Which tools should we use for marketing automation for SMBs?

The balance between marketing automation for SMBs and headcount is unique for every company, but to survive in modern business, you need to be able to connect quickly with your customer. This connection can be made via media, email, social networking or a solid support team, but where do you begin? Here are a few strategies to consider when enhancing marketing efforts for SMBs. 

Email: Use a direct email marketing service, like Constant Contact or MailChimp, to elevate your email campaign. Whether you send out monthly updates or want to engage in lead generation immediately, a timely and well-designed email speaks volumes to a customer. Not only will these marketing automation platforms help you craft sleek messages that look good on desktop and mobile, but they will also offer response automation and a plethora of integrations that can help alleviate companies suffering from growing pains.

Social media: Use social listening tools to stop negative reviews before they happen. Platforms like Sprout Social, Hootsuite and Brandwatch all help business owners monitor social networks. Utilizing marketing automation for SMBs to capture a negative sentiment before it turns into a poor review is crucial for long-term success. This is because four out of five customers prefer to research before making a buying decision now, and investing in these tools will help you retain those coveted five-star reviews.

Internal communication: Modern businesses run on analytics. Efficiency is measured by input over output, and counting all the sticky notes and emails just won't cut it. Use platforms like Asana or Basecamp to help you manage the chaos that comes from tackling large projects. Multi-channel marketing tools like these platforms and marketing automation for SMBs can then help you highlight any significant obstacles, stalls and drivers you deal with in daily operations.