This blog post has been researched, edited, and approved by expert Hannah Peake. Join our newsletter below to get our free marketing guides.
I don't know where you're at right now, but if you're anything like me, you're just sick of all the old marketing tactics, sales, and advertising that you have to do to grow your business.
In today's fast-paced world, the traditional marketing playbook just doesn't cut it anymore. We're all tired of the same old strategies—cold calling, mass emails, and the incessant ads that follow us around the internet. It feels like a constant grind, doesn't it? But what if I told you there's another way?
Today, I want to share with you the exact marketing blueprint we've been using for the last year. It's not just about scaling and getting more leads and customers; it's about forging authentic relationships with people. This approach helps them remember us, come back, and, most importantly, buy.
Connect with AutomationLinks owner Brad Smith on X (formerly Twitter) here to learn more about advertising. Feel free to message him with any questions about X advertising and marketing.
Creating genuine, authentic relationships in the digital world can sometimes feel like trying to shake hands through the computer screen. It's one of the trickiest aspects of modern marketing, yet it's crucial for building a brand that people trust and connect with. That's why we've broken it down in our blueprint. I'm here to walk you through the exact steps we're taking to build these meaningful connections.
It's all about going beyond the transactional nature of traditional marketing. By focusing on real engagement and interaction, we're able to create a community around our brand. This doesn't just increase loyalty; it turns customers into brand advocates. Let me show you some of the strategies we use to make this happen.
Tips for Building Authentic Online Relationships:
I recently had a conversation with a client that really hit home the importance of staying top of mind. They shared a story with me about losing out on a significant opportunity simply because their client "forgot" about them. Imagine, after providing excellent service, a past client went on to buy a house from someone else because they had simply forgotten the original service provider. This scenario is a perfect reminder of a challenge many businesses face: Are your leads and your customers forgetting about you?
This incident really shows the necessity of maintaining visibility and relevance in your clients' lives. It's
not enough to just deliver a service or product; you have to remain a part of their ongoing narrative.
Here’s how we're addressing this issue and ensuring that our brand remains unforgettable:
So, let's dive into the blueprint and get into the nitty-gritty of how we make sure your leads never forget about you. Here's the deal: It all begins with the type of people you're reaching out to and the kind of content you're creating. Making yourself known and remembered is key here.
If you're not active on social media or creating content, like videos, you're missing out big time. We can't stress enough how important it is to teach and educate your audience. This is where social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Google, LinkedIn, and YouTube become super valuable. By sharing your knowledge and insights, you become the go-to authority in your field. Why? Because when you're out there giving out helpful tips across all these platforms, that's when people start to trust you. It's all about building those relationships.
Simple Steps to Amplify Your Presence:
Step | Description |
---|---|
1. Post Regularly | Keep a consistent schedule for your social media posts and videos. Consistency keeps you in your audience's mind. |
2. Educate, Don't Just Sell: | Focus on providing value through educational content. |
3. Engage With Your Audience: | Respond to comments, messages, and emails. Engagement shows you value your audience's input and helps build trust. |
In our Marketing Machine Blueprint, we put a big emphasis on starting with videos. Why videos? Because showing your face is a powerful way to build relationships. There's something about seeing someone speak, observing their expressions and mannerisms, that fosters trust and connection much more effectively than text or images alone can do.
Now, I get it. Not everyone feels like a natural in front of the camera, and that's perfectly okay. We've got strategies for that. First off, consider setting up interview-style videos. This format can feel more like a conversation and less like a spotlight on you. It's a great way to ease into video content. Alternatively, hiring freelancers to help you create videos can take the pressure off. They can handle everything from filming to editing, allowing you to focus on delivering your message. And if you're still camera-shy, there's always the option to be the teacher without the need for direct camera engagement. Sit down, share your knowledge, and educate your audience through well-thought-out presentations.
Here's How to Get Started with Video Marketing:
After you've caught your audience's attention with engaging videos and valuable content, the next step in our Marketing Machine Blueprint is to guide them towards a specific action: signing up. This is where the magic of a well-crafted opt-in page comes into play. A page on your website that converts visitors into subscribers with an impressive 60% opt-in rate is not a myth—it's entirely achievable and vital for your marketing strategy. Getting people on your email list is key because it opens the door for follow-ups.
It's crucial to understand that most people won't make a purchase the first time they hear about you. In fact, less than 1% will. But what about the other 99%? They are the ones who, after you've followed up and nurtured that relationship, come back and buy. This nurturing process often involves a series of follow-up emails, providing additional value, and gradually building trust over time.
The beauty of building relationships through methods like video content is that by the time someone visits your website, they should already feel a sense of trust towards you. I've had numerous people reach out to me saying, "Hey, I saw you on YouTube. How can I get started?" And many of them hadn't even visited my website yet. This level of direct engagement and interest is what you're aiming for.
Effective Strategies for High Opt-In Rates:
Once your audience lands on your page, guiding them to a sales page is your next pivotal move. This step is crucial because it's your opportunity to clearly articulate who you are, how you can assist them, and what your services or products cost. Remember, a staggering 99% of people won't make a purchase at this stage. But don't let that dishearten you; it's all part of the process.
What comes next is vital: sending an automated email. This isn't just any email. Its purpose is to boost your open rates and begin nurturing a relationship across multiple channels. This email should serve as a bridge, connecting them to your LinkedIn page or YouTube channel, where you can continue to provide value. The idea here is not to push for an immediate sale but to enrich your relationship with them. People might not be ready to buy today, but if you manage to teach them something new tomorrow, they're much more likely to return and make a purchase when they're ready. And that's key to a sustainable business model.
Strategies for Effective Lead Nurturing:
After the initial engagement, it's time to gently nudge those who showed interest but haven't made a purchase yet. Sending another email with a clear, compelling offer can make all the difference. Imagine your potential customer was just about to buy but got interrupted — life happens, after all. An automated reminder the next day could be the prompt they need to take action. However, it's realistic to accept that not everyone will convert, even then. That's where strategic retargeting comes into play.
Retargeting ads are a powerful tool to keep your brand top of mind. They're not as costly as you might think. With just a couple of hundred dollars a month, you can create a presence that feels strong, similar to how big brands like Nike seem to be everywhere. Whether your prospects visit your website, scroll through Facebook, Instagram, or watch videos on YouTube, they'll start seeing your ads. This constant visibility reinforces your brand and keeps reminding them of what you offer.
But it doesn't stop with ads. Following up with more value-driven content is crucial. Sending an email that links to a free guide or resource not only brings additional value to your potential customers but also reinforces your commitment to helping them, regardless of whether they make a purchase. This approach builds a deeper relationship and establishes trust.
Key Strategies for Effective Follow-Up and Retargeting:
Embarking on this marketing journey might seem daunting at first, but remember, the essence of a successful strategy lies in building genuine relationships and staying top of mind. From introducing yourself through captivating videos to engaging with your audience via educational content, each step is designed to bring you closer to your audience. The Marketing Machine Blueprint isn't just a roadmap; it's a testament to the power of consistent, value-driven engagement.
As you implement each phase, from lead capture with high opt-in rates to personalized follow-ups and strategic retargeting, you'll notice a shift. It's not just about selling; it's about creating a community around your brand. This community will not only remember you but will come to rely on you for valuable insights and solutions, transforming potential leads into loyal customers.
The journey doesn't end with a sale. The continuous loop of providing value, reminding, and retargeting ensures that your brand remains a beloved authority. This blueprint is your guide to navigating the digital landscape with confidence, building a marketing machine that not only attracts but retains customers long-term. With patience, persistence, and a focus on authentic relationships, you're setting the stage for sustainable growth and a thriving business.
AutomationLinks is a digital marketing agency located in Wilmington North Carolina. We have worked with over 6,000 businesses and nonprofits over the last 10 years. We believe in a relationship marketing approach to help you turn visitors into customers using automation.