The 5 Myths of Automated Marketing

Many marketers think the benefits of marketing automation are straightforward. But is implementing an automated marketing solution really that simple?

Even for Apple, one of the largest technology providers in the world, myths about its products are not uncommon. Many consumers believe one of the biggest unique selling points (USPs) for a Mac is that its operating system is invincible to viruses and other malware; in reality this is not true. There simply isn’t a lot of malware out there designed for Mac operating systems; the majority are targeting PCs that run Microsoft Windows.

So while this myth isn’t damaging to Apple, clearly (sales reached a “measly” $171 billion in the year to October), it could be for the customers who aren’t doing anything to protect their devices.

Not dissimilar to this, many marketers think the benefits of marketing automation are straightforward; it can save time and money, it will generally be intuitive, it will operate with little resource support, it simplifies measurement, and delivers improved results. But is implementing an automated marketing solution really that simple? And is it damaging for marketers to believe it is?

The perceived benefits, such as improved sales and reduced time investment, will often be the catalyst for companies deciding to adopt an automated approach to their marketing strategies. However, while some of these may be true in the long-term, no solution is instantly automated and most will require a greater level of investment, specifically in terms of resource, than many people realize. Unfortunately for marketing automation, we’re not able to match Apple’s pioneering “instruction-less” unboxing and “plug and play” model just yet.

To help understand the truth behind marketing automation, here are five of the biggest myths that marketers should quash if they are to implement a strategically balanced approach to their level of automation:

Myth 1: Set-Up Is Always Quick and Easy

It can take months to develop and streamline an automated solution, as changes to the service will need to be made on a daily basis in order to maximize its full potential. A common misconception of automated marketing is that it is a simply a “plug and play” solution that will spring into action without the need for servicing or support. This is not always the case, and it is therefore essential that businesses have the necessary support and expertise in place, both in-house and from their vendor, to guarantee the desired results.

Myth 2: Minimal Resource Is Required

Another myth, as indicated above, is that automated marketing solutions can be operated “hands-free,” with little to no resource needed to support such activity. Much like with the latest driver-assisted technology, we’ve handed over control of parking but we haven’t yet reached the stage where cars fully drive themselves.

At the beginning of the process of an automated solution implementation, people with the relevant expertise will be required to set up the software and ensure it is running effectively and to its full potential. It may be that an organization will need to up-skill or skill-shift its workforce to ensure that it has the right people in the right place to manage the system and maximize outputs.

Myth 3: Results Can Be Measured Without Benchmarking

In order to be able to evaluate the impact an automated marketing solution has on lead generation, it’s essential that businesses evaluate the effectiveness of their existing marketing strategy. Identifying how many suspects turn into prospects prior to the implementation of any new software will create a benchmark by which to measure the success of all future activity. Once an automated marketing platform is in place, it is important to consistently and regularly review its performance to establish how the results compare to previous models, as well as to be able to exploit successes.

Myth 4: It Is a Single-Software Solution

No solution operates in isolation. You may have a proprietary database at the other end, an e-commerce store to sync with, or a CRM you use to pass lead data to sales. It’s imperative that this data is accurately recorded and managed. Furthermore, remember that any new technology you implement will need to seamlessly integrate with other platforms, both now and in the future.

Myth 5: The Technology Will Work With Minimal Support

When a solution is described as “automated,” people often overlook the need for dedicated support and guidance. This is required not only during the initial implementation, but on an ongoing basis to ensure the marketing strategy continues to develop and evolve. It takes far more than just technology to build and maintain an automated solution and, therefore, organizations should work with a vendor that offers added benefits such as real-time support, regular training, project management, and access to specialist designers.

Subscribe to get your daily business insights

Whitepapers

US Mobile Streaming Behavior
Whitepaper | Mobile

US Mobile Streaming Behavior

5y

US Mobile Streaming Behavior

Streaming has become a staple of US media-viewing habits. Streaming video, however, still comes with a variety of pesky frustrations that viewers are ...

View resource
Winning the Data Game: Digital Analytics Tactics for Media Groups
Whitepaper | Analyzing Customer Data

Winning the Data Game: Digital Analytics Tactics for Media Groups

5y

Winning the Data Game: Digital Analytics Tactics f...

Data is the lifeblood of so many companies today. You need more of it, all of which at higher quality, and all the meanwhile being compliant with data...

View resource
Learning to win the talent war: how digital marketing can develop its people
Whitepaper | Digital Marketing

Learning to win the talent war: how digital marketing can develop its peopl...

2y

Learning to win the talent war: how digital market...

This report documents the findings of a Fireside chat held by ClickZ in the first quarter of 2022. It provides expert insight on how companies can ret...

View resource
Engagement To Empowerment - Winning in Today's Experience Economy
Report | Digital Transformation

Engagement To Empowerment - Winning in Today's Experience Economy

1m

Engagement To Empowerment - Winning in Today's Exp...

Customers decide fast, influenced by only 2.5 touchpoints – globally! Make sure your brand shines in those critical moments. Read More...

View resource