id-100236281As you map out your marketing strategy for the New Year, have you found yourself questioning the difference between demand generation and inbound marketing? Not sure of the right marketing mix, marketing technology, or best approach to use when selecting and/or implementing programs and systems for your business?

Identifying the correct marketing mix and systems to use can be challenging. But it’s important to understand the basics before planning your strategy.

Let’s break down the difference between demand generation vs Inbound marketing. Hubspot says it best – Demand gen is sales centric while inbound activities are more marketing centric.

Demand Generation

Demand generation focuses more on typical outbound marketing activities like emails, ppc ads, tv/radio commercials etc. It’s a newer way to think about and approach outbound marketing.

Inbound Marketing

Inbound marketing efforts are intensely focused on creating valuable content that attracts customers even before they are ready to buy, and keeps them engaged with your business every step of the way. It’s all about bringing the people to you and keeping them coming back for more.

Determining the Mix

Deciding on the marketing mix will be different for every organization. While outbound and inbound marketing activities work together to help you meet your sales goals, one thing to keep in mind is that inbound leads cost 61% less than outbound leads.

Inbound leads require nurturing. And effective lead nurturing requires having the right systems and processes in place in order to turn prospects into customers quickly and easily.

Technology Selection

Selecting the type of marketing technology systems to implement or upgrade to, will have a large impact on your organization. Some questions to consider are:

  • Do my current technologies help to plan develop and execute marketing plans on time and within budget?
  • What skills does my team need to successfully use and support the technology?
  • Can the system manage full customer lifecycles?
  • Can your current organizational structure handle the implementation of new technology?

 

Have specific questions about your marketing technology? We want to hear them. Call (571) 606-3106 or email us today.

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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