Ad Tech and Martech
Article | May 14, 2024
Search engine optimization is one of the most important subdomains in digital marketing where organisations try to get visitors from search engine ranking pages to their website. The most vague approach by businesses is to just post content on their website, create backlinks of it and expect to rank number one on the targeted keywords. However the reality is that search engines consider a lot of factors in ranking a web page such as website’s loading speed, responsiveness for mobile device compliance, good user experience, rich snippets, keyword frequency in content, interest of visitors in content and then comes in the turn for backlinks and domain authority.
Why SEO is Mandatory for Websites?
SEO requires continuous efforts everyday due to 3 major factors. First is search engines rank the latest content on top most position at first and later on adjust the rankings according to other parameters. The second issue is changes in google’s algorithm bi-yearly which has the tendency to suppress the rankings of all web pages of a website. The third is your competitors who are creating better content to outbeat your website.
We need to understand that a business can put in limited efforts on content marketing and backlinking, depending on their budget. The above mentioned factors are continuously vanishing the results derived from their previously made efforts so the high performance websites, customizations and rich snippet integration to ramp up the performance of complete websites. In one of our previous experiences we have seen web pages jump up from 3rd page of google search to 1st page in a day after deploying a faster version of the website.
The initial journey of SEO can be done placidly with content management systems initially but later on comes the saturation point where to procure more traffic either we have to increase workforce or add more integrations. These integrations are very costly on a content management system for a website with huge user traffic that’s why such businesses should build their custom websites and get access over source code. To do so they can outsource the project to a software development company, hire developers from an offshore company or hire their own in house developers.
One more factor that contributes in converting leads to customers is user experience which can only be improved with tracking user behaviour, user feedback and testing new UI improvements done on the basis of suggestions. The same journey is followed with any new functionality built after users demanded it via feedback.
The above mentioned points suggest the conclusion that high performance websites and technical teams can help businesses to derive exponential growth in traffic if the SEO and technical team work hand in hand.
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Advertiser Platforms
Article | January 9, 2024
As a marketer, your goal is to create ads that stick in the minds of your audience. You devote extra time and resources to creating memorable graphics, engaging CTAs, and interesting copy that works. You also buy just the right ad spots. But, what happens when your potential customer scrolls right past your ad? Your costly video ad never creates a difference and your campaign fails. Combat this video ad fatigue with audio advertising to effectively influence your target demographic.
After the audio content boom driven by podcasts, audio advertising is rising and becoming marketers’ new favorite. Nielsen Catalina Solutions’ 12-month-long study of audio ads on Spotify versus video and display ads found that audio ads were up to 25% more effective than other ad formats.
Mostly, audio ads are delivered through podcasts. We’ll dive into this shortly. First let’s look at how audio advertising can influence the buying decisions of your target audience:
Audio Advertising: Superpowers Explained
Audio advertising uses a broad content category such as background scores, jingles, and branded content apart from audio ads. By fusing audio ads into audio experiences such as ad-supported music streaming or podcasts, marketers can position relevant products and services in front of customers. Here are more of its advantages:
Audio Ads Offer Immersive Experience
A study done by Lightwave and iHeartMedia showed that one of the biggest benefits of audio advertising was its ability to connect with the audience on a deeper level. Remembering catchy jingles is also a part of this connection. Audio ads communicate emotions, capture the attention of the listeners within seconds and engage them enough to paint a picture in their minds. They achieve this without a big budget or production crew. A strong script and an audio booth are all you need to create an immersive audio ad.
They Have a Greater Reach
Primarily, audio ads are delivered through podcasts because they can be easily categorized and are widely consumed. According to Statista, almost 60% of all U.S. consumers older than 12 listen to podcasts. Interestingly, 70% podcast listeners do not multi-task while listening to a podcast, so you are catering to alert listeners who might end up retaining your ad (Edison Research). Apart from podcasts, audio ads are also run in locations such as radio, music, and news streams.
They Are Insightful and Creative
Marketers can use 3D and 8D audio to create soundscapes that offer an immersive experience. Additionally, audio ads create a 1-to-1 relationship. With the help of programmatic advertising, they also collect many layers of data that provide buying insights. Integrating audio ads with voice assistants is a creative approach to entice customers while being interactive.
Nars Cosmetics UK used Spotify to offer its customers voice commerce. Upon hearing the ad on Spotify, they could order samples and set up delivery using their smart speakers.
Smart Speakers Are Changing the Game
Smart speakers are contributing to screen-less moments in American homes. This means your video ad campaigns won’t get the kind of response you expect, but your audio ads just might. The Edison Infinite Dial report found that there is an average of 2.3 smart speakers in each home in the U.S. This number shows that a wide range of people use voice search and will listen to audio ads as a result.
Summing It Up
Audio advertising drives engagement and conversion through immersive storytelling, catchy jingles, and longer ad retention. It can be a great addition to your digital marketing strategy and refine the way you influence your audience’s buying decisions.
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Advertiser Platforms
Article | March 12, 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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Social Media Advertising
Article | May 28, 2021
Are you new to audience campaigns, or looking to expand your existing presence on the Microsoft Audience Network? Using Facebook Import, it’s now easier than ever to get audience campaigns up and running by importing from Facebook Ads. Now rolling out to all advertisers in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France and Germany, this new feature is designed to save you time and maximize ROI by seamlessly bringing over your campaigns from the Facebook Audience Network into the Microsoft Audience Network. Facebook Import can be used as a standalone tool, as well as a powerful complement to any existing Google Import strategy.
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