If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it’s how to interact with others through screens. We already know that experiential marketing allows brands to engage with consumers directly, but now many brands are struggling to connect with their target audience virtually. Hybrid events, which cater to in-person and remote audiences via live streaming, are becoming more common as travel restrictions and uncertainties from the pandemic linger. Hybrid experiential marketing events can be a way to reach more consumers — but they can also be tricky to pull off without mishaps. Here are five potential pitfalls to watch for when planning a hybrid event.
#1) Turning Remote Attendees Into Spectators
Setting up cameras and streaming the live event or activities to virtual audiences won’t cut it. You don’t want your remote attendees to feel like they’re on the outside looking in as mere spectators. They must have opportunities to participate in real-time along with in-person attendees. Allow for live Q & A, voting or comment sessions that remote attendees can type into chat windows — and let the live audience see the comments/questions (hire an emcee to moderate). Your in-person audience could do the same via their mobile devices so everyone has equal participation opportunities. Another option is to provide opportunities for in-person and virtual participants to snap photos and share them using event hashtags. You can find many ways to engage your virtual attendees.
#2) Using a Venue That Can’t Support Both Audiences
Your event venue or location might be fantastic for showcasing products, displaying cool videos, and hosting live entertainment — but could lack the technical capability to handle multiple video streams and Wi-Fi connections from in-person attendees. Ensure your venue or location has the technical capacity and an onsite technical support team to resolve problems quickly. A backup power source is crucial because a power outage would sabotage the entire event. Finally, the venue or location must also work for in-person and live streaming, so avoid picking one that would be challenging to film or uncomfortable or unfeasible for in-person attendees.
#3) Assuming the In-Person Personalities can Interact With Both Audiences
You might have dynamic speakers or entertainers who can expertly engage a crowd but may lack the experience or ability to excite a remote audience. (Just ask any teacher who had to teach to classroom and remote students simultaneously in 2020 — often, the remote students felt ignored). In contrast, you might have an excellent YouTuber or another online influencer who is entirely comfortable speaking to their webcam for hours but would fall apart in front of a live audience. Your entertainment or influencer may just need some training or rehearsing.
#4) Choosing the Wrong Platform
Your organization might have lived on Zoom over the past several months and held successful meetings — but Zoom might not be the best choice for an experiential marketing campaign. For example, your target audience may hang out on YouTube or Facebook, so you’ll need to understand where your target audience lives virtually. In addition, your marketing team or influencers may be talented gurus who can connect with consumers at a concert, sporting event, or shopping mall, but they may not know how to transition that talent to engage virtual audiences. The takeaway here is to research and plan carefully to ensure you’re using the right platform and people — you may have to hire outside help experienced in running hybrid experiential marketing campaigns.
#5) Ignoring Sponsorship Opportunities
Fully or partially sponsoring an event such as a concert, sports, charity, or community event is often the first thing brands consider when planning an experiential marketing campaign. However, hybrid events often reach a much larger audience than in-person only, meaning they offer fantastic sponsorship opportunities. You can use videos, sponsor-hosted sessions, banner ads, sponsorship pages, and a whole host of other methods to get your sponsor seen and heard by both audiences. In addition, you can email or text offers from sponsors to remote and in-person attendees, so everyone is offered the same swag, freebies, discounts, etc. So don’t overlook this potentially lucrative opportunity!
We can help you plan and execute a hybrid experiential marketing campaign! Contact us today & leverage our 25+ years of experience and expertise in creating impactful, successful events and activities!
We’ve discussed why experiential marketing attracts new consumers, increases brand loyalty, drives sales, and delivers attractive ROIs. Experiential marketing is one of the most successful strategies a marketing team can utilize. This strategy will likely increase in popularity as consumers are tired of being “sold to” by endless one-way communication. However, despite its successful track record, experiential marketing is also challenging to get right. In this post, we will explain three different experiential marketing types and their key takeaways.
Product Sampling
Product sampling is the strategy most of us know. Brands typically hire brand ambassadors, people who mimic the demographic of their target audience, to hand out samples or get consumers to try something. Typically, product sampling occurs at trade shows, concerts, festivals, fairs, sporting events, retail outlets, and even busy street corners using pop-up booths and lounges. However, it can also work in e-commerce too — for example, a company can throw in a free sample or two when a customer places an online order. Another benefit is gaining invaluable insights into what consumers think of your product, which you can share with your design team.
Instead of telling consumers how great your product tastes, smells, or feels, they can try it for themselves without any obligation to buy. Biore, a skincare company that makes bandage-like pore cleansing strips, hit the jackpot in 1997 when they were a sponsor at Lilith Faire, a nationwide concert tour featuring female artists. Lilith Fair attracted a mostly female audience between 18 and 34 — Biore’s exact target audience for the pore cleansing strips. Brand ambassadors walked around handing out free strips. The buzz and free press generated by photos of women rocking out a concert with white strips on their noses catapulted the new company into stardom, vastly exceeding its sales projections.
Key Takeaway for Product Sampling: Product sampling can be an exceptionally successful way to attract new customers, increase brand awareness and enhance loyalty when executed properly. (Learn more on our blog post, “What Does It Take to Create Effective Product Sampling Campaigns?). It’s essential to understand where your target audience is going to be.
Many brands make the “spray and pray” mistake — wasting time and money distributing free samples to consumers who have no need or interest in their products.
Product Showcases
Similar to product sampling, demonstrating how your product works, feels, and sounds is an excellent way to allow consumers to experience your brand. For example, we launched a product showcase for ISOPURE, a high-performance sports nutrition company, at the GoPro Mountain Games in Vail, CO. We built an inviting pop-up lounge with comfy couches and our skilled brand ambassadors invited consumers to create custom samples of ISOPURE’s sports drink products. The campaign worked because we chose the right place, time, and message for ISOPURE’s target audience!
With virtual and augmented reality technology, you don’t even need to have your product physically present. For example, Audi launched a highly successful virtual reality campaign where adults were reminded of how fun it was to create sand structures and then drive toy vehicles around them. Each participant built a course in a real sandbox, and then a depth-sensing camera scanned their creation. Next, participants donned a virtual reality headset and sat in a driving simulator that mimicked how the new Audi Q5 handled the bumps and jumps in the custom-built course, including realistic sound effects.
The initial VR experience launched at a premier Audi dealership in Norway and then went on the road to other locations. Norwegian Audi dealers reported a 57% increase in visitors during the tour, and the Q5 became Audi’s best-selling model in Norway.
Key Takeaway for Product Showcases: The product showcase must do more than display the product — it must generate buzz and provide an authentic, memorable experience that allows consumers to engage with your brand.
Consumers can spot a gimmick a mile away, so your engagement must feel authentic and have the right time, place, and message to connect with your target audience.
Brand Activation & Event Sponsorship
Another way to engage with your target audience is by sponsoring an event — a sporting, music, community, or charity event. However, event sponsorship no longer means simply paying to display your logo before and during the event. Whether you’re sponsoring an event or introducing a new brand or product, you want to make a splash and “wow” your target audience.
The annual SXSW festival in Austin, TX, is a veritable guidebook for how to sponsor events using experiential marketing. From parking-lot-roller skating rinks (VICE) to giant wave pools (TNT), photo and video opps sitting at Michael Scott’s from The Office desk and a Project Runway experience (Comcast NBCUniversal) and a garden with a 20’ tree bar (Amazon Prime Video), the multi-day festival is just teeming with innovative, exciting opportunities where brands engage consumers. SXSW is extremely popular because attendees get to experience fun, surprising, delightful activities beyond just watching music performances — activities that get a lot of free press coverage and get shared on social media, allowing brands to reach a much vaster audience than simply the event attendees.
Red Bull is the master at event sponsorship and always sponsors experiences and events that align with its extreme action/sports reputation. However, even brands that don’t immediately seem to correlate to an event can produce a successful experiential marketing sponsorship. For example, butter maker Land O’Lakes launched a highly successful activation at SXSW using references to Nicolaus Copernicus, the 16th-century astronomer who discovered the Earth rotates the sun, not the other way around, making the sun the center of everything. Copernicus also had a reputation for being a truth-seeker, so Land O’Lakes capitalized on that angle. It promoted the idea that the company was seeking the truth about our food system and hosted several events and activities to match that theme.
However, brands must choose suitable events for sponsorship and activation. Not only should the brand and event “personalities” match or support one another, but they must also match in size and scope. A small company won’t likely see much ROI sponsoring a large event, and vice versa. For example, a massive company like Coca-Cola won’t get much exposure sponsoring a small community event. A smaller company will see a much better ROI sponsoring or activating at a niche event where its target audience will be, and participation costs are much lower.
Key Takeaway for Event Sponsorship & Brand Activation: Choose events that match your size, scope, and brand image for sponsorships and brand activations.
Get creative and find ways to engage your audience in surprising ways.
These are just three experiential marketing campaigns. Stay tuned because we’ll discuss more experiential marketing campaigns in our next post, including cause marketing, mobile tours, VIP hospitality, and special events.
Need some help with launching an experiential marketing program? Leverage our 25+ years of experience and expertise in creating impactful, successful programs.
While you’re settling back into the office after the holidays, it is the perfect time to plan a mobile marketing tour!
A mobile marketing tour is an excellent opportunity to meet your target audience in their lifestyle intersection.
Why Mobile Marketing?
Impact—Going on the road you’re able to reach a wider audience, expanding your campaign’s impact on consumers.
Pace—Not only will you be able to reach more people, but you will do so in a shorter amount of time. The mobile tour allows you to connect with more people in a faster manner.
Specialization—Probably the most exciting benefit of the mobile marketing tour is the ability to really individualize each stop to best cater to the area and people of each location. The marketing purpose is the same, but you can tailor each experience to a specific place.
Tips for Successful Mobile Marketing Tours
1. Research Beforehand
Choosing the best location is crucial, it must make sense for your brand and be convenient for your audience.
Finding a locale that fits your audiences’ lifestyle while complementing your brand will only be possible with in-person visits.
Planning site visits, mapping out efficient driving routes, and installing a plan B will ensure a smooth and successful event.
And now, it’s important to know the area’s regulations and restrictions for groups of people. A little research will go a long way.
2. Personalize Each Event
As I’ve mentioned, being able to travel to different places gives you a wider audience, and while your product will remain the same, your users and their preferences will vary.
Do your research and make tweaks accordingly to appeal to specific locations. Your supporters will notice the details that cater to them, and they’ll be appreciative.
3. Prepare Your Staff
Considering your staff and brand ambassadors will be the face of your business on-site, taking the time to train them properly will be worth it.
Preparing them to engage (safely) with consumers, reviewing event logistics, brand policy and procedure, and the company’s mission will be essential to have a solid staff who will adequately represent your brand in all interactions.
4. Reach Your Audience
Are you hoping to catch random pedestrians, or do you have a specific target audience in mind?
If you know your audience, it’s crucial to reach out beforehand, build up the hype, and get the important information out online.
Once you head out to your next location, it’s important that your supporters still feel connected. Don’t be shy online!
Continuously post photos, updates, etc. on social media to show previous customers how you value them, and potential new customers can see what fun is in store for them.
A mobile marketing tour is an exciting opportunity to bring your products to life, but if done without adequate planning, it can fall flat.
We Can Help
Want to learn more about how we help brands and agencies find the right marketing solutions? Contact our expert team at MOGXP here.We’ll work together to identify the best opportunities to make your experiential marketing campaigna success.
I’m reading about job layoffs daily in the Minneapolis and St. Paul Metropolitan Area, both anticipated and accomplished. The news in your community is probably much the same.
I grieve to hear of employees with many years of dedication being let go – I am sad for their sense of betrayal, as their good work was toward a goal now deemed superfluous. I am saddened for those who remain and must pick up the workload of their laid-off colleagues while looking over their shoulders to discern where the axe will be wielded next. And I am sad for the companies: by jettisoning experienced leaders they rupture the culture of trust and lose access to institutional history and wisdom.
This news rekindles the pain of my job loss in 2011, as the company I had served as a consultant for 20 years downsized. But I’m writing to share that the new path you create for yourself may be more fulfilling than the job you are leaving behind.
Here are some takeaways from my journey and my current work helping executives through career transitions. Whether you have been shown the door or are one of the “lucky” ones who must now do more with less, I hope you’ll ponder my learnings.
1. The action taken by the company was not about you.
It’s about making the numbers come out better, or maybe boosting the company’s stock price. You just fit into a category of people slated for elimination. Job loss during an economic downturn is not shameful. It does not reflect your competence. There was nothing you could have done to save your position. (Likewise, if your position was spared, it doesn’t mean you are so much better than your colleagues whose positions were eliminated.)
It took me years to accept this, even though everyone in the department I served lost their position. When I finally came to terms with how unrealistic my thinking was, I could move forward again.
2. “I-am-my-job” is a myth.
You are so much more. This myth doesn’t consider the importance of our business principles or how we see ourselves as solvers of larger problems. It doesn’t consider the many non-job-related roles that are dear to us. Artificially equating who we are with our current position sets us up for depression if we lose our job, for whatever reason.
Make three lists:
Things you will miss about your job,
Things you are happy to be done with,
Things you wished you could have done in your role but could not
Contemplating these lists may help you realize that your job was not as ideal as you might have once thought and that there is room for improving the fit between your interests and a new position.
3. Take some time to grieve.
Immediately after a job loss, your thinking is unclear. Take some time to be alone with your thoughts and heal. If the first words that come to mind when you talk with peers are filled with vitriol, no matter how justified, you are not ready for networking or working on your online brand or resume.
4. Treat yourself with kindness.
Eat healthfully, sleep well, and adopt a new exercise habit. Be patient with yourself. Wash your hands often. When you’re grieving, you’re more susceptible to illness.
5. Add value to others during your transition. Step into a volunteer role during your transition. Make connections and introductions for others. Endorse colleagues for their key skills. Write them recommendations. Helping others will improve your mood and help in your time management.
6. You’ll need a stellar LinkedIn profile to attract your next position, especially if you are over 50.
Age discrimination is alive and well in the world of work. Your LinkedIn profile must be clear about your personal assets and the value you bring to your next position. Your brand should be easily grasped and memorable. Writing about yourself is hard under the best of circumstances. Seek some assistance from trusted friends and from professionals.
Check out my website for the assistance that is right for you. My online course and award-winning book, LinkedIn for the Savvy Executive: Promote Your Brand with Authenticity, Tact and Power, 2nd Ed. are affordable for all. Senior leaders can benefit from my one-on-one executive coaching and done-for-you profiles.
From Fortune 500 companies to Silicon Valley start-ups, clients around the country have passed initial muster, raised capital, and bought or sold what they wanted to buy or sell by using LinkedIn to their best advantage. If you are a C-suite executive or senior leader, I can make this easy for you. Before a customer or M&A team examines your team’s LinkedIn profiles, based on my knowledge of how LinkedIn works and how people respond to what they see there, I can ensure everything is ready and your profiles convey exactly the message and impression you’re aiming for.
Over the past ten years, I’ve helped countless C-level clients and senior executives use LinkedIn to frame conversations, impress suitors and customers, and introduce themselves before their first conversation takes place. Along the way, I wrote the award-winning book, LinkedIn for the Savvy Executive-2nd Edition. It’s received BookAuthority’s Best LinkedIn Books of All Time award, gold status in two categories from International Book Awards, and was named one of the Top 100+ Best Business Books by The C-Suite Network.
The art of finding and acquiring early adopters for your product is vital for any successful brand or product launch. It’s uncommonly known as the diffusion of innovation theory.
Here’s why it matters to the success of your next product or service launch…
Basically, the concept of innovation diffusion theory is a fancy way of explaining the spread of adoption and acceptance of any concept, products, or service among individuals within a community or industry. Sociologist Everett Rogers introduced this theory in 1962, claiming that the adoption of innovations adheres to a predictable pattern. A pattern you can use to grow your business.
Heres’s how…
The theory explains that mass adoption of your product or idea begins through a series of stages of adoption by different actors or customer types. Starting with the adoption of innovators and early adopters. The main personas in the diffusion of innovations theory are:
Innovators: People who are open to risks and the first to try new ideas.
Early adopters: People interested in trying new technologies and establishing their utility to better their outcomes.
Early majority: Those who have proven the initial use of a new idea, product, or service.
Late majority: The set of people who follow the early majority into adopting the innovation after it’s been tested to work.
Laggards: People who lag the general population in adopting innovative products and new ideas. This is primarily because they are risk-averse and set in their ways of doing things.
Eventually, the sweep of an innovation through mainstream society makes it impossible for them to conduct their daily life (and work) without it. As a result, they are forced to begin using it.
In academic terms, the diffusion of innovations theory is widely used by marketers today to promote the adoption of their products. In business terms however, the goal when launching any product or service is to find and attract an early set of people passionate about the product, concept, or idea.
These early adopters are responsible for evangelizing its utility to larger audiences (ie. word of mouth marketing, testimonials, and past client proof).
Thus, attracting early adopters plays a crucial role in refining your offer, spreading the word, and attracting a mass customers.
However, reaching out, and engaging with these early adopters can be a difficult and frustrating process. But it doesn’t have to be, in this comprehensive guide, we will take you through effective strategies and techniques to discover and win over your first product adopters.
Let’s delve into it!
“Understand Your Target Market” – Captain Obvious
Before embarking on the quest to find your first product adopters, it is essential to have a clear understanding of your target market. The easiest way to set yourself apart from your industry is to study your competitor’s customers: Analyze the customer base of your top competitors. Identify who they are targeting and what unique value propositions they offer.
This analysis can help you refine your own target audience and differentiate your offerings.
Then, utilize surveys and interviews to gather qualitative data. Ask questions about their needs, challenges, and motivations related to your product or service. What did they hate or feel uncomfortable about the product or service? This firsthand information can provide valuable insights into the mindset and preferences of your ideal customers to set yourself apart from the industry pack.
By gaining deep insights into your target market to position your service as new and different, you will be better equipped to tailor your product and marketing efforts to attract early adopters.
Harness Your Network’s Potential: Unlock Opportunities and Success
Your existing network is your biggest resource (as big or small as it currently is) when it comes to discovering your first product adopters. Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends, colleagues, and industry connections who might be interested in your product or know someone who could be. Share your vision, value proposition, and request their feedback on what you’re planning. If they aren’t a target buyer chances are they know someone who is.
You might be surprised how many initial leads and referrals you can get just from your family and friends list.
Utilize social media platforms and professional networks like LinkedIn to expand your reach and tap into relevant communities and groups. Networking events, trade shows, and industry conferences are also excellent opportunities to connect with potential early adopters face-to-face.
NOTE: Just Google “event directories” to find upcoming events where you can discover upcoming industry events that contain your buyer persona.
Create a Killer Landing Page to Make Every Click Count
Crafting a compelling landing page is essential to attract and capture the attention of early adopters. Now before you say; “no shit Sherlock”, here’s exactly how to do that:
Take a break from this article and go watch this 30 minute epic video from a private workshop with story branding expert Donald Miller, who will explain and show you how to sell yourself and your product in a way you never knew was possible.
WATCH:
By utilize persuasive copywriting techniques like Donald Miller, compelling visuals, and customer testimonials to build credibility. Incorporate strong calls-to-action (CTAs) that encourage visitors to sign up for early access, join a waitlist, or participate in a beta testing program.
Make it effortless for interested prospects to leave their contact information, enabling you to nurture and engage with them effectively.
Develop a Pre-Launch Marketing Strategy Like Jeff Walker
If you haven’t read Launch by Jeff Walker, stop reading this and go purchase the audio book on Audible and binge listen to it. It’s a master-class on launching any product or service.Walker is a renowned online marketing expert and basically the god-father of internet marketing.
Walker developed a pre-launch sequence known as the “Product Launch Formula.” This sequence consists of several stages designed to build anticipation, engage the audience, and generate excitement leading up to the launch of a new product or service.
Launching a product or service now and don’t have time to listen through the entire book? Watch the condensed training from Jeff Walker himself:
WATCH:
To summarize the typical pre-launch sequence by Jeff Walker includes the following stages:
1. Pre-Pre-Launch:
In this stage, you start warming up your audience by delivering valuable content and building anticipation for the upcoming launch. You may offer free content, such as videos, blog posts, or reports, to attract and engage potential customers.
At this point, you aren’t selling anything (yet) and instead you are building authority, sharing consistent content, and indoctrinating your audience with your belief systems.
2. Pre-Launch:
This stage involves delivering valuable, educational content related to the upcoming product. It aims to establish your authority and credibility while addressing the pain points or challenges your audience may be facing. You may offer additional free content, conduct webinars, or provide case studies to generate interest and excitement.
The goal is simple–get people super excited so that they mark their calendar in anticipation to invest in your offer when the doors open.
The three emails you need to include are:
Teaching potential customers about the opportunity for their life to change by removing pain or teaching them how to get more pleasure (or both).
Showing them a transformation and how it can fit in their lives via case studies.
Helping people take ownership of the idea of your product and how it can potentially change their lives.
3. Launch:
This is the main event where you officially introduce your product or service to the market. It typically involves a limited-time offer, special pricing, or bonuses to incentivize early adoption. During this stage, you focus on driving sales and conversions by highlighting the unique benefits and features of your offering.
4. Post-Launch:
After the initial launch, you continue to nurture the relationship with your customers by providing ongoing support, additional content, and upsell opportunities. This stage is crucial for building long-term customer loyalty and maximizing the lifetime value of each customer.
Throughout the pre-launch sequence, Jeff Walker emphasizes the importance of storytelling, creating a sense of urgency, and effectively communicating the value proposition of your product or service. By following this sequence, you can generate excitement, attract a highly engaged audience, and achieve successful product launches.
To generate buzz and anticipation for your product, it is crucial to develop a pre-launch marketing strategy.
Start by creating engaging content such as blog posts, videos, and social media teasers that highlight the unique features and benefits of your product. Leverage search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to ensure your content ranks well in relevant search results. Consider collaborating with influencers, industry experts, or early adopters themselves to create a sense of credibility and trust. Utilize targeted email campaigns and social media advertising to reach your desired audience and drive traffic to your landing page.
Go From Passive Observer to Active Participant: Engage in Online Communities
Eventually you will quickly exhaust your personal contact and connections. That’s when online communities and forums are treasure troves for discovering early adopters. Identify platforms and forums where your target audience gathers, such as industry-specific subreddits, Facebook groups, industry forums or even hobby groups.
Actively participate in discussions, provide value, and demonstrate your expertise. Avoid overtly promoting your product; instead, focus on building relationships, answering questions, and offer insightful advice. Once you’ve established trust and credibility within these communities, you can subtly introduce your product and invite early adopters to try it out.
Don’t know where to start? Start by searching for digital events, conferences, or virtual trade shows related to your industry. Participating in these events allows you to network with potential customers and connect with individuals interested in your product.
Offer Exclusive Early Access or Beta Testing Programs
Creating a sense of exclusivity and offering early access or beta testing opportunities can be highly effective in attracting early adopters. Provide a limited number of spots for users to try your product before its official launch. This strategy not only makes early adopters feel special but also allows you to gather valuable feedback and iterate on your offering. Encourage participants to share their experiences on social media and provide referrals to expand your reach organically.
By nurturing these early relationships, you can cultivate a strong base of loyal customers who will advocate for your product.
Seek Feedback and Continually Iterate and Improve
Once you’ve onboarded your first product adopters, it is crucial to actively seek their feedback and iterate based on their insights. Regularly communicate with your early adopters, listen to their suggestions, and address any concerns or issues promptly. Use feedback channels such as surveys, focus groups, and one-on-one conversations to gather qualitative and quantitative data.
A couple popular platforms to foster dialogue with beta testers are Slack and Discord (food for thought).
By continuously refining your product based on customer feedback, you not only enhance its value but also demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction.
Conclusion
Finding the initial product adopters for your business can be a challenging yet hellishly rewarding endeavor. By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you can increase your chances of attracting early adopters who will play a significant role in driving the success of your product. Remember to understand your target market, harness your network, create captivating landing pages, develop pre-launch marketing campaigns, engage with online communities, offer exclusive access, and prioritize feedback and iteration.
Embrace the journey of finding your first adopters as an opportunity to build strong relationships and refine your product to meet the needs of your target audience.
With the rise of podcasts, more and more people are interested in creating their own podcasts. However, creating a podcast involves more than just recording and uploading it.
One of the most important steps in the process is editing the podcast to make it sound professional and polished. To do that, you need a good podcast editing software platform. In this article, we will explore the top podcast editing software platforms, both free and paid, to help you choose the right one for your needs.
Free Podcast Editing Software Platforms
When it comes to podcast editing software platforms, there are a few good options that are available for free.
One of the most popular free podcast editing software platforms is Audacity. It is a user-friendly platform that is easy to use and has a wide range of features. It is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems and supports a range of audio formats.
Another good free podcast editing software platform is GarageBand, which is exclusive to Mac users. In fact, if you are a mac user it’s already installed on your computer. It has a range of features, including a variety of pre-made sound effects and loops that you can use in your podcast.
Another great option is Ocenaudio. It’s a multiplatform software that allows you to edit your podcasts without any difficulty. You can easily remove background noise, adjust the volume, and cut or splice different segments of the recording. In addition, Ocenaudio supports a wide range of audio formats, making it a versatile option for podcast editing.
Paid Podcast Editing Software Platforms
For those who are willing to invest some money into their podcast, there are some excellent paid podcast editing software platforms available.
One of the most popular is Adobe Audition, which is part of the Adobe Creative Cloud. It is a professional-grade platform that has a wide range of features and tools, including advanced noise reduction and audio restoration tools, and is used by many podcast professionals. It has a monthly subscription fee, which can be a drawback for some users.
Another great paid podcast editing software platform is Hindenburg Journalist Pro. It has a user-friendly interface and is specifically designed for podcasters, making it easy to edit and produce professional-quality podcasts. Hindenburg Journalist Pro also offers a variety of features, such as automatic loudness normalization and a range of audio effects.
Logic Pro X is another popular paid podcast editing software platform, exclusively available for Mac users. It has a wide range of features, including advanced audio processing tools, virtual instruments, and a variety of audio effects. It’s perfect for those who want to take their podcast production to the next level, but it comes with a higher price tag compared to other options.
Other Considerations for Choosing a Podcast Editing Software Platform
When choosing a podcast editing software platform, it’s important to consider your needs and budget. Some platforms may offer more features than others, but they may also come with a higher price tag. Here are some other considerations to keep in mind:
– Ease of use: If you’re new to podcast editing, you may want to choose a platform that is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface.
– Audio quality: Look for a platform that allows you to edit your audio tracks without compromising on sound quality.
– Compatibility: Make sure the platform is compatible with your computer’s operating system and the audio formats you use.
– Support: Consider the availability of customer support and resources such as tutorials and forums.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right podcast editing software platform is crucial for producing professional-quality podcasts. Whether you choose a free or paid platform, make sure it meets your needs and budget.
Some popular options include Audacity, GarageBand, Adobe Audition, Hindenburg Journalist Pro, and Logic Pro X. With the right platform and a little bit of practice, you can create podcasts that sound great and engage your audience. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different platforms to find the one that works best for you.
Building a trustworthy brand is crucial for any business to succeed in today’s competitive market. However, gaining customers’ trust is not built upon a list of attributes or a checklist but an outcome of ethical behavior and values. In addition, social media allows businesses to gather information about people’s concerns and express themselves through better targeting the audience.
However, a company builds its brand through behavior, usually transmitted to potential buyers. The most successful companies instill their beliefs in every employee and don’t allow their salespeople to manipulate transactions to build a brand. Customers own brands, and they are not commodities. They want to know they are getting a quality product or service at a fair price.
Values, Behavior, and Trust
Knowing your values is crucial, not just for being suitable, which does not resonate with consumers, but for inspiring many decisions. For example, ExxonMobil aims to know where every gallon of gasoline is, from the well-head to the gas pump. You may say: “Oil is a commodity; it has no brand.” That would be wrong. Customers’ perception can easily alter the distinction between narrow and broad trust. If you are a product manager, then your goal is the value and price of a phone. If you are the company president, you had better think more broadly.
Pricing
The context for the pricing decision is what determines the price. For instance, Walmart gets a different price for Coke depending on where it’s displayed—its value changes when surrounded by Pepsi versus sporting goods.
It is crucial to understand customers and which of several categories of decision-making they go to. For example, a consumer bank had customers who hated banks and just wanted to “fly below the radar.” This segment was attracted to the bank, even if their intention did not sit well with the bank. At the same time, online-only consumers were not interested in guarantees and assurance regarding Internet banking and felt comfortable. They felt more adept than the bank, so the entire marketing pitch had to be flipped from safety to convenience, convenience, and convenience.
Building a trustworthy brand is an ongoing process that requires continuous effort and attention.Businesses can establish themselves as reliable and trustworthy brands that customers can rely on by taking a proactive approach to understanding their customers’ needs and concerns. Companies can better target their audience and deliver high-quality products and services that meet their customers’ expectations. Building a trustworthy brand is not just good for business; it’s essential for success in today’s marketplace.
ROB DOCTERS
ROB DOCTERS recently co-authored Ethics and Hidden Greed. Your Defense against Unethical Strategies and Violations of Trust. He is Partner at Abbey Road, LLP, leading their ethics practice. He formerly led BCG’s pricing practice in Asia/Pacific.
Building a trustworthy brand should be a high priority for almost any business to succeed in today’s competitive market. How to do this? Gaining customers’ trust is complex, not built upon a list of attributes or a checklist. Instead, it is the result of instilling ethical behaviors and values. These aspects have always been important, but today social media can make ethical issues rapidly grow to be significant.
However, a company builds its brand through behavior, usually transmitted to potential buyers. The most successful companies instill their beliefs in every employee and don’t allow their salespeople to manipulate transactions or customer care to be dismissive of building their brand. Its customers who ‘own’ your brand. They want to know, without checking, that they are getting a quality product or service at a fair price.
Values, Behavior, and Trust
Knowing your values is crucial for product development so that all activities resonate with consumers and inspire many decisions. That applies to almost all markets. For example, ExxonMobil’s profits lie in reaping the value of superior lubricants and oil. You may say: “Oil is a commodity; it has no brand.” That would not be true. Not only do lubricants vary in quality, but buyers get a cue about performance and value from how the company presents and markets these products.
Trust in a brand comes in two forms: narrow and broad, depending on the product. Narrow means evaluating each transaction. Broad means that customers form a view of the seller, and only if disproved does that perception evolve. Customers remember an experience, especially negative ones. If you are a product manager, then your goal might be narrowly the value and price in a specific sale. If you are the company president, think more broadly about the relationship.
Pricing
The context for the pricing decision is what determines the price. For instance: Walmart obtains a different price for Coke products depending on where it’s displayed—market price changes when surrounded by Pepsi versus sporting goods.
It is crucial to understand the decision criteria customers rely upon. For example, a consumer bank found that some customers, who “hated” banks, just wanted to “fly below the radar.” This segment was attractive to the bank, even if their views contradicted their aspirations. At the same time, online-only consumers were not interested in obtaining guarantees and assurance regarding Internet banking. They felt more adept than the bank, so the entire marketing pitch had to be flipped from safety to convenience, convenience, and convenience.
Building a trustworthy brand is an ongoing process that requires using the right levers. Unfortunately, many companies do not meet that requirement. Businesses can establish themselves as reliable and trustworthy brands that customers can rely on by taking a proactive approach to build ethical standards for all transactions—large and small (often taken as an indication of the overall relationship). Generally, this means employee behavior in customer interactions, ensuring their fidelity to values. Building a trustworthy brand is not just good for business; it’s essential for company success.
As a business, email marketing is an essential tool to reach out to prospects, build relationships, and generate leads. With numerous email marketing platforms available, it can be challenging to determine which one is best suited for your business.
In this article, we will discuss the top email marketing platforms for B2B businesses.
What is B2B Email Marketing?
B2B email marketing is the process of sending promotional messages via email to businesses or individuals who work in businesses. The goal of B2B email marketing is to create awareness, generate leads, and build relationships with prospects that may eventually convert into customers.
Why is Email Marketing Important for B2B Businesses?
Email marketing is a cost-effective way to reach out to prospects, build relationships, and generate leads. It is estimated that for every $1 spent on email marketing, businesses can expect an average return of $42. This makes email marketing a crucial tool for B2B businesses looking to grow their customer base.
Top Email Marketing Platforms for B2B Businesses
Here are the top email marketing platforms for B2B businesses:
1. HubSpot
HubSpot is a popular inbound marketing platform that offers a suite of tools for email marketing, CRM, social media, and content management. With its easy-to-use drag-and-drop email builder, HubSpot allows you to create personalized emails that resonate with your audience. It also provides robust analytics that can help you measure the effectiveness of your email campaigns.
2. Mailchimp
Mailchimp is a cloud-based email marketing platform that allows you to create, send, and track email campaigns. With its user-friendly interface, Mailchimp makes it easy to design and send professional-looking emails. It also offers features such as A/B testing, segmentation, and automation that can help you optimize your email campaigns.
3. Constant Contact
Constant Contact is an email marketing platform that provides a wide range of features such as email templates, list management, and reporting. With its easy-to-use interface, Constant Contact allows you to create and send professional-looking emails that are tailored to your audience. It also provides robust analytics that can help you track the success of your email campaigns.
4. Campaign Monitor
Campaign Monitor is an email marketing platform that offers a variety of features such as drag-and-drop email builder, automation, and segmentation. With its customizable templates and responsive design, Campaign Monitor allows you to create emails that look great on any device. It also provides detailed analytics that can help you measure the effectiveness of your email campaigns.
5. Sendinblue
Sendinblue is a cloud-based email marketing platform that offers features such as email design, list management, and automation. With its intuitive interface, Sendinblue allows you to create and send professional-looking emails that are tailored to your audience. It also provides detailed analytics that can help you track the success of your email campaigns.
6. Pardot
Pardot is a marketing automation platform that offers a suite of tools for email marketing, lead management, and analytics. With its drag-and-drop email builder and automation features, Pardot allows you to create personalized emails that resonate with your audience. It also provides robust analytics that can help you measure the effectiveness of your email campaigns.
7. Marketo
Marketo is a marketing automation platform that provides a variety of features such as email marketing, lead management, and analytics. With its drag-and-drop email builder and automation features, Marketo allows you to create personalized emails that are tailored to your audience. It also provides robust analytics that can help you track the success of your email campaigns.
8. ActiveCampaign
ActiveCampaign is a cloud software platform for small-to-mid-sized businesses and is based in Chicago, Illinois. The company offers software for customer experience automation, which combines the transactional email, email marketing, marketing automation, sales automation, and CRM categories
In today’s digital age, businesses are obsessed with online marketing and social media. But what if I told you that this approach is outdated and ineffective?
For over 15 years, I have been a marketer and I can confidently say that the traditional approach to marketing is dead. Instead, I propose a contrarian approach to marketing that goes against the grain and is rooted in authenticity, individuality, and innovation.
In this article, I will outline why contrarian marketing is the future and why businesses should embrace it.
The Problem with Following the Crowd: Don’t be a Lemming
Traditional marketing follows a herd mentality where everyone is copying the same strategies and tactics. But how can you stand out when you’re doing the same thing as everyone else? Instead, contrarian marketing means standing out from the crowd and doing something different. Be the person who stands up and takes a risk. The most successful businesses have always been those who dared to do something different.
The Power of Authenticity: Be Yourself
In the age of social media, authenticity is everything. People are tired of seeing the same polished, fake content. Contrarian marketing means being true to yourself and your brand. Share your story, your struggles, and your successes. This is what sets you apart and builds a loyal following.
The Importance of Individuality: Don’t Be a Clone
Contrarian marketing means embracing your unique identity and not trying to fit into someone else’s mold. It means being true to your brand and your vision. This is what sets you apart and makes you stand out in a crowded market.
Innovation is Key: Don’t Fear Failure
Contrarian marketing means taking risks and embracing failure. It means trying new things and pushing the boundaries. Innovation is what drives success and sets you apart from your competitors. Don’t be afraid to try new things, even if they might not work out. Every failure is a learning opportunity.
Building a Loyal Following: Fans, Not Customers
Contrarian marketing means building a community around your brand. It means creating fans, not just customers. People want to feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves. By building a loyal following, you create a group of people who will advocate for your brand and spread the word.
The Future is Contrarian: Embrace the Future
Contrarian marketing is the future. With the rise of social media and the internet, traditional marketing is becoming less effective. Consumers are becoming more savvy and are tired of being sold to. Contrarian marketing means embracing the future and adapting to new technologies and trends.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, contrarian marketing is the way of the future. It means standing out from the crowd, being true to yourself, embracing innovation, building a loyal following, and adapting to new trends. Traditional marketing is dead, and businesses that don’t embrace contrarian marketing risk being left behind.
So, take a risk, be authentic, and embrace the future of marketing.
In today’s digital age, building a strong online presence is critical for individuals and businesses alike. One of the most effective ways to do this is through personal branding. Personal branding is the process of creating a unique identity and image for oneself in the eyes of others, whether it’s online or offline. It involves showcasing one’s strengths, expertise, and values to build a strong reputation and attract opportunities. In this blog post, we’ll explore the power of personal branding and how you can build a strong online presence.
Define Your Personal Brand
Before you start building your personal brand, it’s important to define who you are and what you want to be known for. Begin by identifying your unique strengths, skills, and values. Ask yourself questions such as: What sets me apart from others? What do I want to achieve in my career or personal life? What are my core values?
Once you’ve identified your unique attributes, it’s time to create a personal brand statement. This statement should capture the essence of who you are and what you stand for. It should be short, memorable, and easy to understand. Use your personal brand statement as a guide when creating your online presence.
When creating your online presence, make sure to use consistent branding across all platforms. This includes using the same profile picture, bio, and visual elements such as color schemes and fonts. Consistency is key when it comes to personal branding.
Create a Strong Online Presence
Now that you’ve defined your personal brand, it’s time to create a strong online presence. This involves using social media platforms, blogs, and websites to showcase your expertise and build your reputation.
Start by choosing the social media platforms that are most relevant to your personal brand. For example, if you’re a photographer, you might want to focus on Instagram and Pinterest. If you’re a business professional, LinkedIn might be the platform for you.
When creating your social media profiles, make sure to optimize them for search engines. This includes using keywords related to your personal brand in your bio and posts. Use high-quality visuals that reflect your personal brand and engage with your audience regularly.
Blogging is another effective way to build your personal brand. By sharing your knowledge and expertise, you can establish yourself as an authority in your industry. Use your personal brand statement as a guide when creating blog content. Make sure to promote your blog on social media to reach a wider audience.
Finally, consider creating a personal website. This is a great way to showcase your portfolio, share your story, and connect with potential clients or employers. Make sure your website is easy to navigate, visually appealing, and optimized for search engines.
Engage with Your Audience
Engaging with your audience is crucial when it comes to building a strong online presence. This involves responding to comments, asking for feedback, and creating a sense of community around your personal brand.
Make sure to respond to comments and messages promptly. This shows that you value your audience and are interested in their feedback. Ask for feedback and incorporate it into your personal brand strategy.
Creating a sense of community around your personal brand can be achieved through various means. Consider starting a Facebook group or hosting a Twitter chat related to your industry. This allows you to connect with like-minded individuals and establish yourself as a thought leader in your field.
Conclusion:
Personal branding is a powerful tool for building a strong online presence. By defining your personal brand, creating a strong online presence, and engaging with your audience, you can establish yourself as an authority in your industry and attract opportunities. Remember to be authentic, consistent, and engaged to build a personal brand that truly reflects who you are.
