Email Marketing is a must-use marketing channel even for the smallest of businesses

Are you a small business owner? There is a big chance that you have many daily responsibilities. In addition to managing a company, you are the visionary, the motivating force, the expert, and most importantly the one that calls the shots. Entrepreneurs have many tasks that are calling for their attention. They also are the individuals that are responsible for mapping out the road for success ahead of their endeavor. So, what is a small business owner to do with so little time?   It is true that there are various needs that must be met within a business, however, have you considered that you might be spending time on efforts that are not urgent?

Are You Running Around in Circles?

Think about your current marketing efforts. What…

Chart of the day: Research shows the power of email marketing to encourage return visits

Much of the insight about how our audiences interact with us online relates to acquisition channels and conversion to sale. So, I was interested to see this research from Ecommerce personalisation platform provider Monetate which shows returning visitor behaviour related to channels. It prompts us to evaluate returning visitor rates and their impact on sales and how we can influence them through communications using different channels.  This curve shows an interesting behavioural trait where most visitors return within a short period of a week or so (if they are going to return), but others do return. What are the implications? Monetate conclude with this takeaway: While outreach tactics, such as targeted emails, should be concentrated within that one-week window, there’s plenty of opportunity to re-engage shoppers after that one-week window: Nearly…

Google introduces a news stream personalized to your interests and Google searches

Google has just rolled out its latest take on the news feed for its mobile app. They have designed a personalized stream of articles and videos based on our choices, searches, and past behavior online. In December 2016 Google launched an update to its app which included two sections: 'A feed that keeps you current on your interests like sports, news, and entertainment, and a section for your upcoming personal info, like flights, appointments and more.' Google's news feed combines the most important news stories of the day with topics you’ve previously searched. What makes this feed different is you don't need to 'friend' anyone, like posts or scroll through endless pictures of babies and ridiculous memes. Instead, Google is allowing you to discover, explore and stay connected to what matters to you. …

Agencies are among the most enthusiastic adopters of new marketing automation tech

With the launch of another mind-boggling Martech Landscape by ChiefMartec.com (now deservedly renamed the Marketing Technology Landscape Supergraphic or Martech 5000), it’s safe to say that there is an increased appetite for marketing automation technology. This category has been growing steadily over the past years and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, it’s so important that marketing automation has now become the top attribute when choosing an ESP, above cost and user-friendly interface according to the recently-published 2017 Email Industry Census.

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What this shows is that most brands and agencies no longer consider marketing…

Chart of the day: Most customers have to contact companies twice to get a resolution to a customer service problem

Research by maru/edr has found that almost 8 in 10 customers contact companies by one method (such as online chat) and then by another (such as by phone) - customers feel they need to use multiple channels to get a resolution. The research also found that (as expected) email is the easiest method of contact, but phone contact led to a more immediate resolution. Live chat also led to a slightly higher number of resolutions than email. Social media was found to resolve issues the least and the most difficult method for contact, which is surprising - especially with the wider use of social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. We have seen that more and more companies are investing time to integrate social media into their…

What to measure when conducting customer surveys

The customer has to be at the heart of your strategy. That's so elemental it hardly merits saying. But how do you accurately build up a picture of your customers desires, wants, and needs? Customer surveys offer a valuable way of connecting with your customers and understanding them better. But, often it's extremely hard to get your customers' attention for periods long enough to get detailed results. After all, we're all busy. Let's face it, how many emails asking you to give your feedback have you ignored in the past week? More than the number of surveys you've answered in all likelihood. If you need tips on how to get more from your customer surveys, this infographic from appuri offers four ways you can improve them. Also, see our new Quick Win for members on Customer Satisfaction Surveys and measuring NPS for more detailed recommendations on best practices for…

Chart of the day: 3 in 10 Wimbledon Fans are watching branded video on social media

You may have noticed Twitter has partnered with the All England Lawn Tennis Club by live streaming its Wimbledon Channel. Allowing tennis fans around the world to tune in and watch matches live. Social Media has played a big part in the promotion of Wimbledon Championships. This chart shows how social media has helped shares and comments throughout the event. According to Global Web Index 3 in 10 Wimbledon Fans are watching branded video online. The results below show that each country is more likely to follow the sports stars over watching or following sports on social media. This presents a clear opportunity for brands who are looking to use video or broadcasting in their campaigns. If you have proof that your followers are engaged on social media and are…

Chart of the day: Mobile search and Mobile display have grown rapidly from 2015 to 2016 in Europe.

Mobile video rose more than 20% between 2015 and 2016, according to the Adex Benchmark from IAB and IAB Europe. The UK leads mobile ad growth compared with the rest of Europe. There is year on year growth of around 53% for mobile advertising. Mobile advertising revenue globally has hit $83 billion which is over 60% increase. Mobile display advertising grew by 52.9% to €5.4 billion in Europe, mobile search was up 52.9% amounting to €5.5 billion. Serbia, Romania and Turkey have seen the biggest mobile display advertising growth year-on-year. Source: IAB Adex Benchmark 2016 - published June 2017 Sample: Data provided by IHS Markit and ComScore Recommended…

How to create the perfect name for your business

Company names like Apple, Amazon and eBay evoke an image of success and cutting-edge technology. They make an emotional connection with consumers, resulting in the kind of brand recognition that many companies dream of. It’s hard to overstate the importance of a business name. Not only is it the first thing that customers see, it also sums up the company and its unique take on an industry. “When a name is the face of the brand, getting it right is absolutely crucial,” Adam Fridman writes in Inc. Getting your business’ name right could mean the difference between “Blue Ribbon Sports” and “Nike.” Here are some tips for how to come up with a business name.

When Naming a Business, Think Like a Consumer

Ideally, your business name should be short and easy to spell while covering key elements of your company. Unique spellings such as “Chick-fil-A”…

Planning for GDPR Compliance – Are you ready?

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into force on May 25th 2018 and triggers the most significant changes to data protection law in two decades. It is essential for businesses and individuals to be prepared as failure to comply may mean stiff penalties for some breaches. The team at SmartSurvey (the UK’s leading online survey provider) have put together a new infographic and a GDPR Compliance Checker to help you find out how well prepared you are or if you still have some issues that you need to consider.

GDPR infographic – download

Mo Naser is an industry expert in the field of online survey…