In the modern marketing world, analytics are technologies used to measure marketing performance. Analytics can be used to determine marketing return on investment (ROI) as well as help identify ways to continuously improve marketing programs.
Augmented Reality
A live view of the real, physical world that is supplemented with computer generated data or information. For marketing purposes, augmented reality typically involves an app on a mobile device that scans a printed catalog, sign, or direct mail piece and displays interactive data such as copy, 2D images, 3D models or video. The data is either displayed layered over the physical world in the app or opens up a new app or web browser to display the data. Augmented reality is sometimes referred to as interactive print.
Blog
An online journal, or web log. Businesses typically use their blog to provide useful information to customers and prospects. A blog on a website is an example of “owned media”.
Cross-Media Campaign
A type of campaign that uses multiple channels that have integrated messaging and measurement. A typical cross-media campaign might use direct mail, email, or traditional advertising that drive the prospect to a landing page, which might initiate additional marketing communications.
Email marketing
Email marketing is a direct marketing medium used to reach out to customers and prospects. It includes mass newsletters sent out to a broad customer base, as well as targeted messages that are a result of some action, such as a purchase confirmation.
Drip campaign
This is a series of automated customer contacts that are sent after a customer or prospect takes some action, like downloading a white paper. Drip campaigns are normally implemented using email but they can use any form of personalized outbound media.
QR Code
The Quick Response code is a two dimensional gridded code that contains embedded data that can be interpreted by a mobile app. The most common use is to open a web page in a mobile browser, saving a prospect from typing in a URL on their smart phone. QR code usage seems to be increasting, but they have been written off as a failure by some. When used to open a web page, it is imperative to send the visitor to a mobile friendly page, but sadly this is still frequently not the case.
Social Media
Social media consists of a wide range of online technologies that facilitate two way communications between two or more parties.
Content Marketing
Content marketing involves creating and sharing content with a goal of acquiring customers or furthering the relationship with existing customers. The content can be delivered via a blog, social media channel, or traditional channels such as articles in publications. While it is frequently referred to as a new strategy, it has been around for more than a hundred years. John Deere’s The Furrow magazine, which was first published in 1985, is frequently cited as one of the earliest examples of content marketing.
Landing Page
A landing page is the first page a web site visitor comes to. Your home page is probably your most commonly visited landing page. More specifically, a landing page is the page that you send people to using pay-per-click advertising and social media communications.
Marketing Automation
A platform that puts prospects in a marketing program designed to nurture the prospect to becoming a customer. The marketing program typically involves an automated series of emails, landing pages and other marketing contacts that modified based on prospect action or inaction.
Cross-Media Campaign
A type of campaign that uses multiple channels that have integrated messaging and measurement. A typical cross-media campaign might use direct mail, email, or traditional advertising that drive the prospect to a landing page, which might initiate additional marketing communications.
Web site
A collection of web pages located on a single domain, such as www.yourcompanyname.com.
Traditional Marketing Terms
Direct Mail
A traditional form of outbound communications. For lead generation campaigns a targeted list is typically used. Direct mail is also used to enhance existing customer relationships or to resurrect a stale lead. Variable data print technologies can be used to produce highly targeted or personalized direct mail pieces.
Marketing Collateral
A collection of materials used as part of the sales and marketing process. It includes brochures, product data sheets, sales scripts, white papers, and other online content.
Print Media
Print media refers to content distributed by and printed channel, including newspapers, magazines, and direct mail.
Broadcast Media
Broadcast media, such as television and radio, refers to a marketing channel that is distributed to a large number of people at the same time.
Out of Home
A marketing channel that reaches a wide audience in public areas outside of the home. It includes billboards, mobile signage, and banners at sporting events.
Marketing Concepts
Inbound & Outbound Marketing
Inbound marketing is when customers and prospects come to you. It includes web sites, landing pages, and incoming phone calls. Outbound marketing is when you broadcast your message. Outbound channels include email, phone calls, advertisements, text messages, direct mail, and social media messaging.
Lead Generation
A marketing campaign or ongoing program used to identify prospective customers.
Owned, Earned & Paid Media
Owned media is content that you have full control over, such as content on your website, blog, or social media. Paid media is when you utilize a for-fee 3rd party channel. Paid media includes traditional advertising as well as pay-per-click online advertising. Earned media is content that other people have published about you. It is earned because it is based on your hard work, not your money. It includes social media sharing, reviews, blog posts, references in discussions, as well as traditional PR.