4 Myths About Virality
Feb 09, 2016
Feb 09, 2016
10 min read
10 min read
Virality is not only concerned with marketing or used only in business analysis but also in a wide select of field. The impact the word has in every day to day business world has given it a big name in the business world.
Once the term “Virality” is horned in marketing, social marketing comes into play. Kissmetrics, a frontline online web marketing company based in America described viral marketing as a marketing technique that optimizes the use of pre-existing social networking services and other reachable technologies in business promotion. In my own simple definition, I truly believe viral marketing involves the use of consumers (as middlemen) in spreading the news about a brand, product and commodity plus achieving other promotional objectives.
Viral marketing is part of surefire business marketing, all marketing gurus must know this and hence, fight to rip from it's bounteous benefits. Though a good number of marketers may find traditional viral marketing very tough and challenging to achieve, thus it is worth the trouble once the benefits start flooding in.
Relatively expensive
Since viral marketing has more to do with word of the mouth, don’t you think it might gulp some good deal of capital and cash investments? Indeed gargantuan multinational companies like Coca-Cola, 7 Up, Cadbury, Nestle and lots more of them are good point of reference for viral marketing. These Companies invest huge sum of raw cash on promoting its brand, products and subsidiaries in the viral marketing pipe, even so, they have attained a greater height in terms of customer acquisition and retention.
Uniqueness of Idea breaks the yoke
This is one myth you’re sure to have known all these while. Success through viral marketing isn’t easy to come by, but with a great idea, great things are sure to happen. Be creative, figure out something unique, interesting and above all, eye catchy so as to last a while in the minds of your viewers and readers. It’s not necessary to have Jean Claude Van Damme do a split in between Volvo trucks, but could seemingly come up with something groundbreaking. For people to love your ad, pay attention, and perhaps be motivated to spread the news about it. Then your work has to be exceptionally scintillating and marketable.
Humor triggering
I recently came across a very wide and ginormous sign-board in the heart of one of the biggest city in West Africa some couple of years back. Guess it was proposed to serve as a viral marketing element, but to my surprise. Guess what is saw! The message as portrayed in it was “Branded! Coming Soon” (with the brand logo just right beside it). I couldn’t help but to twist around my neck to take a second stare at it; behold i was flabbergasted. A good number of people saw this as a waste of money, time, and resources; yea because it calls for humour. But taking a second thought at the scenario, I immediately came to realize what the advertiser had in mind. He was trying to create awareness through mere three words “Branded! Coming Soon”.
Be Short and Simple
The example as illustrated in the previous paragraph got it all; what the viral marketer did above is an explication of what this line says. It's not necessary to incorporate all your thoughts and messages here in your marketing aid. All you need is a very succinct and yet straightforward explication of your goal, the rest will take care of itself.
What is a Fractional CMO? Tips to hire a Fractional CMO
A Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) is essential to driving growth and maintaining a competitive edge within the ever-changing business world. However, many organizations cannot afford the luxury of hiring a full-time, on-site CMO. This is where fractional CMOs emerge as invaluable assets, serving as seasoned B2B marketing executives who provide flexible and cost-effective solutions for organizations seeking to enhance their advertising and B2B SaaS marketing strategies. Fractional CMOs provide a solution since they provide a plethora of experience and expertise without the high cost of a permanent C-stage government position. When considering a fractional CMO, it is crucial for businesses to pose insightful CMO interview questions to evaluate their ability to improve the company's marketing strategies. How do they approach the unique challenges of B2B marketing in a constantly changing marketplace? This blog aims to explore the significance of Fractional CMOs, assess whether your company requires the services of a fractional CMO, and provide guidance on hiring one. Understanding Fractional CMOs A fractional chief marketing officer (CMO) acts as an external advertising agency, operating at the C-level without the full-time hiring commitment. To help agencies traverse the dynamic world of strategic logo control, client interaction, and average marketing management, this strategic function is intended to give them on-demand access to top-notch advertising and marketing knowledge. As indicated by a study conducted, Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) are not only tasked with traditional marketing duties but are also entrusted with a more extensive role. They are expected to play a pivotal role in formulating growth strategies and contributing to revenue generation. A fractional CMO is critical in driving growth, ensuring an aggressive position in the SaaS market, and coordinating advertising and SaaS marketing initiatives with larger company aims. A fractional CMO's responsibilities are varied and represent a thorough and systematic approach to advertising management. They include: Team leadership includes managing and supervising marketing and advertising teams, encouraging teamwork, and ensuring coherent strategies are carried out. Strategic planning involves creating and implementing all-encompassing advertising strategies that align with company goals and consumer trends. Developing and improving internet optimization, social media, and digital advertising tactics to adorn the agency's online presence. Creating activities to maintain and grow customer connections, encouraging satisfaction and loyalty. A crucial responsibility is to make a strong case for potential investors by preparing advertising and marketing materials and tactics before financing rounds. Managing the hiring and onboarding procedures for recently hired marketing team members to maintain a unified and competent staff. Showing a dedication to providing a quantifiable return on investment, assessing the success of marketing campaigns, and implementing data-driven improvements for ongoing progress. The Working Dynamics: Why Fractional CMOs Work The function of a fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) arises as a strategic option that combines adaptability, cost-effectiveness, and seasoned expertise. Fractional CMOs operate as dynamic catalysts for organizations navigating development, providing an immediate injection of leadership without the commitment of a full-time hire. The success of this version is dependent on the complicated combination of enjoyment, financial efficiency, and the ability to deal with the challenging conditions that come with increasing operations. Experience is Important: There is a lot of delight in the Fractional CMO's effectiveness. These experts are seasoned professionals who have successfully guided organizations through the obstacles of various boom stages. Their extensive song catalog prepares them to handle unpredictable scenarios gracefully, specializing in producing practical results. This fun-driven method elevates Fractional CMOs to vital members, giving valuable insights and strategic guidance for expanding firms seeking long-term success. Cost-Effective Solution: The financial benefits of working with a fractional CMO are enormous. This edition is a wise and successful option for businesses looking for top-tier advertising information without the high cost of an in-house CMO. The reductions include talent acquisition strategies, education costs, and employee benefits. Businesses may strategically distribute assets using a fractional CMO while optimizing budgets and capitalizing on the pro-advertising government's insight. This strategy improves operational performance by assuring a cautious monetary approach linked with the employer's growth trajectory. Considerations: While fractional CMOs offer considerable advantages, recognizing aptitude-demanding scenarios is significantly more critical. Organizations must realize potential skill gaps in corporate knowledge, recognizing that fractional CMOs are a short-to-mid-term solution. Despite these difficulties, the instant value given by Fractional CMOs and commitment to a company's growth trajectory make them indispensable in negotiating the complexity of cutting-edge advertising. By identifying and resolving these issues, organizations may strategically harness the expertise of Fractional CMOs, setting the stage for immediate rewards and long-term fulfillment in a SaaS market. Who Needs a Fractional CMO? Is It Right for Your Business? Hiring a Fractional CMO proved strategic for organizations in various circumstances. It becomes an excellent alternative for companies looking to establish a new marketing function, gain independent insights on company strategy, or initiate large go-to-market campaigns. Fractional CMOs' flexibility and competence respond to various company demands, making them an excellent alternative for organizations primed for development and needing quick, high-level marketing leadership. In the context of SaaS marketing, their adaptability and expertise become crucial assets, enabling Fractional CMOs to navigate the unique challenges and dynamics of the SaaS industry with precision and strategic acumen. Agency vs. Fractional CMO It is critical to distinguish between fractional CMOs and B2B marketing agency in the market. Unlike traditional marketing firms, which are generally focused on execution, fractional CMOs are vital executive team members, bringing leadership and strategic vision to the forefront. While agencies may require specific guidance, fractional CMOs frequently engage in CEO meetings, offering strategic guidance and contributing to the company's planned development. As a result, they are a dynamic addition for firms seeking not only execution but also overall marketing leadership. Saffron Edge, a link building agency, can help you with your SEO objectives and other paid marketing objectives. How to Hire a Fractional CMO: A Step-by-Step Guide Identify Business Obstacles: Digitally describe and document your company challenges, laying the groundwork for recruiting. Set objectives: Gather your leadership team to define critical KPIs, qualifications, and expectations for the influence of the Fractional CMO. Networking and research: Investigate applicants on platforms like LinkedIn, focusing on qualified individuals with experience in Fractional CMO jobs. Partnerships and referrals: Utilize your network and recruitment partners to gain access to qualified C-Suite advisors, hence expediting the applicant selection process. References and interviews: To align expectations with the candidate's song report, prepare a list of CMO interview questions and do detailed interviews with a candidate scorecard and test references. Negotiation and Compromise: Before signing a detailed settlement, finalize the engagement terms, which include the scope of work, deliverables, compensation, and duration. Check-ins on a Regular Basis: Establish a routine for daily check-ins to monitor progress, get updates, and ensure the collaboration produces the intended results. Compelling Reasons to Opt for a Fractional CMO Strategy is King: Strategic marketing direction is essential, similar to playbooks in successful sports teams. This strategic prowess is brought by a fractional CMO, who aligns marketing initiatives with well-defined goals for measurable business outcomes. It emphasizes the significance of a unified strategy in navigating the competitive business world by drawing comparisons with sports. Execution Over Ideas: The importance of strategy execution cannot be emphasized. A part-time CMO allows businesses to invest in talented tacticians for various B2B marketing platforms. This focus on execution guarantees that strategic strategies are conceptual and actively implemented, maximizing the effect of marketing campaigns. Predictable Results by Process: The Functional Marketing Framework presents a process-driven approach, providing Fractional CMOs with tools to achieve spectacular and measurable results. This one-of-a-kind technique establishes a structured framework for SaaS marketing strategies that are planned and methodically carried out for constant success. New Thinking Promoted by Collective Wisdom: A Think Tank inside the Fractional CMO community promotes collective wisdom, allowing for exchanging new ideas across sectors. This collaborative approach guarantees that Fractional CMOs bring innovative, effective solutions, utilizing varied skills to solve problems creatively. Clarity for Teams: A fractional CMO is critical in providing clear guidance. This clarity boosts team members' confidence and productivity, linking them with the overall B2B marketing plan. The leadership of the Fractional CMO ensures that the team knows their tasks and contributes efficiently to the organization's goals. Short-Term Commitment, Long-Term Results: A Fractional CMO's 90-day sprint engagement strategy provides flexibility while mitigating financial risks for organizations. This short-term commitment enables firms to assess the effect of the CMO's efforts before committing to a long-term commitment, ensuring that outcomes meet expectations. Hiring a Fractional CMO gives access to top-tier knowledge without the cost burden of a full-time C-level executive. This low-cost methodology enables organizations to benefit from experienced leadership while optimizing resources and ensuring high B2B marketing competence. Conclusion Fractional CMOs provide a compelling alternative for organizations seeking immediate impact and long-term success. Organizations may traverse complexity by strategically using their know-how, guaranteeing a development trajectory fit with the dynamic environment of modern marketing. Fractional Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) serve as strategic catalysts, providing a versatile, cost-effective solution for organizations navigating growth. Fractional CMOs are external strategic partners, smoothly integrating with organizations to generate growth, coordinate advertising campaigns, and ensure a competitive market position. At Saffron Edge, a leading marketing agency, we understand your business objectives and KPIs to deliver the best strategies and execution for your brand. Content marketing services by Saffron Edge will be helpful for your brand's content strategy on the website and also social media. ...
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10 Exceptional Email Marketing Examples from SaaS Companies
Email marketing remains a cornerstone of effective communication, offering one of the highest returns on investment (ROI) in all industries. Businesses can see an average return of $38 for every dollar spent on email marketing. SaaS and B2B marketers recognize the power of this channel, leveraging it to deliver personalized, targeted, and impactful campaigns. Here, we’ll explore 10 outstanding SaaS email marketing examples that excel in design and content and provide actionable takeaways to enhance your email marketing strategy. Essential SaaS Email Marketing KPIs and Metrics Before diving into the examples, it’s crucial to understand the key performance indicators (KPIs) to track for a successful email marketing campaign: Email Open Rate: Indicates how well your subject lines perform, with 47% of recipients opening an email based on the subject line alone. Click-Through Rate (CTR): Measures how many recipients click on links within your email, reflecting the effectiveness of your email copy. Email Conversion Rate (CR): This shows the percentage of recipients who complete the desired action, such as upgrading their software. Bounce Rate: The bounce rate in email marketing shows the percentage of emails that weren’t delivered. There are two types: soft bounce (temporary issues like a full inbox) and hard bounce (permanent issues like non-existent email addresses). It helps monitor deliverability and maintain a clean subscriber list. 10 SaaS Email Marketing Examples Done Right 1. Shopify – Welcome Email Shopify’s welcome email sets a great first impression by managing expectations and providing immediate value. The email is personalized, expresses gratitude, and outlines what customers can expect next. Takeaways: Personalization: Even simple personalization, like using the recipient’s name, builds trust and makes communication more relevant. Gratitude: Thanking customers for choosing your product sets a positive tone and fosters a sense of loyalty. Information: Clearly stating the benefits and what the customer can expect in future communications helps create a positive relationship. 2. Monday.com – Onboarding Sequence Monday.com uses a series of onboarding emails rather than a single welcome email. Their onboarding sequence includes crisp copy, video tutorials, and hyperlinks to the mobile or web app. Takeaways: Keep it Short: Avoid overwhelming new users with lengthy guides. Bite-sized information is easier to digest. Use Videos: Tutorials are engaging and help users understand how to use the product effectively. Provide Links: Make it easy for users to access your platform directly from the email. 3. Litmus – Promotional Emails Litmus uses subtle animations to make its promotional emails stand out without overwhelming the content. The swipe motion in their email gives a peek “under the hood,” making the headline come alive. Takeaways: Visuals Matter: Thoughtful design and subtle animations can draw recipients to engage with your content. Effective Contrast: Highlight key elements like your call-to-action (CTA) to make them stand out. Organized Layout: Use white space to separate sections and enhance readability. 4. Basecamp – End of Free Trial Basecamp’s email at the end of a free trial period focuses on building trust and reducing confusion. It clearly states the trial status, actions needed, and what will happen next. Takeaways: Nurture Prospects: Build trust by clearly explaining the benefits and next steps. Simplify Subscription: Explain the subscription process and highlight how easy it is to cancel. Reassure Data Safety: Let customers know their work and data are safe, alleviating concerns about losing their progress. 5. Squarespace – Trial Extension Emails Squarespace’s email emphatically offers a trial extension, acknowledging that users get busy and offering a one-click extension. Takeaways: Understand Customers: Acknowledge their pain points and offer solutions that show empathy. Simple CTA: Make actions easy to perform with clear and direct CTAs. Clear Benefits: Explain the benefits of upgrading succinctly to motivate users. Want to reduce your CAC to half? get in touch 6. HubSpot – Online Event Invitation HubSpot’s invitation to their Inbound 2021 event is personalized and conversational and highlights the benefits of attending, including featuring notable speakers. Takeaways: Focus on Benefits: Explain what attendees will gain from participating in the event. Showcase Speakers: Highlight expert speakers to attract attendees and build credibility. Use FOMO: Create a sense of urgency and exclusivity to drive registrations. 7. Canva – Customer Retention Emails Canva celebrates users’ achievements and motivates them to reach new milestones. Their email also encourages sharing on social media. Takeaways: Acknowledge Achievements: Recognize and reward user milestones to foster loyalty and motivation. Set New Goals: Encourage continued engagement by setting new challenges or goals. Social Media Integration: Use CTAs that promote sharing on social platforms to expand your reach. 8. Chanty – Re-engagement Emails Chanty’s re-engagement email reminds inactive users of the platform’s benefits and provides easy access to the app. Takeaways: Nurture Inactive Users: Keep communication lines open with low-engagement users by reminding them of your product’s value. Segmentation: Tailor messages to different user segments for better results and higher engagement. 9. Userpilot and Zoho – Feedback Emails Userpilot and Zoho ask for customer feedback to improve their services and categorize users based on their responses. Takeaways: Encourage Feedback: Offer incentives for providing feedback to increase participation. Highlight Value: Remind users of your product’s benefits to encourage positive feedback and continued use. 10. Zapier – Updates/Digest Emails Zapier’s digest email informs users with personalized content and clickable buttons for detailed information. Takeaways: Prioritize Information: Divide content into primary and secondary sections to highlight the most important updates. Allow Choice: Let readers choose which details to explore further, enhancing their engagement. Use White Space: Enhance readability and organization by using white space effectively. Want to reduce your CAC to half? get in touch Additional tips to elevate your email marketing strategy Customized content, A/B testing, audience segmentation, mobile optimization, obvious call to action, metrics tracking, and astute automation may help you improve your email approach. These strategies help you fine-tune your strategy for optimal effect by increasing engagement and conversions. Personalization and Segmentation Personalization goes beyond using the recipient’s name. Segment your audience based on behavior, preferences, and past interactions to tailor your messages more precisely. This increases relevance and improves engagement rates. Compelling Subject Lines Since the subject line is the first thing recipients see, it is crucial to your email’s open rate. Craft subject lines that are concise, intriguing, and relevant to the recipient’s interests. A/B tests different variations to see what resonates best with your audience. Mobile Optimization With many users checking emails on mobile devices, ensure your emails are mobile-friendly. Use responsive design techniques to ensure your emails look great on all screen sizes. This includes using larger fonts, touch-friendly buttons, and a single-column layout. Interactive Elements Incorporate interactive elements such as buttons, carousels, and collapsible sections to make your emails more engaging. Interactive emails can increase click-through rates and make your content more memorable. Clear and Strong CTAs Your call-to-action (CTA) should be clear, compelling, and easy to find. Use contrasting colors to make your CTAs stand out and position them strategically within your email. Consider testing different CTAs to determine which ones drive the most conversions. Consistent Branding Use your brand’s colors, fonts, and logo to maintain consistency in your email design. This helps reinforce brand recognition and makes your emails look professional. Consistent branding builds trust and ensures your emails align with your marketing efforts. Value-Driven Content Always provide value in your emails, whether it’s through educational content, exclusive offers, or useful tips. Value-driven content keeps your audience engaged and encourages them to look forward to your emails. Highlight the benefits of your product or service and how it can solve your recipients’ pain points. A/B Testing and Analytics Regularly perform A/B testing on different elements of your emails, such as subject lines, content, images, and CTAs. Analyze the results to understand what works best for your audience. Use analytics to track key metrics like open, click-through, and conversion rates and adjust your strategy accordingly. Remember, the key to successful email marketing is understanding your audience, delivering value, and continuously optimizing your strategy. Conclusion Building an effective SaaS email marketing strategy is paramount for any company’s success, and at Saffron Edge, we excel in crafting and executing top-tier strategies that drive results. While adhering to best practices is crucial, ongoing testing and iteration are pivotal in honing the perfect approach. At Saffron Edge, we meticulously refine our tactics, drawing inspiration from successful examples and tailoring your emails to resonate authentically with your audience. Each iteration offers valuable insights into what works best for your brand, allowing us to continually optimize and improve your email campaigns. Our expert team ensures your campaigns are effective and aligned with your unique business goals. ...
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5 Amazing benefits of Video Marketing for your Business
For growing businesses, marketing is a difficult task for business owners and their employees often handle multiple responsibilities. It sounds strange but for many businesses, video opens many doors to opportunities for both educating and entertaining the customers. Video is all around and the term Video Marketing is not new. Video Marketing is often seen as a luxury and expensive form of marketing. But, at the same time marketing business and connecting with new customers is the new lifeblood of some organizations. The need for an effective content and connecting with your audience is very real. Video Marketing is one of the most powerful, efficient and engaging methods of marketing available today. It can help your business grow in many ways and the benefits it brings can encourage you to add video in your marketing plan. Here are five amazing benefits of Video Marketing for your Business : 1. Creates Awareness and Truth Video Marketing has a lot of benefits, with one of the biggest that it creating awareness and truth. Videos are best for giving more than a sales pitch to your target audience. Using effective videos can create an aura of reliability and trust because people easily connect with what they see and hear better than they can connect with a traditional pitch. 2. Exposure, Exposure and a lot of Exposure! Videos are mobile and easily searchable no matter where your visitor may be, your videos are accessible to them. We live in a digital world and nowadays people are more visual than anything else. Not only people watch more and more videos, but they also keep watching a video than they engage in other content. Shareability is also a big reason why videos are leading in the marketing field. 3. Boosts your SEO Rankings By having an effective video on your webpage or other pages you can also boost your SEO rankings. The fact is that search engines index the thumbnails of video in addition to content, so by having videos in your web pages you increase your rankings. 4. Easily Measurable Analytics are easily accessible, and they do an extreme job by telling how successful actually your videos are. Measurement can help you to determine which surrounding social media activities and videos are leading to more sales and taking your business marketing plan in the right direction. 5. Allows for Interaction and Real-time Feedback Everyone loves videos, from oldest to youngest internet user. People like to comment on videos and that it how you get a chance to know more about your target audience. Response and Comments on your videos are based on your customer’s needs and feedback. This is how videos help you interact with your customers. Conclusion These benefits of Video Marketing will definitely motivate you to get on board and use video as a part of your marketing plan. To know about our marketing services, Contact us! ...
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