Inbound marketing focuses on leads instead of searching for customers
Inbound marketing focuses on being found by potential leads instead of searching for customers.
Traditional marketing methods such as paid TV ads, direct mailings, cold calling and trade shows are costly. Inbound Marketing is not only effective and less expensive but the results are better tracked.
1. Search Engine Optimization
The primary way that inbound marketing works is through Search Engine Optimization (SEO). SEO is a method to get your website to rank high on search engines for specific keywords.
When a potential customer does a web search, they are actively searching for your product or service. So as a marketing firm your audience might type in “Marketing San Antonio,” if you’re website is listed on page 1 of Google, Bing or Yahoo search engines you’ll be likely to receive more quality leads.
Help your business get visibility online with these SEO marketing tips.
2. Content Marketing
Content marketing is creating valuable information to display on your site to increase customer interest. Often businesses will attract customers by delivering a blog or a tips area on their website that provides relevant content making their company a trusted and helpful resource.
Ways to provide valuable content:
- Educational Ebooks
- Training or How To Videos
- Whitepapers
- Webinars
Tip: don’t forget to provide a call to action in your content to convert sales.
3. Email and Marketing Automation
Inbound marketing should not relying just on generating business but a balance of nurturing leads and converting visitors into customers. Email and marketing automation should contain information useful to nurture the visitor’s interest and is a great opportunity to deliver sales pitches.
How to capture email addresses:
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| Inbound marketing focuses on leads instead of searching for customers |
Since the newsletter was actively sought, it is less likely to be viewed as spam, but it is wise to set expectations and inform how often your emails will be sent to the individual. The optin opportunities are most effective on a landing page, above the home page fold, or on sidebars of your site.
Affordable and easy optin and email automation systems include:
- Aweber.com
- ConstantContact.com
- Infusionsoft.com
These email automation systems have customizable opt-in templates and for more creative opt-ins you may need a developer to create unique opt-in forms.
4. Social Presence
Social Media Inbound Marketing
Using sites such as Twitter and Facebook to generate interest in a product or service are great ways to use inbound marketing strategies. Provide regular content that is engaging on your social media account to attract potential clients.Some important factors to consider:
- Who is your target audience on social channels?
- Which social channels does your audience communicate and interact in?
- What type of content is valuable?
- Tip: don’t just self promote, give your audience useful information and encourage sharing.
Learn more why your business should get social!
5. Video Marketing
Viral Video Inbound Marketing
One of the most effective ways to convey information is through videos. People often go to popular video channels such as Youtube or Vimeo to get info to solve problems or learn about a service or product. Get in front of your audience by being visible on these video channels.
Tip: Also make sure to provide a link or phone number in the video description to ensure they will find your company. Check out these top 5 tips to make your viral video reach more!
It’s a brave new world for marketing and it’s important for businesses to stay on top of all the current trends and directions that inbound marketing are taking. By staying current and staying focused on inbound marketing, businesses can take advantage of all the new possibilities being offered with today’s technology.
