Key people movements that changed the advertising landscape in 2018

Advertiser Platforms

Article | April 5, 2024

Unlock the full potential of the CRM system with expert strategies and address issues and challenges in CRM implementation through tactical solutions for customer engagement and business success. Contents 1. Introduction to CRM Implementation 2. Challenges in CRM Implementation 2.1. Data Migration and Integrity 2.2. Scalability 2.3. Data Security and Privacy 2.4. Cost Overruns and Budget Management 2.5. Inadequate Training and Support 2.6. Integration with Existing Systems 2.7. Measuring ROI and Performance 2.8. Mobile Compatibility and Remote Access 2.9. Data Quality Management 2.10. Vendor Reliability and Support 3. Future Proofing CRM 1. Introduction to CRM Implementation Implementing a customer relationship management (CRM) system requires precise alignment with corporate objectives, rigorous system selection, and comprehensive stakeholder engagement to ensure seamless integration into business operations. Successful CRM implementation is a continuous journey of adaptation and improvement, central to building strong customer relationships and achieving business growth. The key strategies for successful CRM implementation that emphasize the importance of meticulous planning, customization, and ongoing evaluation to fully harness the system's potential will be presented below: Strategies for successful CRM implementation: Avoiding the Challenges Strategic Alignment: Begin with a clear CRM strategy that aligns with the business goals, ensuring the system supports customer engagement and growth objectives. System Selection: Conduct a thorough evaluation of CRM platforms, focusing on scalability, integration capabilities, and customization options. Choose a solution that fits the company’s unique business needs and technological infastructure. Stakeholder Engagement: Secure buy-in from all levels of the organization through effective change management practices. This involves clear communication, setting realistic expectations, and involving key users in the implementation process. Customization and Data Integrity: Tailor the CRM to business processes while ensuring data accuracy through a thorough audit and cleansing of existing customer data before migration. Training and Support: Develop a structured training program tailored to various roles within the organization, complemented by ongoing support to enhance user competency and adoption rates. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement: Establish metrics to evaluate CRM performance, with regular monitoring and feedback mechanisms to continuously refine and improve the system's effectiveness. 2. Challenges in CRM Implementation The selection of a CRM platform aligns with and propels business objectives forward. Integrating this system within the existing technological infrastructure without disrupting workflow, comprehensively training staff across diverse functional areas, and maintaining impeccable data integrity are just the tip of the iceberg. Each of these components presents its own challenges, demanding a nuanced approach and a depth of understanding that transcends primary operational considerations. The CRM industry’s market value is going to grow at a significant growth rate (CAGR) of 13.9% from 2024 to 2030, as stated in Grand View Research. Strategically overcoming these barriers necessitates a blend of foresight, expertise, and meticulous execution. Some of the common challenges in CRM implementation are listed below: 2.1. Data Migration and Integrity The implementation of a new CRM system, the consolidation of data from diverse sources, or the merger with another entity calls for data migration. Regardless of the circumstances, it is imperative that organizations comprehend and meticulously manoeuvre through this procedure. A primary obstacle encountered during data migration pertains to the assurance of data integrity during the transfer process. Data inconsistencies and inaccuracies can significantly affect customer relationships, decision-making, and overall performance. While taking technical factors into account, organizations must also consider the potential repercussions for their consumers and employees. Change can be intimidating and upheaval-inducing, particularly when it pertains to data that is indispensable for the execution of daily activities. It is critical to establish protocols and procedures to ensure continuous data management. This encompasses routine evaluations and examinations, in addition to explicit protocols for data input and upkeep. Ensuring the veracity of data and preserving the integrity of CRM systems are both dependent on data governance. 2.2. Scalability Scalability in CRM is a complex challenge that goes beyond simply managing an increasing volume of customer data. It requires a harmonious blend of technological, human, and strategic elements. At the heart of scalability is the need for a flexible infrastructure. Here, cloud-based systems play a pivotal role as they provide the adaptability necessary to accommodate growth without significant modifications. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning further enhances scalability by offering predictive analytics and automation to streamline operations. Moreover, a strategic approach to data management, emphasizing rigorous governance and integrating diverse data types, is crucial for maintaining data integrity and leveraging information for personalized customer engagement. Encouraging an innovative culture within organizations, along with investing in ongoing learning and development for teams, ensures both the workforce and the CRM system can adapt and expand. Achieving scalability in CRM necessitates a multifaceted strategy prioritizing flexibility, intelligent data use, and an environment conducive to continuous improvement and innovation. 2.3. Data Security and Privacy Integrating customer relationship management systems into businesses marks a pivotal advancement in leveraging consumer data for marketing, strategic planning, and analysis. However, this evolution brings data security and privacy challenges to the forefront. The complexities of data-driven methodologies within CRM systems necessitate a strategic and comprehensive approach to uphold data oversight and maintain consumer trust. Ensuring optimal data oversight within CRM implementations requires balancing data utilization for business growth and safeguarding consumer privacy. Organizations must adopt a rigorous policy framework compliant with data protection laws and emphasize customer privacy as a cornerstone of their operations. A privacy-first culture is essential, transcending legal requirements to embed data privacy into the organization's DNA through clear data policies, ongoing training, and a structure that prioritizes privacy at its core. Additionally, leveraging advanced technology, including encryption and AI, is paramount to fortifying data security as an essential defense layer to complement policy measures. During 2022, the worldwide number of malware attacks reached 5.5 billion, an increase of two percent compared to the preceding year.. Forming strategic partnerships with industry peers, regulatory bodies, and cybersecurity experts is a proactive step toward enhancing data protection standards. These alliances provide valuable insights and foster a collaborative approach, strengthening an organization's privacy strategies and contributing to industry-wide improvements. 2.4. Cost Overruns and Budget Management Overcoming obstacles in CRM implementation, particularly financial ones, requires shifting from traditional budget management to a proactive, agile approach. The complexity of CRM systems often leads to escalating costs, posing significant challenges. These can stem from a lack of proactive planning, early underestimation of change management efforts, and insufficient stakeholder involvement, leading to scope creep and budget overruns. To counter these primary challenges organizations face when implementing a CRM, a multifaceted strategy focusing on strategic reserve planning, agile budgeting, and data-driven decision-making is needed. Strategic reserve planning involves detailed risk assessment and allocation of funds for identified high-risk areas, moving away from a generic contingency fund approach. Agile budgeting allocates resources in cycles, matching the project's iterative nature, allowing for more flexible and responsive financial management. Data-driven decision-making utilizes CRM-generated insights for informed budgeting, enabling proactive adjustments. Cultivating a culture of financial agility that is supported by executive sponsorship and enhanced financial literacy among non-finance staff ensures that financial awareness permeates all levels of the organization. 2.5. Inadequate Training and Support Addressing the deficit in CRM training is crucial for maximizing the system's potential and ensuring successful implementation. With adequate training, employees may fully utilize CRM features, leading to underperformance and failing to achieve the desired return on investment. The consequences of inadequate training extend beyond mere inefficiency; they can lead to data inaccuracies, user resistance, and a negative perception of the CRM system, compromising its integrity and effectiveness. 74% of companies say CRM software gives better access to customer data. To overcome these challenges, organizations need to adopt a tailored approach to training that addresses the diverse needs and learning preferences of their workforce. CRM systems evolve, introducing new features and updates that require ongoing training to ensure users remain proficient. Providing accessible training resources, user forums, and communities for knowledge sharing are key strategies for fostering a culture of continuous learning. Proactive support efforts, such as regular user surveys and the establishment of superuser advocates, can help detect and resolve problems early, maintaining the CRM's efficacy. 2.6. Integration with Existing Systems Integrating a CRM system within an organization transcends mere technological implementation and requires an understanding of existing legacy systems and cultural dynamics. The question of challenges in CRM implementation and how to solve them will remain persistent until the blending of the new with the old, ensuring the CRM coexists with and enhances the organization's ingrained processes and cultural fabric. Successful integration requires a holistic approach, encompassing data management, process adaptation, and, most importantly, human factors. Moreover, data governance and the strategic use of ETL tools and data warehousing are crucial for seamless data integration and utilization. The future of CRM integration lies in adaptable, scalable solutions that balance customization with sustainability, as exemplified by the rise of SaaS and cloud-based platforms that offer flexibility and innovation while minimizing infrastructure costs. 2.7. Measuring ROI and Performance Unlike traditional ROI metrics, CRM's value encompasses both tangible outcomes, such as increased sales, and intangible benefits, such as customer loyalty and brand reputation. Calculating CRM's ROI necessitates cross-functional collaboration, recognizing that value is not solely derived from sales enhancements but also from cost reductions in customer service and improved interdepartmental communications. CRMs have been shown to increase conversion rates by up to 300%, revenue by 29%, and sales team productivity by 34%. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are fundamental in guiding CRM strategies toward achieving organizational goals. Continuous monitoring of these KPIs enables organizations to adapt quickly to market changes and customer behaviours. User feedback, coupled with data-driven analyses of usage patterns and customer interactions, paves the way for targeted system optimizations. 2.8. Mobile Compatibility and Remote Access The strategic adoption of mobile CRM empowers modern businesses with real-time customer engagement from anywhere. Still, it also brings challenges such as security concerns, user adoption hurdles, device and platform compatibility issues, data synchronization needs, and cost considerations. Ensuring the security of customer data against the increased risk of mobile device loss, theft, or compromise is critical, necessitating stringent security measures like two-factor authentication and data encryption. The mobile CRM market size was USD 32.8 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to reach USD 56.2 billion in 2032, growing at a rate of 5.5% from 2023 to 2032. Additionally, ensuring that mobile CRM is compatible across various devices and operating systems is essential to avoid user experience and productivity setbacks, which calls for optimization across platforms. Maintaining data integrity demands regular synchronization processes and protocols for resolving data conflicts. Furthermore, mobile device procurement, software licensing, and maintenance costs must be carefully balanced against the long-term benefits of increased efficiency, enhanced customer engagement, and streamlined operations. 2.9. Data Quality Management The critical importance of data quality in CRM systems forms the bedrock of modern customer-centric business strategies, transcending mere technological upgrades to become a central operational necessity. The advent of AI and machine learning technologies has provided CRM systems with the capability to actively monitor and correct data quality issues, learning from system modifications to prevent future data degradation. This marks a shift towards viewing data quality management as a continuous, integral process rather than a series of isolated tasks. The International Data Corporation (IDC) states that during 2020, the amount of data that has been created, captured, and replicated across the world will be more than 59 zettabytes, and over the next 5 years, the world will create more than three times the amount of data compared to the previous 5 years. To maintain data quality, an agile management strategy that adapts to the dynamic nature of data and market changes is essential. This requires infrastructure and personnel that can respond swiftly to evolving data needs. Overcoming obstacles in CRM data quality management is not solely a technological endeavour. It is a comprehensive strategy that integrates technology, culture, and governance. Organizations that prioritize and invest in data quality can establish themselves as industry leaders, leveraging their CRM systems as a vital component of their operational and strategic success. 2.10. Vendor Reliability and Support Implementing a CRM system is a collaborative effort that requires prioritizing vendor reliability over traditional evaluation methods. It's about focusing on the vendor's ability to deliver on promises, foresee integration challenges, and adapt strategies to meet the client's unique needs. This process calls for a partnership that spans the entire implementation process, from design and data migration to user training and change management. This approach encourages customization and ensures the sustainability of the CRM solution, making each stakeholder an integral part of its success. For effective vendor selection, it's crucial to evaluate their technological roadmap, update their history and assess the strength of their partnerships. Also, service level agreements, support team interactions, and feedback from existing customers should be reviewed. The goal is to foster a relationship beyond transactions, promoting continuous engagement and growth for both parties. Ensuring vendor reliability involves a rigorous assessment of their product development methodologies, commitment to risk management, and quality of customer service. Agile development practices, adequate customer support, and proactive risk management strategies indicate a vendor's commitment to maintaining a durable and flexible system, differentiating genuine partners from mere suppliers. 3. Future-proofing CRM As organizations strive to harness CRM systems' full potential, they are confronted with challenges ranging from data integrity and scalability to data security, privacy, and vendor reliability. Overcoming these difficulties in CRM implementation requires a cohesive approach integrating meticulous planning, agile methodologies, and a commitment to fostering a data-driven culture. The strategies for CRM implementation to address the challenges with foresight and precision enable organizations to unlock the transformative power of CRM systems. This, in turn, enhances customer engagement and drives sustainable business growth. The future of CRM is dynamic and promising, with technology playing a pivotal role in transforming how businesses understand, interact with, and deliver value to customers. By embracing AI, prioritizing data privacy, and creating seamless omnichannel experiences, companies can leverage CRM systems to meet and exceed customer expectations. As we move forward, the emphasis will be on using CRM as a tool for managing customer relationships as well as a strategic asset for driving customer success and business growth.

Advertiser Platforms

Article | February 22, 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.

Advertiser Platforms

Article | January 9, 2024

The impact of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, is being felt by millions of people across the globe. While nobody knows how long this period will last, I believe it's important for companies to try to find some semblance of normalcy. To do so, companies should consider all the ways they can continue to move forward with an eye toward empathy. This mindset comes with its own unique restrictions and challenges as human behaviors evolve. With the rise of social distancing and limits around public gatherings, people are moving away from live entertainment, such as movie theaters, plays, sporting events and concerts. Instead, they are spending more time streaming their favorite movies and shows, browsing social media, and playing video games from the comfort of their homes. In lieu of socializing at restaurants and bars, people are connecting with colleagues, friends and loved ones digitally, and many are doing their shopping via e-commerce.

Article | April 15, 2020

Colling Media, a top-ranked national digital advertising and marketing agency, continues its recent, impressive growth by adding five new businesses to its prestigious roster of clients. ScriptSave WellRx an innovative prescription medication discount program that closes the gaps in prescription benefit coverage. Diamond Kitchen & Bath the leading retailer of kitchen and bathroom cabinetry and countertops in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Radix Law a business law firm based in Scottsdale. Soul Surgery a renowned integrative medicine addiction and rehab center in Scottsdale, featuring a holistic approach to drug and alcohol treatment. Premier Criminal Defense based in San Diego and serving all of Southern California, the firm offers skilled counsel to help clients accused of Misdemeanors, Felony and Federal Offenses.