Action CMO

May 23, 2023May 23, 2023

How Hiring the Right People Can Boost Your Company’s Growth

Building a successful company is heavily reliant on hiring the right people who can contribute to the organization’s growth. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the importance of hiring the right people and share tips on how to build a team that supports your company’s growth.

Define the roles and responsibilities

Before starting the hiring process, it’s crucial to clearly define the roles and responsibilities required for each position. This will help ensure that you hire people with the right skills and experience to perform the tasks needed to drive your company’s growth.

Look for cultural fit

Hiring employees who align with your company’s values and culture is just as important as finding candidates with the right skills. Employees who fit well within your company culture are more likely to be engaged, productive, and contribute to a positive work environment.

Develop a robust recruitment process

Create a structured recruitment process that helps you identify and attract top talent. This may include developing clear job descriptions, leveraging online job boards and social media, and using structured interviews to assess candidates’ skills and experience.

Consider soft skills

In addition to technical skills, consider candidates’ soft skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. These skills are often critical for success in a fast-growing company and can help your team navigate challenges and adapt to change.

Offer competitive compensation and benefits

To attract and retain the best talent, ensure your compensation and benefits packages are competitive within your industry. This may include offering a competitive salary, health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks that appeal to top candidates.

Invest in employee development

Encourage the growth of your employees by investing in their professional development. This may include offering training programs, mentorship opportunities, and resources to help them expand their skills and knowledge.

Foster a supportive work environment

Create a work environment where employees feel supported, valued, and motivated to contribute to the company’s success. This may include offering flexible work arrangements, promoting open communication, and recognizing employees’ achievements.

Leverage fractional services

Consider using fractional services, such as fractional CMOs and CSOs, to bring in specialized expertise on a part-time or temporary basis. This can help you access top talent without the commitment of a full-time employee, allowing you to scale your team as needed to support your company’s growth.

By following these tips and prioritizing the hiring of the right people, you can build a team that drives your company’s growth and contributes to its long-term success.

“Are you feeling overwhelmed by the constantly changing business landscape? Don’t let it hold you back from achieving your goals. ActionCMO is here to help you navigate the complexities of business planning and develop a strategy that drives growth and profitability. Our team of experts will provide valuable insights and a personalized action plan designed to empower your business.

Take advantage of this opportunity to elevate your strategy and unlock your full potential. Book your free, no-obligation consultation today, and let’s work together to create a roadmap for success. Make your vision a reality with ActionCMO. Visit www.actioncmo.com to schedule your consultation now.

Empower Your Business with a Solid Strategy – Schedule Your Free Consultation Today: https://gzoo.co/15strategy“

May 1, 2023May 1, 2023

10 Common Marketing & Sales Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Company’s Growth

Growing a company is no easy feat, and many businesses face challenges when it comes to marketing and sales. To help your business avoid these pitfalls, we’ve compiled a list of 10 common marketing and sales mistakes that can hinder your company’s growth.

Not having a clear marketing and sales strategy

A clear marketing and sales strategy is essential for any business aiming to grow. Without a well-defined plan, you risk wasting time and resources on ineffective tactics that don’t yield results.

Failing to understand your target audience

Understanding your target audience is crucial for creating effective marketing campaigns and sales strategies. Failing to do so can lead to poorly targeted messages that don’t resonate with potential customers.

Neglecting SEO

Search engine optimization (SEO) is vital for driving organic traffic to your website. Ignoring SEO best practices can result in low search engine rankings, making it difficult for potential customers to find your business online.

Overlooking the importance of content marketing

Content marketing is a powerful tool for building relationships with your audience and establishing your company as an industry expert. Neglecting this area can lead to missed opportunities for customer engagement and growth.

Ineffective use of social media

Social media is a valuable platform for connecting with your audience and promoting your brand. However, businesses that fail to use social media effectively risk alienating potential customers and harming their online reputation.

Poorly executed email marketing campaigns

Email marketing is an essential channel for nurturing leads and driving sales. Poorly executed campaigns can result in low open and click-through rates, reducing your chances of converting subscribers into customers.

Not investing in sales training

A well-trained sales team is crucial for closing deals and driving revenue. Failing to invest in sales training can lead to a lack of skilled salespeople and, ultimately, lost opportunities for growth.

Inaccurate tracking of marketing and sales data

Accurate data tracking is vital for making informed decisions and refining your marketing and sales strategies. Companies that fail to track their data accurately risk making costly mistakes based on incorrect information.

Relying solely on one marketing channel

Diversifying your marketing channels is essential for reaching a broader audience and maximizing your chances of success. Relying solely on one channel can limit your potential for growth and leave you vulnerable to changes in that channel’s effectiveness.

Failing to adapt and evolve

The world of marketing and sales is constantly changing, and businesses must adapt to stay ahead of the competition. Companies that fail to evolve their strategies risk falling behind and losing out on growth opportunities.

By avoiding these common marketing and sales mistakes, you can set your business up for success and accelerate your company’s growth. Stay focused on creating a comprehensive strategy, understanding your audience, and utilizing diverse marketing channels to maximize your potential for success.

As your business grows, your marketing needs may change. Our expert fractional CMOs will work with you to adapt your grassroots marketing strategy as needed, ensuring that your tactics remain effective and relevant.

Grassroots marketing is a cost-effective, authentic, and powerful way to grow your business without breaking the bank. With the help of ActionCMO’s expert fractional CMOs, you can develop creative, targeted strategies that engage your audience, foster word-of-mouth buzz, and drive results. Contact ActionCMO today to learn how our fractional CMOs can help you harness the power of grassroots marketing and create a winning strategy for your business! Free Marketing Discussion www.actioncmo.com

April 20, 2023May 1, 2023

The Connection Between Marketing, Sales, and Operations

As a seasoned business consultant, I have seen the substantial effect that a well-rounded approach to marketing, sales, and operations can have on a company’s growth and success. Unfortunately, many companies have difficulty comprehending the relationship between these crucial aspects and how they must collaborate to drive outcomes. In this blog post, I’ll share my expertise on the significance of a comprehensive approach to business growth and why having a plan is crucial.

Marketing is More Than Just Creative: The Importance of a Data-Driven Approach

Marketing is often seen as the creative side of the business, focused on advertising, branding, and promotions. However, marketing is much more than just creative. It’s also about the bottom line, and it’s essential for driving sales and growth. To be successful, marketing must be data-driven, using insights and metrics to guide decisions and measure results.

The Power of Sales: Building Relationships and Driving Results

Sales is the engine that drives revenue and growth. A strong sales team is essential for building relationships with customers, identifying new business opportunities, and closing deals. To be effective, sales must be supported by a robust marketing strategy that provides the tools and resources needed to succeed. This includes targeted messaging, lead generation programs, and training on the latest sales techniques and technologies.

The Importance of Operations: Streamlining Processes and Driving Efficiency

Operations is the backbone of the business, responsible for managing day-to-day processes and ensuring the smooth running of the organization. Effective operations are essential for driving efficiency, reducing costs, and improving the customer experience. To be successful, operations must be integrated with marketing and sales, leveraging data and insights to inform decision-making and improve processes.

Tying it All Together: The Importance of a Holistic Approach to Business Growth

At the heart of a successful business is a holistic approach to marketing, sales, and operations. This means that all functions must work together, leveraging data and insights to inform decision-making and drive results. It starts with a plan, a clear understanding of your business objectives, and the steps required to achieve them. From there, marketing, sales, and operations must be aligned and integrated, providing the support and resources needed to drive growth and success.

The Power of a Plan: Unlocking Your Full Potential

A holistic approach to business growth requires a plan. This plan must be data-driven, leveraging insights and metrics to inform decision-making and measure results. It must also be flexible, allowing you to adapt to changes in the market and respond to new opportunities and challenges. With a plan in place, you can unlock your full potential, driving growth and success for your business.

The business world is ever-changing, presenting new challenges and opportunities at every turn. Whether you’re a small business owner or the leader of a large corporation, having a solid business strategy is essential for success in today’s competitive marketplace. But, sometimes, navigating the complexities of business planning can feel daunting, leaving you unsure of where to begin or how to take the next step.

That’s where ActionCMO comes in. We understand the unique challenges businesses face, and we’re here to help you navigate through them. Our team of experienced professionals specializes in developing and executing successful business strategies that drive growth and profitability.

Here’s the good news: You don’t have to take this journey alone. We’re excited to offer a no-obligation consultation to help you assess your business needs and explore how we can work together to achieve your goals. In this consultation, we’ll provide valuable insights, evaluate potential opportunities, and craft a personalized action plan designed to empower your business.

So, why wait? Take advantage of this opportunity to elevate your business strategy and unlock your full potential. Let’s work together to create a roadmap for success and make your vision a reality. It’s time to take action with ActionCMO!

Book your no-obligation consultation today by visiting www.actioncmo.com.

Schedule Your Free Consultation https://gzoo.co/15strategy

April 19, 2023May 1, 2023

The Evolving Role of CMOs in the Digital Age: Navigating Challenges with the Situation-Complication-Resolution Framework

The digital age has brought about significant changes to the business landscape, and Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) are at the forefront of this transformation. As the role of marketing evolves, CMOs must adapt to new challenges and opportunities in order to succeed in this dynamic environment. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key challenges facing CMOs in the digital age and how the Situation-Complication-Resolution framework can help you navigate these challenges.

The Changing Role of CMOs in the Digital Age

The rise of digital marketing, big data, and customer-centric strategies has fundamentally altered the role of CMOs. Gone are the days of traditional marketing tactics, such as print ads and direct mail. Today’s CMOs must be experts in digital marketing, data analytics, and customer behavior in order to succeed in this rapidly changing environment.

The Challenges Facing CMOs in the Digital Age

As CMOs strive to adapt to these changes, they often encounter a number of challenges. One such challenge is the overwhelming amount of data generated through various digital channels. CMOs must be able to sift through this data, identify key insights, and use them to optimize their marketing strategies. This requires a deep understanding of data analytics, as well as the ability to make sense of complex information in real-time.

Another complication is the pressure to deliver personalized customer experiences that drive engagement, loyalty, and, ultimately, revenue growth. Achieving this level of personalization requires an in-depth understanding of customer preferences, behavior, and needs, which can be difficult to obtain and analyze. CMOs must also be able to use this information to create tailored marketing campaigns that resonate with each customer, on an individual level.

Finally, the constantly evolving nature of digital marketing technologies and platforms presents another challenge for CMOs. To stay competitive, CMOs must continually adapt their strategies to leverage the latest tools and trends, often with limited resources and budgets. This can lead to a sense of overwhelm and uncertainty as CMOs struggle to determine which investments will yield the greatest returns for their organizations.

Overcoming the Challenges with ActionCMO

ActionCMO offers a comprehensive solution to these challenges by providing expert guidance, resources, and support tailored specifically for CMOs navigating the digital age. By partnering with ActionCMO, CMOs can access a wealth of knowledge and best practices that will empower them to make data-driven decisions, create personalized customer experiences, and stay ahead of the curve in an ever-changing digital landscape.

ActionCMO’s proven methodologies and industry expertise will help CMOs overcome the complications they face, enabling them to develop and execute successful marketing strategies that drive growth and profitability for their organizations. By utilizing ActionCMO’s services, CMOs can confidently navigate the complexities of the digital age, focus on their core competencies, and ultimately excel in their roles.

Empowering CMOs in the Digital Age

The digital age has brought about significant changes to the role of CMOs, but with the right support and resources, these challenges can be overcome. By leveraging the Situation-Complication-Resolution framework, CMOs can confidently navigate the complexities of the digital age and unlock their full potential.

Are you a CMO facing the challenges and complications of the digital age? Don’t navigate this complex landscape alone. Visit actioncmo.com today to learn more.

April 17, 2023May 1, 2023

Creating an Irresistible Offer: The Key to Capturing Your Audience’s Attention

In today’s competitive business landscape, creating an irresistible offer is crucial for capturing your audience’s attention and driving conversions. But how do you craft an offer that not only stands out but also compels your target audience to take action? In this post, we’ll explore the elements of an irresistible offer and how ActionCMO’s fractional CMOs can help you develop a compelling proposition for your business.

Elements of an Irresistible Offer:

Value:

Your offer must provide clear and tangible value to your target audience. This value can come in many forms, such as solving a problem, fulfilling a need, or providing entertainment. It’s essential to understand your audience’s pain points and desires to create an offer that genuinely appeals to them.

Unique Selling Proposition (USP):

A USP is what sets your offer apart from your competitors. It’s the reason why customers should choose your product or service over others in the market. Identifying and communicating your USP is crucial for creating an irresistible offer that stands out from the crowd.

Scarcity:

Creating a sense of scarcity or urgency can make your offer more appealing and motivate your audience to take action. This can be achieved through limited-time offers, exclusive deals, or limited availability.

Risk Reversal:

Eliminating or reducing the perceived risk associated with your offer can make it more attractive to your audience. This can be accomplished through guarantees, warranties, or return policies that provide your customers with peace of mind and confidence in your product or service.

Clear Call-to-Action (CTA):

Your offer should include a clear and compelling CTA that encourages your audience to take the desired action. Make it easy for your potential customers to understand what they need to do to take advantage of your offer and why they should do it.

How ActionCMO’s Fractional CMOs Can Help You Create an Irresistible Offer:

Our expert fractional CMOs at ActionCMO can help you develop an irresistible offer that captures your audience’s attention and drives conversions. We’ll work with you to:

Identify Your Target Audience:

Understanding your target audience is essential for crafting an offer that resonates with them. Our fractional CMOs will help you analyze your audience’s demographics, interests, and pain points to create an offer that addresses their needs and desires.

Develop Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP):

We’ll help you identify and articulate your USP, ensuring that your offer stands out from the competition and communicates a clear reason for customers to choose your business.

Create a Sense of Scarcity or Urgency:

Our fractional CMOs will help you develop strategies for creating a sense of scarcity or urgency around your offer, encouraging your audience to take action.

Minimize Perceived Risk:

We’ll work with you to develop risk-reversal strategies that reduce the perceived risk associated with your offer, making it more appealing to your audience.

Craft a Clear Call-to-Action (CTA):

Our expert fractional CMOs will help you create a compelling CTA that encourages your audience to take the desired action and makes it easy for them to understand how to do so.
Creating an irresistible offer is key to capturing your audience’s attention and driving conversions. By understanding your target audience, developing a unique selling proposition, and minimizing perceived risk, you can craft an offer that stands out from the competition and compels your audience to take action. Contact ActionCMO today to learn how our expert fractional CMOs can help you create an irresistible offer and develop a winning marketing strategy for your business! Free Marketing Discussion www.actioncmo.com

April 10, 2023May 2, 2023

Competitor Analysis: Know Your Rivals and Stay Ahead in the Game

In the world of business, knowing your competition is crucial for staying ahead and maintaining your market position. A thorough competitor analysis can help you understand your rivals’ strategies, strengths, and weaknesses and, ultimately, develop a more effective marketing plan. In this post, we’ll discuss the importance of competitor analysis and how ActionCMO’s expert fractional CMOs can help you gain a competitive edge.

What is Competitor Analysis?

Competitor analysis is the process of evaluating your business rivals to identify their marketing strategies, strengths, weaknesses, and areas of opportunity. This information can help you develop a more comprehensive understanding of your industry and inform your marketing decisions.

Why is Competitor Analysis Important?

Uncover Market Gaps:

By analyzing your competitors, you can identify gaps in the market that your business can exploit. This insight can help you develop a unique value proposition and create a competitive advantage.

Learn from Others’ Successes and Mistakes:

Understanding what works and what doesn’t for your competitors can help you avoid making the same mistakes and replicate their successes. This knowledge can save you time and resources and contribute to a more effective marketing strategy.

Stay Ahead of Industry Trends:

Monitoring your competitors can help you stay informed about industry trends and shifts in customer preferences. This information enables you to adapt your marketing strategy and remain competitive in a fast-changing market.

Identify Opportunities for Differentiation:

A thorough competitor analysis can help you identify areas where your business can differentiate itself and stand out from the crowd. By capitalizing on these opportunities, you can create a unique selling proposition that appeals to your target audience.

Inform Your Marketing Decisions:

Understanding your competitors’ marketing strategies and tactics can help you make more informed decisions about your own marketing efforts. This insight enables you to allocate resources more effectively and target your marketing campaigns with greater precision.

How ActionCMO’s Fractional CMOs Can Help with Competitor Analysis:

Our expert fractional CMOs at ActionCMO can help you conduct a comprehensive competitor analysis, providing valuable insights to inform your marketing strategy. We can help you:

Identify Your Main Competitors:

We’ll work with you to pinpoint your primary competitors, considering factors like market share, product offerings, and target audience.

Analyze Competitors’ Marketing Strategies:

Our fractional CMOs will examine your competitors’ marketing strategies, including their messaging, positioning, and promotional tactics. This analysis can help you understand their strengths and weaknesses and identify areas of opportunity for your business.

Monitor Competitor Activity:

We’ll help you set up systems for tracking your competitors’ activities, ensuring you stay informed about their marketing efforts and any changes in their approach.

Develop Your Own Competitive Marketing Strategy:

Using the insights gained from your competitor analysis, our fractional CMOs will help you develop a marketing strategy that capitalizes on your strengths and addresses your weaknesses, giving you a competitive edge in the market.

Competitor analysis is a critical component of any successful marketing strategy. By understanding your rivals’ strengths, weaknesses, and tactics, you can develop a more effective marketing plan and stay ahead in the game. Contact ActionCMO today to learn how our expert fractional CMOs can help you conduct a thorough competitor analysis and create a winning marketing strategy for your business! Free Marketing Discussion www.actioncmo.com

Book your no-obligation consultation today by visiting
www.actioncmo.com.

Schedule Your Free Consultation https://gzoo.co/15strategy

March 27, 2023May 5, 2023

Unlock the Full Potential of Your Business with a Tailored Marketing Strategy

Marketing strategies are the backbone of any successful business. They help you identify your target audience, analyze your competitors, and craft an irresistible offer that appeals to your customers. But where do you start? That’s where ActionCMO comes in! In this post, we’ll explore how our expert fractional Chief Marketing Officers can help you develop a winning marketing strategy.

The Role of a Fractional CMO:

A fractional CMO is a high-level marketing professional who brings years of experience and expertise to your business on a part-time or project basis. They can help you strategize, plan, and execute your marketing campaigns while saving you money on hiring a full-time executive.

Creating a Marketing Strategy:

The first step to a successful marketing strategy is understanding your goals. Our expert fractional CMOs will work with you to define your objectives, whether it’s increasing brand awareness, generating leads, or driving sales.

Next, we’ll analyze your target audience, identifying their demographics, interests, and pain points. This information will allow us to craft a message that resonates with your potential customers and encourages them to take action.

SWOT Analysis:

A SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool that helps you identify your business’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Our experienced CMOs will guide you through this process, providing insights and recommendations to help you capitalize on your strengths and mitigate your weaknesses.

Competitor Analysis:

Understanding your competitors is crucial to staying ahead in the market. Our fractional CMOs will conduct a thorough competitor analysis, examining their marketing strategies, messaging, and positioning. This information will help us identify gaps in the market and opportunities for your business to differentiate itself.

Creating an Irresistible Offer:

A well-crafted offer can make or break your marketing campaign. Our fractional CMOs will help you develop an irresistible offer that not only appeals to your target audience but also provides them with a compelling reason to choose your business over your competitors.

Making Sure People Know How to Do Business with You:

One of the most important aspects of any marketing strategy is ensuring that your potential customers know how to engage with your business. Our fractional CMOs will work with you to create clear calls-to-action and easy-to-navigate user experiences, making it simple for people to do business with you.

Grassroots Marketing Techniques:

Growing your business doesn’t have to break the bank. Our fractional CMOs are well-versed in cost-effective, grassroots marketing techniques that can help you build brand awareness and generate leads without a massive investment.

Developing a marketing strategy can be a daunting task, but with the help of ActionCMO’s expert fractional CMOs, you can unlock your business’s full potential. From SWOT analysis and competitor analysis to creating an irresistible offer, we’ll provide the guidance and support you need to make your marketing campaigns a success. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you grow your business! Free Marketing Discussion www.actioncmo.com

March 23, 2023May 5, 2023

The Misadventures of the Cookie-Cutter Marketer

A Tale of Marketing Gone Awry. Unraveling the Mystery of Marketing and its Complexities with a Pinch of Humor.

Behold the ever-elusive creature: the marketer. It comes in all shapes, sizes, and flavors – some might say, as varied as the cookie aisle at your local grocery store. But beware! If you dare to venture into the world of marketing, there’s one thing you must avoid at all costs: the dreaded cookie-cutter approach. In today’s post, we’ll delve into the complexities of marketing and why attempting to make it one-size-fits-all is a recipe for disaster (pun absolutely intended). So, grab your favorite snack, put your feet up, and prepare to be entertained and enlightened on this wild marketing roller coaster ride.

The Legend of the Cookie-Cutter Marketer

Once upon a time, in a world not so different from our own, there was a mystical creature known as the cookie-cutter marketer. This marketer, fueled by a desire for simplicity, believed that all businesses could thrive using the exact same marketing tactics. And, for a while, it seemed like this creature was onto something.

However, as time went on, the cookie-cutter marketer’s methods began to falter. Businesses grew increasingly frustrated with the lack of results and began to question the value of marketing altogether. The reputation of the noble marketing profession was at stake, and the legend of the cookie-cutter marketer began to fade.

The truth is, marketing is a complex beast that requires a nuanced understanding of each business’s unique needs. Cookie-cutter marketing strategies simply don’t work in the long run, and they end up giving real marketers a bad rap. To avoid becoming a part of this woeful legend, let’s dive into what makes marketing so complex and how we can do justice to the role of a marketer.

The Complexity of Marketing – It’s Not Just for the Faint of Heart

Like a complex recipe, marketing has a multitude of ingredients, each with its unique flavors and textures. If you want to create a mouthwatering marketing strategy, you need to carefully consider the different elements involved, including the target audience, the brand’s unique selling proposition (USP), the competition, and the ever-evolving digital landscape.

It’s essential to understand that not every business is the same, and what works for one company may not work for another. A successful marketing strategy takes into account the nuances of each business and crafts a tailored approach that resonates with their specific target audience.

The Price of Marketing – It’s Not Always a Bargain

Let’s be honest: marketing isn’t cheap. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth the investment. Like a fine wine, a well-crafted marketing strategy can yield impressive returns over time. However, if you’re tempted to go the cheap route with a cookie-cutter approach, you might find yourself with a glass of vinegar instead.

Marketing is an investment in the future of your business, and it’s essential to allocate the necessary resources to make it work. Skimping on your marketing budget may save you a few dollars upfront, but it could cost you dearly in the long run.

Introducing Action CMO

Your valiant ally in the fight against lackluster marketing! With a team of seasoned professionals at the helm, Action CMO is dedicated to crafting bespoke marketing strategies that drive results and help your business stand out from the crowd.

At Action CMO, we believe in the power of exceptional marketing that transcends the mundane and the cookie-cutter. We understand the intricacies of this complex field and have made it our mission to create tailored marketing plans that cater to your business’s unique needs.

So, what are you waiting for? Don’t settle for stale, one-size-fits-all marketing approaches that leave you lost in a sea of sameness. It’s time to rise above cookie-cutter marketers and embrace the potential of personalized marketing.

To discuss your marketing situation and embark on a no-obligation consultation with the experts at Action CMO, visit www.actioncmo.com today. Together, let’s take your marketing game to the next level and prove that, when done right, marketing can be a powerful force for good (and profit!).

In a world where marketing is often misunderstood and undervalued, it’s crucial to remember that not all marketers are created equal. By avoiding the pitfalls of the cookie-cutter approach and embracing the complexities of the marketing realm, you can elevate your business and stand out from the competition.

Remember, marketing is an investment in your business’s future, and cutting corners is not an option. Trust in the expertise of professionals like Action CMO to guide you on your marketing journey and help you achieve the success you deserve.

So, let’s bid adieu to the cookie-cutter marketer and forge a new path in the realm of marketing – one that is nuanced, tailored, and, ultimately, wildly successful. Cheers to your marketing success!

February 1, 2023May 4, 2023

Why Marketing Often Fails And Who Is To Blame

I’ve been a marketer for over 30 years, and I have found that the most effective marketing strategies are the ones that have been planned out well in advance. This is not to say that you need to do all of your marketing yourself, but it does mean that you should take an active role in ensuring your campaign is successful. Hold on to your seat, as the next paragraph is shocking but not surprising.

Do You Know Who’s Doing Your Marketing?

Don’t trust your marketing to just anyone. According to an independent study called “Media Transparency Issues In The U.S. Advertising Industry” by K2 Intelligence, on behalf of the ANA, many legacy media companies take between 30 and 90% in fees and participate in non-transparent business practices, including cash rebates to media agencies, which were found to be rampant in the U.S. media ad-buying ecosystem. This means some agencies use 10 cents of your dollar to market your business.

There were systemic elements to some of the non-transparent behavior. Specifically, senior executives across the agency ecosystem were aware of and mandated some non-transparent business practices. Also, there were many non-transparent practices across a wide range of media, including digital, print, out-of-home, and television.

Great! What do we do if these are hidden in the price they charge you? First, you need to know what to ask and properly vet out these companies—that’s where Action CMO comes in.

Below are three factors that can cause even the best marketing efforts to fail:

Lack Of A Plan

A marketing plan is essential for any company looking to succeed. In fact, it’s the first step in any professional marketing campaign. A good plan will outline all the elements of your campaign—from target audience selection and message development to budgeting, scheduling, and evaluation. Also, let the agency know what the expectations are for the campaign.

It should include:

Your objective for the campaign (i.e., what you want to achieve)
Who your target audience is (the people you need to reach)
What mediums will be used (print ads, online ads, etc.) – be sure not to overspend on one particular medium (like TV) while neglecting others that are just as effective but less costly; if you do this then all you’ll do is bankrupt yourself before even beginning!

Lack of Follow Through

Follow-through is the final step in the marketing process. It’s what happens after you make a sale or gain a new customer, client, or patient, and it can make all the difference between success and failure. If you don’t follow through correctly —or worse, they have to follow up with you—you’re going to lose them. They won’t be inclined to buy from you again, especially if other vendors are offering better deals or services.

Not Adapting to Changes in Consumer Needs

The goal of marketing is to get people to buy your product or service. But what if the consumer isn’t interested in buying your product or service? It doesn’t matter how good or well-marketed it is; if there’s no demand for it, you’re out of luck.

Let’s use an example: say that you sell cars and you’ve been selling them pretty well for years—but then one day, someone comes up with a new invention that proves standard gasoline-powered cars are not only out of date but environmentally unfriendly. Obviously, if this happens, your marketing strategy will need some adaptation!

If your marketing agency isn’t in touch with your vision, values, and mission statement, then the marketing is boilerplate messaging with no differentiation factors. So the consumer can only make a decision between you and the competition on price alone. This is the worst way to compete. This is the standard for legacy media marketing agencies that use outdated tactics with little to no strategy in their spray-and-pray mentality. This seems to be the norm for legacy media executives who aren’t transparent and want to separate you from your hard-earned cash.

Want to find more ways to increase your business without using a marketing agency? Download ActionCMO’s marketing leverage sheet here: https://actioncmo.com/lp1/