The basic marketing tools that were in use during the 20th century have largely been replaced by modern versions. The newest tools provide better and faster access to customers, analytics and other resources. Businesses today will want to consider modernizing marketing efforts by employing 21st century tools.
Customized Mobile Apps
Customized mobile apps are becoming an essential marketing tool for many businesses. These apps are designed specifically to match the brand and services of the company. They often include features like a resource library or access to promotions that are not available through other mediums. Customized mobile apps create a new channel directly between the company and consumer that can be used for many different marketing efforts. Customers can easily download these onto their phones and use any coupons or promotions you post.
Short Messaging Service (SMS) Marketing
SMS is a valuable marketing tool for many different reasons. SMS marketing campaigns are not as intrusive as other outbound strategies. The messages can be kept by consumers or shared with others. The traditional restrictions on SMS messages allow for concise and easily created campaigns. Additionally, SMS marketing has low overhead costs and instant delivery capabilities. SMS marketing will continue to be an effective tool as the technology is blended with others like social media.
Local Exchanges for Marketing
Local exchanges for marketing place a number of options into a single centralized location. Companies like the Marketing Exchange maintain a network of different marketing organizations for individual geographic areas. They also provide marketing tools for planning and analytics. Local exchanges make it simple to implement marketing efforts like local radio advertising and press releases. Local exchanges bring together many marketing tools, resources and options under one service. If you aren't sure where to start or how to modernize your market campaign you can get advice about what your different options are.
Social Media Integration
There are now social media integration tools for many areas including content management systems and apps. The tools make it possible for customers to quickly share or receive content. They also allow for fast interactive responses to online marketing efforts. Social media integration turns static marketing content into a dynamic platform for interaction with consumers. Have a conversation with your consumers. If you post questions or surveys and they respond, people will see this and your audience will grow.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Tools
CRM tools are software suites that centralize the management of customer relationships. The tools provide for tracking of customer data that is aggregated from multiple sources. It makes it easier to segment customers, develop cross-sale strategies and monitor metrics like lifetime value. CRM tools can tie together an entire marketing department.
Although the tools have changed, it is important to realize that most traditional marketing concept have not. The tools make it easier to implement print or radio advertising and measure return on investment. They do not replace the solid marketing strategies and techniques that have proven effective for years.