Archives for June 2015
Common Misconceptions about Lead Quality in Marketing
One of the most important steps to developing a mobile marketing campaign is to find quality leads. However, while every organization is likely to have different methods to find and categorize its leads, there are a few common misconceptions that could hamper your company’s lead organization.
Here are some commons misconceptions about lead quality:
• Any lead is a good lead. This is perhaps the biggest misconception there is when it comes to lead generation. It’s always about quality over quantity. If you focus on spreading your
MMS mobile marketing can contain a timed slideshow of images, text, audio and video. This mobile content is delivered via MMS (Multimedia Message Service). Nearly all new phones produced with a color screen are capable of sending and receiving standard MMS message. Brands are able to both send (mobile terminated) and receive (mobile originated) rich content through MMS A2P (application-to-person) mobile networks to mobile subscribers. In some networks, brands are also able to sponsor messages that are sent P2P (person-to-person).
message to as many people as possible, you’re just wasting time and resource. Targeted messaging toward leads that are actually likely to listen to what you have to say is much more cost effective and worthy of your time.
• Quality leads just tend to happen. There is a lot of nurturing of your leads that goes into ensuring their quality. Not every single person who visits your website and fills out a form for a consultation is going to automatically be a quality lead. You may be surprised to learn that 79 percent of marketing leads never convert into sales because the company failed to nurture the lead property. Turning possible leads into quality leads takes work.
• Social media doesn’t produce quality leads. While this may have been true in past years, it was because brands didn’t understand how best to use social media for marketing. Since 2012, however, social media has had a significantly higher lead-to-close rate than other strategies, such as outbound marketing. With the amount of analytics now available through most social media sites, it’s foolish to ignore social networks as a marketing strategy.
• I only need to pursue leads that requested to be contacted. People that fill out contact forms have definitely shown they are ready to be pursued. However, being proactive with those that have been already identified as being quality leads but have not taken such action yet can do a lot to increasing the likelihood of a sale.
Have you suffered from any of these or other misconceptions about lead quality in marketing? Work with the team at Viral Solutions to flesh out an in-depth mobile marketing automation campaign that will help you to nurture quality leads and increase your conversion rates.
Copyright 2015 Viral Solutions LLC
by Thomas von Ahn | Chief Elephant Slayer
Watch out elephants! This slayer of business challenges comes with 30 years of record breaking sales, marketing, operations, training and leadership experience . He has worked face-to-face with 100’s of small business owners as well as large firms. His love of creating, communicating, developing and executing results for clients shines with each project, publication and training event. His entrepreneurial spirit, passion, industry experience, education, problem-solving prowess, charismatic personality and been-there-done that attitude leads his client focused approach.
Viral Solutions LLC is a Digital Marketer Certified Partner and an Infusionsoft Certified Consultant.
We help overwhelmed small business owners duplicate themselves – so business can be fun again.
Advantages of Using QR Codes for Your Company
Despite many people predicting the demise of QR codes over the past several years, they have stuck around as a viable option for companies looking to beef up their mobile marketing campaigns. These codes, which sort of resemble square bar codes, are scanned with special QR code-reading apps on mobile devices to instantly take the user to a landing page or app.
Since they debuted several years ago, companies have made all different kinds of uses for these codes. Some use them to promote sales, others use them as a way to get users to their websites to learn more about their products, and others still use them as a way to create more engagement with their apps and social media platforms.
There are several big advantages of the QR code from which your business could benefit:
• Storage. You can store approximately a hundred times more information on a QR code than your standard horizontal barcode.
QR codes allow a customer to visit a web page address by scanning a 2D image with their phone's camera, instead of manually entering a URL. The resultant URLs typically include tracking features which would be unwieldy if typed by the customer. Originally approved as an ISS standard in 1997, Denso-Wave first developed the standard for tracking automobile parts in Japan.
• Ease of use relative to other codes. While barcodes have to be scanned from a specific direction, QR codes can be scanned in any direction around 360 degrees. They’re easy for your device to read, and background interference typically isn’t an issue.
• Engagement. The code’s appearance is quite unique, so when a customer sees one they know exactly what it is and what to do with it. All it takes is a quick scan for them to see what’s on the other end of the code.
• Availability. Anyone with a smartphone can download a QR code reader for free. Therefore, just about anyone who walks into your business can scan QR codes you generated and access special deals, surveys or other information.
• Free. Not only are QR code readers usually free, but so are QR code generators. Download your codes and print them off on to fliers, menus, posters, billboards or any other form of print advertising you use in or out of your store.
If you desire a customized solution using QR Codes, look no further than the leader at NeoMedia. Mobile marketing solutions from NeoMedia put your business in front of customers on the devices they use the most – their smartphones. With high engagement tools like NeoSphere and QodeScan, users can read and interact with QR codes and barcodes, opening new pathways onto which customers can be reached. Promote your goods or services with NeoMedia’s mobile marketing solutions and provide customers with up to date, customized product information. If you’re looking for assistance in developing a strategy for using QR codes with your business, contact the team at Viral Solutions today.
Copyright 2015 Viral Solutions LLC
by Thomas von Ahn | Chief Elephant Slayer
Watch out elephants! This slayer of business challenges comes with 30 years of record breaking sales, marketing, operations, training and leadership experience . He has worked face-to-face with 100’s of small business owners as well as large firms. His love of creating, communicating, developing and executing results for clients shines with each project, publication and training event. His entrepreneurial spirit, passion, industry experience, education, problem-solving prowess, charismatic personality and been-there-done that attitude leads his client focused approach.
Viral Solutions LLC is a Digital Marketer Certified Partner and an Infusionsoft Certified Consultant.
We help overwhelmed small business owners duplicate themselves – so business can be fun again.
Are you indecisive about starting a business? Here are 3 Business Start Up Questions to ask yourself today.
There are many reasons to and not start a business. Often times there is a false fantasy that owning a business will be the best decision, for some it is true, yet for others, it may be the opposite. Perhaps your current situation has you sitting on the fence weighing the pros and cons to starting a business. Are you indecisive about starting a business? The hesitation that you're experiencing is normal.
Here are 3 Business Start Up Questions to ask yourself today.
Perhaps your current situation has you sitting on the fence weighing the pros and cons to starting a business. . Are you indecisive about starting a business? The hesitation that you're experiencing is normal.
1. Why? Really. Yes. Really. You need to be open and honest with yourself in regards to your reasoning “why” you want to start a business and “why not”. Be specific. Don't forget to ask “why now” or “why not now”. Take out a piece of paper – jot down your thoughts. Next, do the same with the “why not”. Compare the “why” and “why not”. Are the justifications legitimate? Are the smoke screens to a bigger limitation or fear? The “why” and “why not” aspects are essential and simple. Perhaps too simple or so much so that our mind wants to make some that truly is simple and complicate it with emotions. Gauge that interpretation and emotions connected with your desires. If you're experiencing way too many “why not” then think about how you can overcome those barriers or concerns. If starting a business is something that you want to do, there is always a way to make it happen. Likewise, there is always some excuse to not make it happen. Be honest with yourself about the “why” and “why not” aspects.
2. How? Yep. Another simple question. How am I going to make this happen? How much money do I need? How
If you're feeling confident, this is another indicator that it may be time to hop off that indecisive fence, dust your shoulders off, and get started. If, on the other hand, you feel like a deer in headlights, perhaps this is you time research.
am I going to get that money? Is this approach the most practical and resource method? Have I covered all the bases needed to make my business concept a reality? How will I handle setbacks? These are simple, yet profound questions that will impact every aspect to or not start a business. If you're feeling confident with your responses to those questions that are a good sign. If you're unclear about how to begin or where to start, that doesn't mean it is a done deal. Rather,now you have the opportunity to investigate how to make your business concept a reality. Many entrepreneurs can say that they just decided and started a business, which is great, however, those same entrepreneurs may also experience hindsight, i.e. had I know the things I know now, the “how” I got to this point would be different. There is no specific right way of starting a business. If you're feeling confident, this is another indicator that it may be time to hop off that indecisive fence, dust your shoulders off, and get started. If, on the other hand, you feel like a deer in headlights, perhaps this is you time research. You may want to research what would work best with your “how” and seek out a mentor to aid in that development or address the questions that are on your mind.
The exit strategy is a fundamental component and asking yourself questions about your exit strategy is smart. So, if you haven't thought about it. Now is the time.
3. Exit? Yep. Kind of like when you enter a building, and your eyes get directed to the Exit lights. In the game of business, it is essential to know your exit strategy before getting into the business. It may sound counterintuitive due to the fact of wanting to get into the business, yet exploring how to get out. Yep. The exit strategy is a fundamental component and asking yourself questions about your exit strategy is smart. So, if you haven't thought about it. Now is the time. How long will I own the business? Why would I want to get out of the business? What approach to exiting the business would I prefer? Would I want to build the business and sell it at XYZ point? Do I want to create a legacy and pass on the business? Do I want to liquidate the business once XYZ profits and sell off assets at XYZ price? There are many options in regards to exit strategy. The key is to get out when you want and get out well – financially, mentally, physically, and spiritually. So, if you're sitting on that indecisive fence and your entrepreneurial wheels are turning, think about your end game. If you feel comfortable and confident with your exit strategy that is another sign in your favor to hop off the fence and make your decision. If you're unclear about your exit strategy, take the time to think thoroughly through your options.
In conclusion, sometimes sitting on the fence is a good thing. It provides you with the time to research, evaluate, and select actions that would work best for you based on what you want from starting your business. However, at times being too indecisive can simply ruin the opportunity. That being said, these questions may be helpful in your decision-making to or not start a business.
Have a wonderful day.
by Katie Doseck, PhD MBA
Chief Visionary and Strategic Ace Up Your Sleeve | Viral Solutions LLC
Copyright 2015 by Viral Solutions LLC
Katie Doseck, PhD MBA | Chief Visionary & Strategic Ace Up Your Sleeve. I catapulted my experience with extensive education, trainings, and personal coaching; earning a PhD in Organizational Management with a specialization in Human Resource Management, MBA in Organizational Leadership, and BA in Law & Liberal Arts. Subject Matter Expert (SME) areas: Human Resource Management, Employment Law, Organizational Change, Change Management, Resource Planning, Strategic Planning, Talent Management, Selling & Sales Management, Training & Development, Decision Making Models, Project Management, Customer Relationship Management, and Motivation. Dr. Doseck is based out of Logan, Utah.
Viral Solutions LLC is a Digital Marketer Certified Partner, Infusionsoft Certified Consultant and a Mobit Certified Partner. We help overwhelmed small business owners duplicate themselves – so business can be fun again.
What We Know About Mobile Marketing in 2015
With the rapidly evolving nature of the mobile industry, sometimes it’s important for us to step back, take a breath and evaluate what we know to be true about the industry as it exists and how that affects our marketing plans.
Here are a few things that we know about mobile marketing in 2015, and some things that we can infer about it in coming years:
• Mobile is now for everyone. In past years, mobile marketing was mostly geared toward a smaller subset of people, generally adults with some money that were likely to be involved in
Advertising on web pages specifically meant for access by mobile devices is also an option. The Mobile Marketing Association provides a set of guidelines and standards that give the recommended format of ads, presentation, and metrics used in reporting. Google, Yahoo, and other major mobile content providers have been selling advertising placement on their properties for years already as of the time of this writing. Advertising networks focused on mobile properties, SMS resellers and advertisers are also available. Additionally, web forms on web pages can be used to integrate with mobile texting sources for reminders about meetings, seminars and other important events that assume users are not always at their computers. In addition Mobile websites are another aspect of mobile web marketing and can be a tool than can used to help make purchasing goods and services easier as well as create better communication opportunities between trade.
the business world. But today, thanks to the rise of smart phones, mobile marketing is for everyone, from young teenagers to retired adults. This means that marketers have much more room for creativity with their messages and targeting than ever before.
• Mobile is the usage leader now, and it’s only going to get bigger. The last several years have seen a consistent rise in the percentage of people who primarily browse the internet through mobile websites and apps. People are also doing most of their communications on mobile phones through texting, calling or messaging apps. That trend isn’t going to change any time soon.
• Mobile is the leader in conversions as well. About 80 percent of the conversions that happen on smartphones occur within a period of about five hours. This is a much faster rate than any other platform. This is likely because of the ways that people use mobile searches.
• Mobile is cost efficient. Text messaging, push notifications, mobile app management and more are all extremely cost-effective tools that can help you reach out to a wider pool of customers. It has the potential to produce higher rates of returns for your advertising campaign at a low cost.
• Mobile messages are more likely to be opened. Your brand can get higher exposure through mobile marketing because people are much more likely to open text messages or push notifications than they are other forms of marketing messages.
That’s what we know today, and most of that is unlikely to change any time soon. Now is the time to begin your mobile marketing automation campaign, so reach out to Viral Solutions today!
Copyright 2015 Viral Solutions LLC
by Thomas von Ahn | Chief Elephant Slayer
Watch out elephants! This slayer of business challenges comes with 30 years of record breaking sales, marketing, operations, training and leadership experience . He has worked face-to-face with 100’s of small business owners as well as large firms. His love of creating, communicating, developing and executing results for clients shines with each project, publication and training event. His entrepreneurial spirit, passion, industry experience, education, problem-solving prowess, charismatic personality and been-there-done that attitude leads his client focused approach.
Viral Solutions LLC is a Digital Marketer Certified Partner and an Infusionsoft Certified Consultant.
We help overwhelmed small business owners duplicate themselves – so business can be fun again.
Numbers Show SMS is Currently Top Dog in Mobile Advertising
As more and more businesses get involved with mobile marketing, SMS continues to be the clear leader of the pack.
The amount of people using smartphones and tablets across the world has rapidly increased, which means that the use of mobile apps and mobile web browsers has skyrocketed. In fact, recent estimates from the Mobile Marketing Association say that smartphone penetration in the American market will soon surpass 80 percent.
For now, the channel that is most-used in the mobile marketing world is SMS. The following is a quote from the Transparency Market Research organization, which performed a recent study on
SMS marketing services typically run off a short code, but sending text messages to an email address is another methodology (though this method is not supported by the carriers). Short codes are 5 or 6 digit numbers that have been assigned by all the mobile operators in a given country for the use of brand campaign and other consumer services. Due to the high price of short codes of $500–$1000 a month, many small businesses opt to share a short code in order to reduce monthly costs. The mobile operators vet every short code application before provisioning and monitor the service to make sure it does not diverge from its original service description. Another alternative to sending messages by short code or email is to do so through one's own dedicated phone number.
mobile marketing and the prevalence of SMS as a marketing tool:
“Mobile advertising services can be deployed to send text messages to cell phones. These services are also used for marketing using banner ads which appear on smartphone applications. These ads appear at the top of the page (mobile web banner) or at the bottom of the page (mobile web poster). SMS advertising, which accounts for over 90 percent of the total mobile marketing revenue, dominates the market. One of the advantages of SMS is that it allows users to view and send brief messages unobtrusively and without any privacy issues.”
TMR also indicated that MMS, multimedia messaging services, are on the rise as well, as is mobile video, mobile games and more.
Of course, the most effective mobile advertising strategies will utilize a wide variety of channels as they seek to engage their customers. Different kinds of businesses will likely have varying results with different types of platforms based on the kind of business they perform and the kinds of customers they are trying to reach.
For more information about how to effectively leverage SMS and other tools in your mobile marketing automation campaign, reach out to the team of mobile marketing experts at Viral Solutions today.
Copyright 2015 Viral Solutions LLC
by Thomas von Ahn | Chief Elephant Slayer
Watch out elephants! This slayer of business challenges comes with 30 years of record breaking sales, marketing, operations, training and leadership experience . He has worked face-to-face with 100’s of small business owners as well as large firms. His love of creating, communicating, developing and executing results for clients shines with each project, publication and training event. His entrepreneurial spirit, passion, industry experience, education, problem-solving prowess, charismatic personality and been-there-done that attitude leads his client focused approach.
Viral Solutions LLC is a Digital Marketer Certified Partner and an Infusionsoft Certified Consultant.
We help overwhelmed small business owners duplicate themselves – so business can be fun again.