Customers connect with businesses through more channels than ever before, and it is essential to identify what media and content are used to find and buy your solution. Focus on those key moments that can help inspire people to buy your product or service. The goal of your marketing efforts determines what channels, content – and social marketing tactics your business should use.
For example, to create awareness, some businesses provide a lot of “how-to” information; but have no product pages and reviews (down-the-funnel information to sell). They can create content and be present in the channels that convert users to paying customers.
Multichannel & cross-channel
Every time a potential customer visits your channels, their interest in your solution increases. The effective channels are different per vertical. You can use Google Think to see what channel mix (combination of channels) works for your business. Even though “Google Think” shows the variety of channels businesses uses these days, this might not be the best combination for your vertical. When you see the following sales channels in Google’s graph, referral, direct, or “Brand search,” consider switching to the U.S. or a large company. While these three sales channels are effective, they are also slightly old-fashioned. You can use more channels to reach people and attract new customers. You can find more channels to guide your customers’ journey in the image of the buyer’s matrix below.
Content marketing
Many sales organizations provide “down-the-funnel” information, such as product sheets and reviews, but not “top-of-funnel” content to attract new customers. At the beginning of the customer’s journey, people have different questions than those ready to buy.
Social marketing
Attracting new leads via social media is very effective. First of all, it is cheaper than Google AdWords, and Secondly, it allows you to divide your audience into segments. I also use it to attract new people to events – you can attract new leads and pay as little as one euro per lead. Once people become fans, you can direct your marketing efforts towards them and stay top-of-mind.
Buyer’s Journey Matrix
Find out what you can do today to achieve your marketing goals. Check out the “buyer’s journey matrix” to determine what content, social media, and channels you can use to reach your goals.
Marketing funnel and KPIs
From a customer’s perspective, people become aware of new products and services through different channels. Measure visits, page depth, and time spent on-page. If the user interacts with the channels, enters an e-mail address, and fits the target audience, the user is counted as an MQL (Marketing Qualified Lead). The sales rep picks up the lead and is measured as a SAL (Sales Accepted Lead). When the lead becomes a customer, the LCV (Lifetime Customer Value) is measured to predict the net profit per customer. LCV is a critical metric to shift the focus from quarterly profits to long-term customer relationships.
Generating leads that fit your target audience and setting expectations in the buyer stages create loyal customers. Loyal customers will improve your ROI and make your business successful.