanced CRM Technologies and Innovations
- CRM evolution from basic data repositories to key drivers in enhancing customer experience (CX), marketing automation, and business growth.
- CRM systems now serve as integral assets, unifying customer interactions and increasing the efficacy of sales, marketing, and service operations.
- Cloud-based and AI technologies have advanced CRM functionalities, offering scalability, mobility, and actionable analytics.
- Modern CRMs enable predictive insights and proactive customer engagement strategies.
- Introduction of chatbots and virtual assistants to CRM, providing immediate support and freeing human staff for complex tasks.
- Rise of conversational CRM, leading to more natural and mutually beneficial customer interactions.
- Use of omnichannel approaches powered by cloud technology ensures consistent, informed communication across all customer touchpoints.
- These innovations lead to a unified brand experience, strengthening customer relationships.
3. Data Management and Security in CRM
CRM systems have evolved beyond their initial purpose as simple storage of customer data in the digital era. They have become advanced platforms that play a crucial role in creating business strategies and enhancing customer experiences. The effectiveness of CRM systems heavily relies on the efficient administration and rigorous protection of the data they store.
Efficient Data Management in Customer Relationship Management:
An essential foundation of a strong CRM system is its capacity to effectively handle data. To accomplish this, it is essential to precisely establish the goals of the CRM data, such as improving customer satisfaction or increasing sales. Efficient data management involves the CRM implementation like implementing accurate data collection methods and the preservation of data integrity. To maintain the quality and relevance of CRM data, it is crucial to implement regular data cleansing and updating procedures due to the fast rate at which information can become outdated.
Sophisticated Security Protocols:
Securing CRM data is crucial in an era characterized by frequent data breaches. Robust levels of security are provided by advanced methods such as role-based access control (RBAC), data encryption, and tokenization. These procedures are implemented to guarantee stringent control over data access and to render the data incomprehensible to unauthorized entities in the event of a breach.
The convergence of management and security:
The integration of data management and security within a comprehensive data governance framework is necessary, as opposed to operating in isolation. The provided framework delineates the policies, duties, and standards that are imperative for the efficient management and safeguarding of CRM data. Regular training for staff on data best practices, continuing audits, and adherence to data protection requirements are essential components of a robust governance approach.
4. Top Provider Companies in CRM
CRM has emerged as the central focus of contemporary company strategy. An effective customer relationship management system optimizes essential client data in a manner that is customized to the many facets of an organization's activities. It can assist in monitoring a customer's purchasing patterns, preferences, and apprehensions. In a time when each encounter can indicate the extent of a customer's commitment to a brand, selecting the appropriate CRM supplier can determine whether the firm succeeds or faces difficulties.
Choosing the most suitable CRM supplier for any company's specific requirements might be challenging due to the abundance of options available. Here’s a list of the top ten providers in CRM:
4.1.SuperOffice
SuperOffice, a premier CRM software provider, has been at the forefront of promoting meaningful business-to-customer relationships and driving revenue growth for medium-sized European B2Bs for over 30 years. With a steadfast commitmentto fostering meaningful relationships and driving revenue growth, SuperOffice distinguishes itself by offering a holistic CRM solution that unites marketing, customer care and sales teams. Key to its success are features such as integrated email and document management, AI-powered insights, GDPR compliance, and an extensive App Store. These elements, combined with customizable workflows and real-time dashboards, empower teams to achieve greater alignment, efficiency, and productivity, solidifying SuperOffice's position as the CRM partner of choice for businesses aiming for sustainable, customer-centric growth.
4.2.Teamleader
A CRM tool Teamleader Focus provides CRM solutions for contemporary businesses, integrating advanced features to streamline customer relationship management. This platform excels in centralized customer management, providing a unified repository for all customer-related data and facilitating immediate access and management efficiency. Its visualization of the sales pipeline demystifies the journey from prospect to customer, enabling precise monitoring and nurturing of potential leads. Unique in its capacity to manage multiple businesses within a single account, it adeptly caters to entrepreneurs running diverse ventures, simplifying complexities with ease.
4.3.ePROMIS Solutions
ePROMIS Solutions has been at the forefront of providing innovative enterprise management software for over three decades. Catering to a broad spectrum of industries, ePROMIS has carved a niche for delivering futuristic solutions that transform business operations. The ePROMIS FutureGen Enterprise Platform exemplifies an all-encompassing business solution, integrating over 100 applications across ERP, HCM, and EAM. It offers advanced automation, customizable workflows, and a potent analytics and BI engine, enhancing operational efficiency and facilitating insightful decision-making. Designed for global scalability, the platform supports multi-entity, multi-industry, multilingual, multi-currency, and multi-channel operations, making it an ideal choice for global expansion and innovation businesses.
4.4.Keap
Keap, formerly Infusionsoft, is a paradigm of innovation in sales and marketing automation for small businesses. Keap is committed to simplifying growth for small businesses, aiming to empower 1 million enterprises globally by 2030. Its comprehensive CRM platform is engineered to capture, organize, track, and nurture leads, amplifying sales and revenue. Keap distinguishes itself with expert coaching, extensive training, robust support, and a vibrant community of entrepreneurs. Its automation engine offers personalized features and strategic guidance to maintain business health, customer engagement and satisfaction, and team vitality during scaling.
4.5.HighLevel
HighLevel, is a revolutionary all-in-one marketing platform designed to empower agencies with the necessary tools, resources, and support to excel and surpass their marketing objectives. With over 60,000 customers and serving 1.4 million businesses, HighLevel facilitates the capture of leads through diverse means like landing pages, forms, and inbound phone systems. It automates engagement across multiple channels, including voicemail, SMS, and email, and offers built-in tools for payment collection, appointment scheduling, and analytics tracking. HighLevel's suite stands out for its comprehensive capability to consolidate marketing tools in one place, enabling users to enhance customer acquisition, retention, and business scaling through streamlined processes and a community-supported ecosystem of digital marketing strategies.
4.6.Miles IT
Miles IT, has established itself as a vanguard IT company, offering comprehensive services to bolster businesses nationwide through technological innovation. This array of services spans managed IT, software development, digital marketing, e-commerce, and dynamic websites, all tailored to meet the unique needs of each business. Positioned as a conduit for business growth, Miles IT promises expert support, coaching, training, and an engaging community of entrepreneurs, ensuring clients meet and exceed their business aspirations. Operating with a commitment to deliver cost-effective, efficient solutions, Miles IT is the technology partner of choice for businesses aiming to scale and retain potential customers while maintaining the integrity of their customer service and team morale.
4.7.FranConnect
FranConnect, is the quintessential partner for franchise management, offering an unparalleled suite of solutions that cater to the sales, operations, and marketing needs of over 1,500 brands and multi-location businesses globally. FranConnect's clientele experiences an average growth rate of 44% faster than the broader franchising market, a testament to the efficacy of its cloud-based solutions in fostering scalable and optimized business operations. The platform's robust offerings are designed to accommodate the diverse needs of franchisors and multi-location brands at every stage of growth, from emerging entities to established conglomerates. FranConnect's solutions are meticulously crafted to enhance unit sales, revenue, operational efficiency, franchisee engagement, and employee training, all while ensuring rigorous security and compliance standards.
4.8.CAS Software AG
CAS Software AG, has emerged as the premier provider of CRM solutions tailored to the unique demands of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Germany. Renowned for delivering superior ergonomics, integration capabilities, and exceptional value, CAS Software AG's offerings are designed to cater to a wide array of industries. Its portfolio, which includes the flagship CAS genesisWorld, offers a 360° view of all customer interactions thanks to intelligent, AI-assisted processes (AIA®), and is notable for adhering to the highest standards of data security and digital confidence.
4.9.SoftPro
SoftPro, a distinguished leader in the real estate closing, title, and escrow software industry, is celebrated for its comprehensive suite of products. Renowned for its commitment to innovation and excellence, SoftPro's solutions are meticulously designed for scalability and customization, offering process automation, secure communication portals, robust reporting, analytics, and myriad integrations. This ensures a streamlined closing process, enhancing volume and revenue for businesses. SoftPro remains committed to providing award-winning support, facilitating efficient residential and commercial closings, and empowering users with technology solutions tailored to their needs.
4.10.Rapidops
Rapidops, is an acclaimed technology, transformation, and analytics company recognized for driving digital innovation and delivering impactful digital products and platforms. Operating across retail, manufacturing and supply chain, healthcare, and technology industries, Rapidops has empowered clients, including Dassault Systemes and Harris Teeter, alongside launching platforms like Salesmate.io. Renowned for rapidly translating complex visions into market-leading digital solutions, Rapidops boasts comprehensive expertise in strategy, design, engineering, analytics, AI/ML, IoT, and DevOps. Rapidops’ commitment to excellence is reflected in its holistic approach to solving critical CRM challenges and fostering sustainable growth.
Final Thoughts
CRM capabilities in modern businesses are progressing towards a greater future. In the future, CRM is expected to become increasingly essential to business operations as artificial intelligence and machine learning improve its ability to make accurate predictions. As organizations adjust to remote and hybrid work arrangements, customer relationship management solutions will evolve to accommodate mobility and cloud-based capabilities, guaranteeing uninterrupted accessibility and performance across various work settings.
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Social Media Advertising
Article | July 14, 2022
On July 13, Netflix’s COO, Greg Peters, officially named Microsoft as Netflix’s “global advertising technology and sales partner”. This partnership will help Netflix kick-start its advertising business.
Industry watchers were waiting to see who Netflix would choose as its advertising platform to build its ad-supported tier of service after the streaming giant’s April announcement to bring ads to the platform.
In April, we announced that we would introduce a new lower priced ad-supported subscription plan for consumers, in addition to our existing ad-free basic, standard, and premium plans. Today we are pleased to announce that we have selected Microsoft as our global advertising technology and sales partner.
“Microsoft has the proven ability to support all our advertising needs as we together build a new ad-supported offering, More importantly, Microsoft offered the flexibility to innovate over time on both the technology and sales side, as well as strong privacy protections for our members.”
-Greg Peters,COONetflix.
It’s very early days and we have much to work through. But our long-term goal is clear: More choice for consumers and a premium, better-than-linear TV brand experience for advertisers. We’re excited to work with Microsoft as we bring this new service to life.
Microsoft recently acquired Xandr, an ad marketplace that ties into connected TV. It has been developing its ad platform while endorsing its approach to protecting customers’ information. Marketers looking to Microsoft for their advertising needs will have access to the Netflix audience and premium connected TV inventory, said Mikhail Parakhin, Microsoft’s president of web experiences.
While assisting Netflix in delivering more choices to its customers, Microsoft will offer new premium value to its ecosystem of marketers and partners.
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