Advertiser Platforms
Article | March 4, 2024
Video content is more important than ever from a marketing perspective, but the high profile status it has attained also brings challenges with it.
The main hurdle to overcome is that of creating compelling clips that outshine the competition in a marketplace that is already overflowing with attention-grabbing content.
With all that in mind, here are just a handful of strategies that will empower you when making promotional video content for your business or brand.
Use the right software tools
The video editing tools you choose will form the foundation of your content creation strategy, so it pays to give this plenty of thought and not to just stick with the same old package you have been using for years.
For example, leveraging collaborative video editing software could take your projects to the next level, not only in terms of creativity but also when it comes to compressing cycles of work.
If you can have multiple team members collaborating on the same project in unison, you can hit deadlines and capture the zeitgeist with your content, rather than seeing viral trends pass you by.
Choose types of content that serve your advertising aims
The extent to which your video content is able to engage and connect with your target audience will partly be determined by the format it takes. As such you have to choose wisely and avoid producing clips that don’t gel with your marketing goals.
For example, if your business makes a product that has practical applications, you could gain views and shares by making tutorial content that explains how best to use it.
On the other hand, if your business offers services within a particular industry, then you may earn more traction with videos that explain a particular aspect of the niche you occupy.
Both of these types of content provide value to viewers as well as being promotional, and can also remain relevant for long periods. The more evergreen your video content, the bigger the potential ROI.
Extrapolate ideas from your existing content
Working out what video content will hit home with your ideal demographic can feel like it involves a lot of guesswork, and a lot of risk-taking as a result.
However, you don’t have to go all-in on a concept for a video without knowing if it will hold water, because it is more than likely that you already have tried-and-tested ideas that have proven themselves and are ripe for video adaptation.
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Advertiser Platforms
Article | January 9, 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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Advertiser Platforms
Article | March 12, 2024
Marketers and agencies must investigate the relevant counterfactual to advertising exposure to assess advertising effectiveness. Ghost ads can compare exposed and non-exposed consumers to measure ad-related behavior changes.
What are Ghost Ads?
Ghost ads are a great way to measure ad effectiveness or incrementality (the lift or increase in desired outcome through marketing) because they allow brands to see how their ad is received by two distinct consumer groups: those targeted and those who would have seen it organically.
Leveraging Ghost Ads for Causal Ad Measurement:
Here is why leveraging ghost ads to measure ad-related behavioral changes is a great idea:
You don’t need to invest additional funds to create a control group
You can have extensive reach within the DSP (demand-side platform)
You can measure behavior for all formats such as mobile, audio and CTV
Ghost Bidding: Mapping Consumer Behavior:
In ghost bidding, a DSP platform accepts auctions for ad placements on publisher websites/apps/connected devices and bids on them. It records whether the auction was won (and the ad displayed). Before bidding, the platform assigns the user ID to a control or exposed group. For control group users, the bid is withdrawn so that no ad was shown during the study.
This creates two identical groups, one that saw the ad and one that didn’t. You can then compare the test and control groups' website purchases, landing page visits, etc. Over a period of time, it is possible to record large effect sizes across several behaviors.
A Large U.S-based Apparel Company Measured Their Ad Incrementality Using Ghost Ads:
Using ghost ads and ghost bidding, a U.S based apparel company measured its ad incrementality. Over 21 million unique individuals saw the company’s ads over a 15 month period, for an average of around 35.4 ads per individual. The exposed group had a 1.42% greater chance of visiting the site, for a topline lift of 54.9%, compared to the ghost ad viewers. With this information, the company was able to optimize its advertising campaigns on the flu to have a bigger impact on its audience.
Last Word:
Cost-per-click, cost-per-site-visit, and other metrics used by marketers don't show any change in advertising behavior. Ghost Ads are the most cost-effective way to analyze digital marketing campaigns' causality.
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Advertiser Campaign Management
Article | July 19, 2022
Creating ad campaigns is a gamble. As advertisers, you are never sure if it was optimized enough, have no idea which micro-targets it resonates with the most, and it could take up to a year to determine the campaign’s sales impact. Market trends change by then. However, AI-powered ad creative can turn things around for you. You will know exactly what aspects of the ad resonate with your target demographic.
“It’s a welcome change for creatives, who find it empowering because they can think more broadly, experiment more, and learn faster,” says David Olesnevich, Head of Product at IBM Watson Advertising
“It’s a welcome change for creatives, who find it empowering because they can think more broadly, experiment more, and learn faster,” says David Olesnevich, Head of Product at IBM Watson Advertising
Let us take a look at what an AI-powered creative can do for your ad campaign:
Instant Optimization
AI-powered creative can be optimized instantly, not just for display ads but also for OTT video ads. You don’t need to spend extra time or resources to scale your optimization efforts.
Multiple Variations
Elements in AI creative can be varied and combined with music tracks, sound effects, voice-overs, scripts, video clips and sequences, hero shots, text overlays, end cards, and calls-to-action.
Easy Scaling
AI-powered creative ad campaigns are easy to scale across sectors for micro-targets defined by demographics, psychographics, life stage, customer journey stage, purchase behavior, and other KPIs like video completion, app installs, site visits, form-filling, purchases/conversions.
Enhanced Targeting
This technology can target your desired demographic based on message resonance. Consumer characteristics that respond to different message element combinations can help create persona profiles.
Brand advertisers like you need to prepare themselves for a cookie-less future with Google phasing out third-party cookies by 2023. Additionally, you need to also take into account Apple ending the IDFA (ID for Advertising). Figuring out micro-targets will get tougher because of these factors. You will have to harness solutions that respect consumer privacy without depending on the traditional advertising identifiers that will no longer remain.
Creative Professionals Can Better Maximize Client ROI
AI-powered creative is a modular and smarter way to develop ads. It takes the guesswork out of advertising with more actionable information to enhance brand campaigns and how they deliver a higher ROI.
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