Alex Barron

How to future proof you marketing strategy

How to futureproof your Marketing Strategy

With the marketing world and business world for that matter changing regularly, it is important for companies to have an accurate marketing strategy that supports their longer-term ethos and goals.

With these business and marketing changes, alongside changing customer preferences it is easy to see why brands and companies do not last long.

To negate this, companies need to build marketing strategies that are future-proofed and can flex and adapt to changing world conditions. In this article, Rainmaker SOS takes a look at considerations you should take into account when building out your strategies.

Integrate Technology and Data

Technology has revolutionised the marketing landscape as we have covered in a number of our MarTech-focused articles. Alongside this, technology has helped to futureproof marketing strategies by providing consistency, feedback mechanisms in terms of data and also room for expansion (if you choose the right platforms).

Emerging technologies such as AI, AR, VR and Web3 will undoubtedly have an effect on marketing and business as a whole in years to come. So, investing your time into these areas now will see you be able to move and flex with the times ahead.

Focus On Your Longer Term Goals/Deliverables

Some may not agree, but focusing on your long-term goals will help to develop a marketing strategy that supports your aspirations. Over time, yes your business will change, flex and adapt as this is the world we live in. However, if your long-term goal is to sell your business in 5 years, then you need to work towards adding value from a brand and marketing perspective.

A future outlook will definitely help with the futureproofing of any plans that you have.

Listen To Your Audience

Your consumers will decide your success, so listening to your audience and understanding their needs is going to be a big contributor to your future. With a shift in consumer behaviour in the last few years due to the pandemic, financial crisis and other elements, engaging your audience has never been more important.

The insights and knowledge you gain from them will allow you to build a long-term strategy.

Deliver Quality Content

We know that social media and all marketing for that fact is powered by high-quality content and its delivery thereof. Good quality content brings value to customers, helps them to solve a problem and most importantly is relatable.

Building these solid connections with your audience is what helps to sustain your business from a marketing perspective, giving it a future prospect. If you are looking to build for the future, then you cannot ignore the power of great content.

Invest In Multiple Channels

Having a one-dimensional focus on marketing does not help your chances or exposure or success. There are hardly any if not zero companies in the world who just focus on one channel be that SEO, Social Media, PPC or whatever it may be.

Investing time in multiple marketing efforts does a number of things. Firstly, it widens the net to appeal to and capture your audience's attention, driving engagement and sales. Secondly, marketing trends change almost weekly. So, if you are invested in multiple channels, you can tweak and move as you need to.

It is worth noting that no marketing strategy is ever guaranteed, but it is the planning, consistency and execution of such strategies that help to generate results and success.

The Final Verdict

As you can see, there are many factors to consider when trying to futureproof your marketing strategy. It is important to keep track of changes in technology and how they will affect the way consumers interact with your brand. You should also be aware of changing demographics and trends in society so that you can adjust your messaging accordingly. And finally, don't be afraid to experiment with new marketing channels and strategies - after all, that's what will help you stay ahead of the curve!

If you would like to find out more about Rainmaker SOS and how we can help you, then click here to find out more.

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Marketing in 2023 - What does it look like?

2023, where has that come from? As we move into the final few weeks of the year, the emphasis looks into the future, and what marketing trends may become apparent over the next 12 months. The use of marketing has continued to grow this year and for good reason. New products, competitive markets and more have meant a surge in those putting time and emphasis into the marketing space.

However, we all know with a new year comes new trends. So in this article, we look at some of the new avenues you may be able to utilise in 2023.

Interactive Content

Audience engagement and attractions are two things that all marketers have to contend with on a daily basis. Therefore, the use of interactive content will help. Interactive content can come in many forms be that e-books, how-to guides, animations and more.

Leveraging this type of content will definitely help you to stand out from the crowd, and could also be a valuable data source.

SEO Continues To Dominate

The use of search engines is only growing and this looks set to continue into 2023. Therefore an emphasis on SEO and organic search definitely should be within your marketing plan.

Content that comprises keywords, adds value and ultimately attracts readers should be a consideration anyway, but with the need to outrank your competitors even more prevalent, it has to be a high priority.

VR (Virtual Reality)

VR has been coming more and more in 2022, and in 2023 we would expect it to really take off. The rise in digital worlds helps to support this and provides a new outlet for marketers. And helps to further show the users exactly what it is you mean and what your product does.

Experienced-based marketing is on the rise, and with Virtual Reality the possibilities are endless.

Video Content

Video content without a doubt has been a standout for the past few years. The rise in YouTube and also platforms like TikTok continue to support the need for video-based marketing and content.

Making it easier for companies to elaborate on complex ideas or products, video content also helps to engage users and your audience. Which as we have seen in our first point is really important.

The Final Verdict

Although the future is difficult to predict, it’s safe to say that marketing will continue to change and evolve. By preparing for these changes now, you can ensure your business stays ahead of the curve and continues to thrive in 2023 and beyond. Are there any other ways you think marketing will change over the next few years? Let us know in the comments below!

If you would like to find out more about Rainmaker SOS and how we can help you, then click here to find out more.

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Automation - Is It The Future?

The conversation around automation is hotly contested, but it seems if you are reading various forums and social network feeds more and more people are buying into the concept. Change is not easy for everyone, no matter how big or small it may be.

Rainmaker SOS are advocates of automation and use this within our business to create slick processes to ensure our marketing is on point, and that we are able to track and generate leads. With this in mind, we have put together our thoughts and guidance on automation and what it may mean for your business.

Why Is Automation A Key Talking Point?

The idea of automation has been a taboo subject in our opinion for a number of years. However, as more and more companies adopt this way of working, it has started to become a little more accepted.

People view automation as a negative, and especially in lead generation as it is seen as a tool to spam people with unnecessary messages. Far from the truth when done correctly!

What we have seen as widely reported by the likes of HubSpot, is that automation when used in the correct way actually aids a businesses efforts, reduces time spent on menial tasks and can help to improve success rates.

What Areas Of Your Business Can You Automate?

Automation is not limited to a specific section of your business, and with the vast amount of tools now available on the market, it is hard to find an area you cannot automate. Most organisations however will have a similar outlook, and will use technology to automate the following processes:

Lead Generation

Automating a lead generation process is a great way to ensure consistency of a campaign, but also the tracking of any leads that come through to you. Lead generation is a key component to any business, so ensuring a consistent approach will only help to generate more revenue opportunities for your business.

Sales

Following on from Lead Generation, any automation in your sales process will assist to speed up your process, and ensure leads are contacted in a timely manner. Markets and business sectors are becoming more and more competitive so time and obviously a good product will help to increase success rates.

Utilising a CRM system such as HubSpot which tracks leads and puts them into a sales pipeline. This can then be picked up by the sales team and acted upon.

Marketing

Effective marketing is time-consuming, and for a small business without a large marketing function, automation will only aid your efforts. Automating social media via a scheduling tool, or automating a newsletter to go out at a certain day and time ensures that your marketing efforts are occurring, and that you are engaging your audience.

Customer Service

Customer Service is a key part of any business, and poor service could be the difference between a new customer and not. Automating this process allows customers to be responded promptly, and also be directed to where their query or even complaint can be answered.

The Final Verdict

So is automation the future? In our opinion yes it is. As we move to a more technology driven way of working, and with competition in markets becoming ever more apparent, finding ways to create effective and quick processes is a must. Automation in the right areas of your business can do this in abundance when implemented correctly.

If you would like to find out more about Rainmaker SOS and how we can help you, then click here to find out more.

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Growing Your LinkedIn Connections

LinkedIn still stands today as the largest business-centric networking platform in the world meaning the opportunity to network and do business is still very much a possibility. The power of LinkedIn lies within your network and the connections you make, very similar to networking in a physical sense.

So with this in mind, here are some of our tips on how you can effectively grow your LinkedIn connections.

Review Your Profile

We call your profile your “shop window”. Your shop window is the first thing any new connection sees before they connect back with you, or when they find you via searches on LinkedIn. Therefore it is vital your shop window looks presentable and represents your brand.

So how can you do this? Here are some suggestions.

Banner

Make sure it is branded and gives a clear idea of what your business does.

Use A Professional Image

Profiles with a professional image stand a far better chance of having connections accepted.

Include A Bio

Your bio section is your chance to tell people about YOU. Plus it helps those who may be searching for your expertise on the LinkedIn platform.

Be Visible To Searches

Is your page visible to be found by searchers? If it isn't, then you could be missing out on more than just a connection request.

With LinkedIn’s filtering options and also use of boolean searches, it is now easier for users to find those they would like to add to their network. However, if you are not visible how can you be found?

Searchers will be looking for specific connections usually for two main reasons to sell to or request your services. Whatever it may be, both could be positive for you and your business.

Join Groups

Groups are a popular part of the LinkedIn platform, and are a perfect way for users, especially new ones to network and grow their network.

Join a group with like-minded individuals or those that are thought leaders in your sector/specialism. Be active, give your opinion and provide value with your content. This is the starting point of being able to really assert yourself in a group environment.

Be Consistent and Be Active

Being active on LinkedIn and most importantly being consistent are potentially the two areas where most users stumble. Taking time to post and think of content usually doesn't land very high on the list of thought leaders, so how do you get around it?

Two ways. Firstly, make a conscious effort to post 2-3 times a week. This is manageable for anyone. Or secondly, look at the expertise of a LinkedIn marketing expert.

Consistency and activity help with growing networks as people are more attracted to those that provide value, post content and really engage with the platform. For anyone looking to connect with you, it is simple from your profile to see how active you really are.

Utilise Your Connection Limit

Did you know the maximum amount of connections you can send each week is 100?

If you are sending up to that limit or as close too as possible then you are missing out on potential chances to grow your network.

Create some search criteria for your ideal audience, send out your 20 connections per day and be consistent with it. Include an intro message as well in your connection request, something that is authentic and personal. This will help to increase your chances of connecting.

The Final Verdict

LinkedIn is a powerful platform with the ability to help you grow your network and advance your career. By following the tips outlined in this blog post, you can increase your chances of success on LinkedIn. Use these tips to start growing your connections today!

If you would like to find out more about Rainmaker SOS and how we can help you, then click here to find out more.

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5 Emerging Lead Generation Trends

Technology advancements, competitive markets, changes in buyer behaviour, the list truly does go on and on about why lead generation and even marketing as a whole has changed. Staying in line with the curve is important, and those that do not will notice a big change in the leads they generate as we move into a competitive time.

The emerging trends we identify below can be used in almost all businesses and may add a new dynamic to your marketing and lead generation efforts.

Data-Driven Approach

The rise in the use of data has driven marketers and lead generation professionals to focus on data gathering, cleansing and massaging. The possibilities are endless for those with access to large and most importantly accurate data sets when in line with an apparent reach-out strategy.

If you find yourself behind the curve, then understanding ways in which you can gather valuable data need to be top of your list.

Automation of Platforms/Reach out

Automation has been a key talking point for us here at Rainmaker SOS, and it is the same for many within our field. #Automation has been aiding businesses over the past few years, and with productivity being such a key focus in 2023 it is easy to see why it continues to be a key talking point.

Automating social media, email marketing and even reaching out via LinkedIn could be what you need to meet your goals.

Video

We list video marketing as an emerging trend, however, this shift has been coming for years. The rise of TikTok and Instagram algorithm change shows why video has become a very valuable out for companies.

As far as engaging content goes, video is one of if not the best ways to do this. And for lead generation, engaging your audience is all part of the process.

Interactive Content

Static content is not a thing of the past, and still has a place in marketing and lead generation, however, most channels now include some form of interaction to take place between the business/individual and their audience.

Let's take LinkedIn for example, the use of polls is a great lead generation tool for two reasons, Firstly they engage the audience and get them to interact with your content. Secondly, you are able to see who has voted, creating a great reach-out opportunity.

Online Events

Covid shifted events online, and even in 2022 post-pandemic, we are still seeing more and more events taking place. Regardless if you think they work or don't, they are great lead generation and brand-building opportunities.

Networking as a whole is a great lead generation tool as it allows you to expand your network and meet like-minded individuals.

The Final Verdict

Seeing new trends emerging, new technologies coming to market and the adoption of new approaches create a new and exciting time for companies all around the globe. Even within our own business, we have adopted new ways of working which have built upon our previous successes. And for those who can adapt and be flexible with their #lead generation and #marketing efforts, we only foresee further success for them also.

If you would like to find out more about Rainmaker SOS and how we can help you, then click here to find out more.

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📞+44 20 3011 3247