Are you Ready to Set-It-And-Forget-It with Automation?

by | May 8, 2019 | Uncategorized

Don’t you just wish you could ‘set it and forget it?’ when it comes to certain tasks in your business? If only there was a way you could automate your marketing, so you don’t have to spend daily or weekly hours tending to them. 

Oh wait. You can automate your marketing!!! We don’t recommend that you ‘set it and forget it’ (hello, you need to monitor things) but we definitely recommend that you use some tools to help you improve your workflow and productivity. Automation tools can save you both time and money. 

There are hundreds of tools out there – likely even thousands, but who has time to count them all – that can help you do your job better. But how are you supposed to know what tools you need? 

There are multiple marketing automation systems out there that range from top-line tools that integrate CRM and sales systems, while others might focus simply on one core task, like email marketing. 

How to Choose A Marketing Automation System

  1. Total Cost: Some are free, some are affordable, and some cost a heck of a lot. You need to determine what your budget is and what tools are going to offer you the best options for what you can afford. Think beyond the price tag, however, to include what it will save you, what other costs might be incurred, and how it might make money for you as well. 
  2. Ease of Use: No one likes complicated. Make sure it’s something you can handle. You’ve got enough going on in your business without having to worry about spending hours learning a new tool. Make sure you choose a tool that is easy for YOU to use. 
  3. Customization: You’ve been building a brand. Make sure the tool you pick has the ability for you to make the kind of customizations you want that align with your brand and your needs. This goes for the visual look as well the journey that you’re going to send your prospects on. 
  4. Reporting & Analytics: Why do it if you aren’t tracking it? Check out what kind of reporting features are offered and make sure you are going to get the kind of data you want.  
  5. Limitations: Make sure you look at what it CAN’T do as well as what it can do. You don’t want to decide and then a month later figure out that it can’t do something key for you. 
  6. Support System: Customer support is key. When you need help, you need it NOW.  
  7. Integration: If you are using multiple tools, look for ones that offer integrations with the other tools you are using (or are considering using). 
  8. Customer Feedback: Social proof. Spend a little time finding out what customers say about the tool and service. Use your best judgement. 

We found this article that has a great comparison between 20 top marketing tools

Explore Automation Opportunities

Of course, automation doesn’t just stop at marketing. You can also look for tools to help you with your financial management, communication, workflow management, operations, and more. While not all the points above apply exactly to these areas, you should still look at each tool from a broader view to help you determine what you need, why you need it, and how it will help you. 

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