It is no surprise that digital marketing is a moving target. With the launch of new algorithms that undergo changes from time to time, some features are discontinued while new ones take root. Reviewing the marketing trends enable the marketers to stay ahead of the competition. A rule of thumb to review the trends for all the marketers in B2B sector is to think through innovation across all the leading digital marketing channels. Addressing all these concerns, here are five key digital marketing trends that can uplift your business:1) Marketing AutomationMarketing automation is overrated as it is one of the best technologies for B2B marketing. Owing to current need in digital marketing, marketers need to automate tasks, such as emails, social media and several other website actions. The marketing automation software simplifies these tasks by connecting the companies with their target audience. As a marketing team is needed to be in constant touch with their potential customers, marketing automation software has become the jewel in the crown of a marketing team.2) Interactive ContentInteractive digital content has become a staple in B2B marketing. In the current digital landscape, engagement is lifeblood, and the efforts of marketers are paid off when their audience not only go through the content, but also acts upon it. This signifies the importance of interactive content as it helps in generating conversions. Customers do research and compare various service providers before purchasing anything. Here, interactive content works as a competitor differentiation and educate the buyers, thus help them in making their choices.3) Social MediaAccording to research, social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Twitter cater the best results to B2B businesses. YouTube and Slideshare prove to be more effective than Google+. The reasons being, an increasing number of B2B businesses use Google+. With so many social media platforms, it is important to prioritize and opting for the most effective network is the best idea.4) Live Video StreamingAccording to report, it has been estimated that video will be responsible for up to 82 percent of traffic by the year 2020. Over the last few months, live digital marketing campaigns were executed on social media networks, including Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram. The response was remarkable as they gathered more attention from the target audience. Live video engages the audience in an effective way as people find it authentic.5) Mobile MarketingNowadays, 80% people use mobile for using the Internet. Mobile being used rampantly by users to access the Internet, digital marketers can maximize their brand’s value by employing mobile payment methods, mobile search and mobile apps. In addition, digital marketing agencies targeting Ads on mobile specific applications help them in enhancing their brand awareness. Mobile marketing when combined with social media marketing brings desirable result in digital marketing.
Comparing Traditional and Digital Marketing
Digital Marketing versus Traditional Marketing is one of the most heated new age debates that we often come across. While on one hand the tech heads give you the most obvious justification of fast paced digitization as to why digital marketing clearly surpasses traditional marketing. Corporate Executives, on the other hand, functioning in conventions, would more obviously than not justify traditional marketing. Before we ponder on this debate further,let us first understand what essentially distinguishes the two.What is Traditional Marketing?Traditional Marketing refers to the conventional methods of promoting a brand. This includes newspaper ads, magazine ads, billboards, brochures, hoardings etc. Traditional marketing also includes network marketing. In its most basic sense, Traditional marketing refers to a structured effort on endorsing one’s brand but without any reliance on online methodologies. Traditional offline media are often the channels that brands incorporate when it comes brand promotion.The tools for Traditional Marketing are:1.Print Marketing
2. Broadcast Marketing
3. Referral Marketing
4. Outdoor Marketing
5. Publication MarketingLet us Look at a few examples of Traditional Marketing:A. Vicks, a prominent brand in India came up with a campaign called Touch of Care. The ad film showcased a a daughter’s relationship with her transgender mother. This ad film that went viral because of how it truly the touched a chord with the sentimentality of the audience.B. Dove, around mid 2000s came up with the idea of giving away free samples with morning newspapers. This strategy truly helped the brand popularize itself. This brand strategy completely worked in the brand’s favour.What is Digital Marketing?Digital Marketing as the name suggests refers to the marketing efforts of a brand using online channels. It refers to how a brand handles it online reputation. Optimizing your brand forms the backbone in this case. The biggest channel definitely is the Internet. The sub channels include websites, blogs, Social media platforms etc. Digital Marketing includes a step of intricate procedures.The tools include:1. Facebook Marketing
2. Digital Campaigns
3. Search Engine Optimization
4. Content Marketing
5. Influencer MarketingLet us Look at a few examples of Digital Marketing:A. Kitkat hit it big with their influencer marketing strategy. Their challenge on Musical.ly which involved participants lip syncing to the new jingle was quite a rage. It brought great popularity to the brand image of Kitkat.B. Kellogg’s launched their digital campaign using Stranger Things on Netflix. We saw in the series how Eleven was obsessed with Kellogg’s Eggo waffles. This online promotion that incorporated storytelling elements really brought about a string of desirable effects for the brand.Which one Should you go for?The market conditions are reflective of the cut throat competition that prevails currently. In a situation like this both offline and online presence count. While it is extremely important to maintain effective optimization and an impressive online reputation, it is equally vital to maintain a strong offline presence.Despite having different channels,both traditional and digital marketing run on similar strategies. The Marketing Mix, the backbone of any marketing strategy, consisting of Price,Product, Place and Promotion,is essentially what goes into both traditional as well as digital marketing. Therefore a perfect marketing strategy should be the right blend of traditional and digital marketing.While SEO, SMM, etc are great ways of reaching people’s computer screens but there exists a world beyond that which can be reached through the facets of traditional marketing.As you saw, Marketing can be quite a fix. They are services that call for expert advice and professional help. If done right, Marketing can have a sweeping influence which will bring about a string of beneficial outcomes for your ambitious brand.
All About Money Transfer
Every year, billions of dollars are recorded as remittances worldwide. With the advent of technology, there are several ways to send money home. With so many options available, it is very important to make the right choice to avoid paying an exorbitant fee to transfer money. There are three basic factors to be considered while transferring money. Understanding each of them will help us in sending money in the most optimal method.
1. Mode of Transfer
There are a couple of aspects while choosing a mode of money transfer. They are:
location of the sender and the receiver
awareness levels of the technology and the availability of the same
time availability and affordability
Taking all of the above into consideration, one can select a medium that best suits him/her.
Cash Transfer
One of the oldest methods of sending money, a cash transfer is a simple process of sending cash through a money transferrer. The receiver can collect the money or have it delivered by the money transferrer.
Bank Transfer
Today, several money transferrers have tied up with many leading international banks to empower their customers to make a bank transfer. Through this service, one can transfer money to the recipient’s bank account.
Online Money Transfer
One can sit at the comfort of their home or work and send money through an online remittance portal. Most portals have the facility to remit the money to a bank account/ credit card /cash payout.
Mobile Money Transfer
This method of money transfer is ideal for those who have limited access to banks and transfer agents. Through this method, money can be sent to a recipient’s mobile phone or mobile wallet. This is widely used in many countries in the African continent. Some of the other countries that have this facility are Bangladesh, Kenya, India and Philippines.
2. Cost of Transfer
The cost of sending money will depend on the exchange rates, mode of transfer (cash, bank, online), the commission charges levied by the remittance house etc. And they will vary depending on the service provider’s network and the other value added services offered. Simply put, at the end of the transaction, calculating how much of money the recipient receives will give an idea of the cost of transaction. While availing a particular type of money transfer service, one should be well informed about the below:
Exchange Rate: This is the rate at which one currency is exchanged with another. This rate will vary from time to time, depending on the global financial scenario and other economic factors. It is always wise to wait until the receiver’s currency value is lesser than the sender’s currency value, so that more money can be sent. For instance, if someone living in the USA wants to send money to Mexico, they should ideally transfer money when the value of peso is lesser than dollar, so that, for each dollar more pesos can be sent.
Fees: This is the fees charged for transferring the money and will depend on the service provider and the mode of money transfer.
Tax: Some countries also levy a value added tax that is charged on the commission/ service fees. For more information speak to the customer care executive before you make a transaction.
3. Comparison
It is always good to weigh all the available options before transferring money. Comparing the exchange rates at various times will help in understanding the pattern. While one service provider might have a wide network, another might boast of having state-of-the-art technology. Hence understanding one’s needs and choosing accordingly is crucial.
Always ensure you ask for a record of the transaction (bill/e-receipt) at the end of the transaction. This will authenticate the transaction and act as a reference for future purposes. Sending money home can be overwhelming with so many avenues, but gets easy once the above factors have been well considered.