The Synergy Post

MARKETING SOFTWARE?

Software! Software! Software! It seems that everybody is always talking about software! Not so long ago I had no idea what the difference between software and hardware is. It turns out that it is not really rocket science; once you get into it. Sometimes I still feel that I do not understand a word these IT people say when they speak to me.

Hardware is basically everything you can touch when it comes to computer-type things, for example: Computer screens, laptops, iPads and towers. Got, it? Good. See, not that difficult. But here is where it gets a little tricky.  Software is a vast, mystical environment where there are so many programs and systems that make up software. Software is the tool needed for your hardware to work in complete synergy.

Seeing that I am in the business-to-business marketing field, there is only one kind of software that means something to me; CRM. Okay, so by now most people in the business world have heard of CRM (Customer Relationship Management), but not all has seen it in a true marketing software light.

Hand in hand with running a successful client base, the ability to run marketing campaigns within your business is essential. It has been proved over and over again that constant marketing to your current client base is the best way to ensure a constant cash flow and ROI (Return on Investment). Not to mention the relationships that can evolve thanks to the constant involvement in your clients’ business interests. It has been proven and tested that the ideal CRM system allows you to have the optimal access to your clients and what their needs are.

So when we speak of marketing software, in essence, what we mean by this is the right CRM system for your business. This system should handle and manage all your marketing campaigns within your business.

Why a CRM system as marketing software?

When you start a business you need tools and software to run your business successfully. Systems and records need to be implemented to allow for proper tracking of your clients and also to gain new clients. As previously mentioned in one of our blogs, the right CRM system can do this for you and your business.

The most important function of this CRM system is that effective marketing strategies can be put in place. Keeping track of these records can make it easier to determine the gaps in your marketing campaigns and on which products and clients to focus on.

Ever heard of drip marketing?    

A very useful type of marketing indeed, it is a sort of die-hard marketing tool. Marketing that gets done over and over again, just with a different colour jacket on each time. Drip marketing is the tool that allows for research, finding out what went wrong the first time round and how to improve your strategies for next time. Drip marketing is also a key factor in running the same marketing campaign on a different group of clients where it may be relevant to them or visa-versa.  All of this can be automated with the right CRM system.

Follow ups

Having the ability to keep records on all current clients and prospective clients will enable you to keep constant marketing strategies in the pipe line which will make it easier to know what strategies will fit in with which companies. Following up on leads and marketing campaigns is what the right CRM system can do for your business. 

Closing deals

Closing of deals are the signs of an effective CRM system with the proper marketing software that will ensure leads being followed up on and that deals get signed off. The process of customer relationship management can then begin where clients are added into the existing data base of your company and where effective marketing campaigns will ensure a constant cash flow or ROI.

Social media is the way forward

In a world where social media is leading the way in how we do business it is essential to have a CRM system with the proper marketing software that can assure your marketing campaigns get optimal exposure.

Don’t always jump on the bandwagon, but to get the most out of today and the future, ensure that you invest in software that works, grow with the times, your business and your clients.