I need to stay on top of what's working in B2B and B2C marketing for small/medium-sized businesses so I can apply what I learn both to my own business as well as my clients' businesses.
That's why I wanted to share this recent research article, "SMBs Hold Marketing Budgets Steady" from eMarketer with you. It describes a recent study from Constant Contact proving that e-mail (yet again) is THE most effective marketing technique out there, followed by in-person interactions and marketing done via website.
Quoting from the article: "The research found that email, website and in-person interactions were considered the most effective marketing techniques by SMBs…. Three quarters of B2Bs found in-person interactions to be effective, while only 64% of B2Cs said the same."
Emma is another email marketing resource that provides lots of "how-to" information (and supports CFC as well!).
If you do not have your email marketing in place and have been toying with the idea of signing up for one of Ilise Benun's marketing groups, I want to urge you not to wait any longer.
Yes, I have gone through several of Ilise's groups. Yes, there is a lot required, and yes, I thought I was "too busy" to actually follow through, but I surprised myself and did it. Every single class was worth its weight in gold, and I got so much out of them I did everything in my power not to miss one call.
On the MarketingMixBlog last week, Ilise posted more proof of email marketing's effectiveness -- no formal research but anecdotal evidence from actual clients who are staying in touch with their market via email.
Do I have email marketing in place? Well, I did (as a result of the aforementioned groups), but I must admit it has waned. However, after reading this research I cannot negate the facts. Email marketing is an absolute MUST.
I have nothing against social media marketing, but for B2B, the effectiveness rate dropped from 81% (for email marketing) to 38% (for social media). If I only have time for one activity, email marketing is the clear winner.
How about you? What are your own results? Are they different from this study?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on email marketing best
practices. Regards