...at least not at first.
Two words marketers hate to hear are—opt out. This occurs, of course, when someone decides that what he/she is reading no longer offers enough value to continue. While it is inevitable that some will opt out of receiving/reading your marketing materials, there are three things you can do to greatly decrease the number who do.
1) Match your content to your audience.
The more you can determine what your readers are most interested in reading about and write to that narrow knowledge vertical, the better. This blog, for instance is about strategic market planning and strategic marketing case studies, tips and relevant information that help marketers make informed strategic decisions. The more you know about your readers, the better you’ll be able to write to their needs.
2) Optimize, optimize, optimize.
Probably one of the most important things you can do is conduct a communications review of your online and downloadable information. Once a year at a minimum, go through everything and ask yourself, “Does this information match up to what our company is currently offering? Does it bear the corporate branding that our newest materials are using? Those two and other questions will guide you in your spring cleaning of what to keep or discard.
In all cases, resist the temptation of including everything you can say about your brand. Frankly, the more you say can actually end up hindering your marketing effectiveness. Busy people don’t appreciate busy websites that are difficult to navigate and find what they are looking for. The expression of including everything, but the kitchen sink, is not going to help your cause.
3) Be responsive.
As a blogger and strategist, I receive dozens of email solicitations and I’m always amazed how few follow-up with my reply email. Or worse, when I have found a company offering a service I was interested in and send the company an email requesting someone contact me, no one responds!
In one recent case, I even called the company after my email was left unanswered and customer service took my contact information. A month later, I am still waiting for a response that I am certain will never happen. Amazing isn’t it? It’s a lot like a company that exhibits at a trade show and then doesn’t follow-up with those attendees who stopped by their booth.
Anything worth building takes years, not minutes, so having a professional list of those you have contacted or who have contacted you is a necessity. Customers will learn to trust you and your company if you keep timely and up-to-date response call sheets—and they will reward you with their repeating business. Something all companies need in any business environment.
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Tom Wants To Hear Your Branding Issues:
Tom Marin, Managing Partner of MarketCues, wants to hear from you! Follow MarketCues on Twitter for branding and social media tips - as well as the latest trends. Tom also welcomes emails, new LinkedIn connections, calls to 407.330.7708 or visit www.marketcues.com. How can he help solve your branding issues?
Note: If you are a printing company or product/services company serving the print-media market, and would like to be considered for a feature in this blog, please contact Tom Marin for an interview.
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- Business Management - Marketing/Sales
Tom Marin is the Founder and President of MarketCues, Inc., a national consulting firm. He has worked for some of the world’s largest corporations and middle-market firms. Tom’s focus is to help CEOs drive their strategy shifts and strategic growth programs. Follow MarketCues on Twitter. Tom also welcomes emails new LinkedIn connections or calls to (919) 908-6145.