Marketing and sales
Marketing spreads awareness of your organization to its potential customers, while sales transforms them into actual customers. Read about the latest advances in marketing and sales force technologies, the different strategies each requires and the ways the two fields intersect.
Top Stories
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Video
13 Aug 2024
Explaining third-party cookies vs. tracking pixels
Websites personalize content using third-party cookies and tracking pixels but do so in different ways. Continue Reading
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News
07 Aug 2024
Adobe rolls out B2B generative AI app for CRM, marketing
As enterprises determine where the value is in deploying and paying for generative AI in their marketing and sales operations, Adobe releases its own entrant. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Oct 2023
8 ways to measure sales enablement metrics
Measuring sales enablement metrics can increase efficiency for sales teams and drive revenue growth. Learn which metrics to track and real-world uses for each. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Oct 2023
lead generation
Lead generation involves identifying and attracting potential customers, then nurturing and, ultimately, converting them into paying customers. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Oct 2023
CRM (customer relationship management)
Customer relationship management (CRM) is the combination of practices, strategies and technologies that companies use to manage and analyze customer interactions and data throughout the customer lifecycle. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Oct 2023
Bard vs. ChatGPT: What's the difference?
ChatGPT took the spotlight for AI-generated content, and Google answered with Bard. While Bard and ChatGPT might perform similar tasks, there are differences between the two. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Oct 2023
Salesforce
Salesforce, Inc. is a cloud computing and social enterprise software-as-a-service (SaaS) provider based in San Francisco. Continue Reading
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News
11 Oct 2023
Adobe unveils Firefly AI models to quickly make vivid images
The CX and multimedia vendor amps up its generative AI image creation offerings with Prompt Guidance, vector graphic production, template generation and photo-style image tweaks. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
11 Oct 2023
How product-led growth can help scale your business
With a product-led growth strategy, you can take the pressure off your sales and marketing teams and center what really matters: the product and the customer. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Oct 2023
Salesforce Einstein
Salesforce Einstein refers to an integrated set of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies developed for the Salesforce Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Oct 2023
5 digital sales enablement tools to boost productivity
Explore how the top sales enablement tools -- such as live chat, email automation and digital asset management -- can help agents boost productivity and efficiency. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Sep 2023
Customer success vs. sales: What's the difference?
Customer success and sales teams both interact with clients, but customer success prevents churn whereas sales teams focus on loyalty and acquisition. Continue Reading
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News
25 Sep 2023
Shopify adds Audiences integrations for more segmentation
The e-commerce vendor builds on its customer segmentation capabilities by adding platform integrations with Snapchat, Criteo and TikTok for creating lists of target contacts. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Sep 2023
5 email marketing challenges and their solutions
Most organizations primarily use email to connect with customers. Yet, marketers often struggle with engagement due to spam filters and crowded inboxes. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Sep 2023
4 email A/B testing best practices
A/B testing can help marketers improve email campaigns one variable at a time. Best practices include designing the right test, starting with the sender's name and using AI tools. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Sep 2023
technology adoption lifecycle
The technology adoption lifecycle describes how different customers accept and adopt new technology, with early adopters enthusiastically embracing new products and services, and later adopters taking longer to make a purchase decision. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Sep 2023
Social media marketing strategies: Cut cliches, add opinions
Effective online engagement with customers starts with conversations that use feelings and opinions, rather than cliches and facts, to build lasting relationships. Continue Reading
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News
12 Sep 2023
Salesforce unveils Einstein 1 to embed AI in every app
The CRM vendor unveils a suite of new capabilities for its revamped AI platform, including a genAI Copilot in every app, and a way to customize the Copilot's functions. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Sep 2023
mindshare (share of mind)
Mindshare, also known as share of mind, is an approach to marketing that involves attempting to make a company, brand or product the first one that comes to mind when a customer thinks of a particular market. Continue Reading
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News
06 Sep 2023
HubSpot unveils AI-based Campaign Assistant, LinkedIn tie-in
The CRM vendor unveiled a virtual assistant tool, Campaign Assistant, to help marketers build campaigns and an integration between HubSpot and LinkedIn Sales Navigator. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Sep 2023
What does a sales enablement manager do?
A sales enablement manager helps sales reps boost productivity and improves their workflows to generate more revenue. Some organizations may have a full sales enablement team. Continue Reading
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News
06 Sep 2023
HubSpot unveils AI capabilities, releases Sales Hub tools
The CRM vendor unveiled virtual assistants to automate customer service and project future sales, and released tools to centralize sales reps' daily tasks and prioritize leads. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Sep 2023
Sales vs. account management: What's the difference?
Sales and account management teams work together to increase revenue. However, these roles have different goals, responsibilities, skills and relationship timeframes. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Aug 2023
10 sales enablement best practices
A proper sales enablement strategy can help businesses improve revenue, training for sales teams and overall CX. And, with the right tools, teams can become more efficient. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Aug 2023
account mapping
Account mapping is a strategic process that involves researching and visually organizing the key stakeholders, decision-makers and influencers within a target customer's organization. Continue Reading
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News
23 Aug 2023
Twilio's new CDP tool unites data for more personalization
Twilio's new tool uses its customer data platform, Segment, to connect real-time unified customer profiles with isolated data and boost marketing customization for better CX. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Aug 2023
chief experience officer (CXO)
A chief experience officer (CXO) is an executive in the C-suite who ensures positive interactions with an organization's customers. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Aug 2023
What is brand recognition?
Brand recognition is the extent to which a consumer can correctly identify a particular product or service just by viewing the product or service's logo, tagline, packaging or advertising campaign. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Aug 2023
account-based selling
Account-based selling (ABS) is a strategic sales approach in business-to-business sales and marketing that centers around building highly personalized and targeted relationships with specific high-value accounts. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Aug 2023
6 must-have customer experience roles for success
A well-rounded CX team is essential for meeting and exceeding customer expectations when engaging with a company. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Aug 2023
How sales teams can use generative AI
Sales teams can use generative AI to create personalized content, coach sales reps and improve forecasting. However, risks include data protection and a lack of empathy. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Aug 2023
customer experience (CX)
Customer experience (CX) is the sum total of customers' perceptions and feelings resulting from interactions with a brand's products and services. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Aug 2023
Online forms tool offers custom designs and user insights
Digital marketing agency SmartBug Media uses digital customer survey platform Typeform to create custom-designed, brand-appropriate questionnaires and collect user data insights. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Aug 2023
rainmaker
A rainmaker is an individual who generates an unusually high amount of revenue for an organization by bringing new clients and new business to the company. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Aug 2023
Customer communications management key to CX success
Companies of all sizes are using the latest tech such as generative AI, online store apps, and collaboration tools like video calling to improve CX for B2B and B2C businesses. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Aug 2023
content personalization
Content personalization is a branding and marketing strategy in which webpages, email and other forms of content are tailored to match the characteristics, preferences or behaviors of individual users. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Aug 2023
multichannel marketing
Multichannel marketing refers to the practice of companies interacting with customers via multiple channels, both direct and indirect, to sell them goods and services. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Aug 2023
7 ways to successfully align your sales and marketing teams
Learn how to create a close collaboration between sales and marketing that can lead to more effective marketing campaigns, an increase in qualified leads and a boost in revenue. Continue Reading
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News
02 Aug 2023
Salesforce offers tighter Slack integration with Sales Cloud
The CRM giant released tools that bring customer data and insights to the collaboration platform, such as instant account updates sent directly to channels for review. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Aug 2023
10 popular digital marketing podcasts of 2023
Podcasts are popular among digital marketers, offering insights, trends and advice on SEO, social media and email marketing. They provide a time-saving way to stay competitive. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Aug 2023
What is account-based marketing? A guide to ABM strategy
Companies increasingly use ABM to target high-value accounts and boost sales revenue. Here's the lowdown on the key terms and technologies, plus expert advice on getting started. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jul 2023
7 ABM challenges and how to solve them
Navigating through account-based marketing program headwinds in team collaboration, budgeting, resource allocation, scalability, and tool selection requires a unique approach. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jul 2023
12 essential ABM metrics and KPIs to measure success
Account-based marketing metrics let teams effectively engage with key decision-makers within target accounts, strengthen customer loyalty and identify areas of improvement. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jul 2023
Account-based marketing vs. lead generation, explained
Discover the key differences between lead generation and account-based marketing, as well as pros and cons and how to decide which approach is best for your organization. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Jul 2023
demand generation
Demand generation is the process of creating and cultivating interest in a product or service with the goal of generating high-quality leads that can be nurtured into loyal customers. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Jul 2023
account-based experience (ABX)
Account-based experience (ABX) is a business-to-business (B2B) strategy in which the sales, marketing and customer success departments work together to provide accounts with a unified, personalized experience throughout the buyer journey. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jul 2023
CX personalization: Why it's important and how to deliver it
A personalization strategy can increase brand loyalty and customer retention by providing relevant content to customers when they need it. Here's how to get started. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Jul 2023
value proposition
A value proposition is a statement that clearly identifies the benefits a company's products and services will deliver to its customers. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Jul 2023
A guide to account-based engagement
Account-based marketing strategies can unify marketing, sales and customer service objectives to prioritize, personalize and monetize engagements with high-value accounts. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Jul 2023
How to use generative AI for marketing
Organizations can use generative AI to write marketing content and analyze customer data quicker than a human. However, the tool requires basic prompt engineering skills. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jul 2023
How to effectively personalize your ABM strategy
The traditional approach of marketing to the masses is yielding to a more targeted, personalized account-based marketing strategy that caters to high-value clients and boosts ROI. Continue Reading
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Opinion
19 Jul 2023
Meta's Threads erupts as potential customer service channel
Threads may or may not be a Twitter-killer, but if 100 million people signed up for it in its first five days, your customer service team should consider supporting it -- and fast. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jul 2023
5 steps to integrate a content personalization engine into a CMS
Customer experience is a top focus in the modern business world, and personalized content can go a long way toward delivering that exceptional experience. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jul 2023
Microsoft releases Sales Copilot, teases Insights tools
The tech giant released generative AI-supported functions for sellers to generate text and summaries, and unveiled new Dynamics 365 Customer Insights tools for marketers. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Jul 2023
How does bulk SMS marketing work?
To start a bulk SMS marketing strategy, marketers should create message templates, monitor engagement and ensure that customers can opt in or out of communications. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Jul 2023
11 social commerce statistics for 2023
As consumers spend an increasing amount of time on social media, it's important for brands to meet them where they are and integrate social commerce into marketing strategies. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Jul 2023
The new social media landscape in 2023 and how to navigate it
Navigating the changing social media landscape can be challenging. Stay adaptable in the evolving digital environment with goal setting, engagement and mindful communication. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jul 2023
8 top marketing certifications and courses for 2023
In 2023, marketers seek certifications to stay updated and gain an edge. By staying current on trends, they differentiate themselves and bring value to teams and customers. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Jul 2023
7 benefits of SMS marketing
An SMS marketing strategy can benefit organizations and customers alike, with tactics like personalization, real-time results and communication, and loyalty between both parties. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Jul 2023
How AI in marketing can empower creativity
'Marketing Artificial Intelligence' co-author Paul Roetzer explains why and how AI can change marketing and gives insight into how marketing professionals can prepare. Continue Reading
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News
06 Jul 2023
Event analytics tool answers CX data queries using ChatGPT
Mixpanel aims to improve users' CX strategy with its new generative AI-supported data query tool, which lets users type CX data-related questions and get answers in chart format. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Jul 2023
subscription management
Subscription management is the process of overseeing and controlling all aspects of products and services sold repeatedly through a weekly, monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription-based pricing model. Continue Reading
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News
30 Jun 2023
Salesforce brings more AI tools to Sales GPT and Service GPT
The CRM giant brings generative AI-supported tools like message creation and call summaries to sales and service workers, and teams with Deloitte Digital for AI safety resources. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
26 Jun 2023
The 5 indicators of healthy sales-marketing alignment
How can a business ensure sales and marketing teams communicate and are on the same page? Ask these five questions and make sure both teams share a common language. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jun 2023
8 SMS marketing software to know in 2023
SMS marketing is the best way to reach customers where they are. These platforms can help organizations send automated replies, add personalization and integrate with other tools. Continue Reading
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Opinion
15 Jun 2023
Monitor generative AI in customer experiences -- or else
As marketers and customer service leaders deploy generative AI tools that tech vendors are rapidly commercializing, they should monitor U.S. FTC guidance. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Jun 2023
customer engagement
Customer engagement is the way a company creates a relationship with its customer base to foster brand loyalty and awareness. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Jun 2023
Top 9 best SMS marketing examples, with templates
How can marketers write the perfect text message to engage customers? Templates can help. Explore examples of common SMS marketing messages, like product alerts and event invites. Continue Reading
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News
09 Jun 2023
LinkedIn unveils generative AI-based tools for B2B marketers
The professional network's new products let marketers create ad copy, message other company Pages, and post different types of ads to attract buyers throughout the buying process. Continue Reading
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News
07 Jun 2023
Salesforce adds GPT to Commerce and Marketing clouds
The CRM giant adds generative AI capabilities and an expanded Google partnership to help marketers bring personalized content to customers and improve CX. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Jun 2023
outbound marketing
Outbound marketing is a traditional form of marketing in which an organization initiates contact with potential customers, or leads. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Jun 2023
marketing campaign management
Marketing campaign management is the planning, executing, tracking and analysis of direct marketing campaigns. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Jun 2023
sales-qualified lead (SQL)
A sales-qualified lead (SQL) is a prospective customer that has been researched and vetted -- first by an organization's marketing department and then by its sales team -- and is deemed ready for the next stage in the sales process. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Jun 2023
letter of intent (LOI)
A letter of intent (LOI) is a written, nonbinding document that outlines an agreement in principle between two or more parties before a legal agreement is finalized. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 May 2023
third-party cookie
A third-party cookie is a cookie that's placed on a user's device -- computer, cellphone or tablet -- by a website from a domain other than the one the user is visiting. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 May 2023
marketecture (marchitecture)
Marketecture (also known as marchitecture) refers to non-technical descriptions of a company's products or services that let various stakeholders understand the product's core functionality and how it works with other products as part of a broader ecosystem. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 May 2023
What are the different types of SMS marketing?
How should marketers text their audiences? First, ensure customers opted in to receive texts. Then, promote, incentivize and update customers on products and orders. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 May 2023
inbound marketing
Inbound marketing is a strategy that focuses on attracting customers, or leads, via company-created internet content, thereby having potential customers come to the organization rather than marketers vying for their attention. Continue Reading
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News
16 May 2023
SAP's new CX tools for retailers include generative AI assistant
The vendor's new tools include Digital Assistant for better personalization, accelerators to use customer data to improve CX, and a platform to sell excess products on the market. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 May 2023
account-based marketing (ABM)
Account-based marketing (ABM) is a business-to-business (B2B) strategy that focuses sales and marketing resources on target accounts within a specific market. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 May 2023
Tips and tools to help you write emails with AI
Emails can be taxing, but are vital to give the right impression. Using concise text and the right tone can make all the difference, and AI can help make the email process easier. Continue Reading
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News
11 May 2023
Google adds Adobe's image generator, Firefly, to Bard
The AI-backed chatbot will have artmaking abilities with Firefly, an image generator that was trained on hundreds of stock images to avoid copyright infringement. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 May 2023
Top 10 SMS marketing best practices
Customers may be willing to opt into receiving texts from a brand, but marketers should follow various best practices to ensure they don't overload or overstep with customers. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 May 2023
Generational marketing explained: Everything you need to know
Marketers need to meet consumers on the platforms with which they are most comfortable, whether that be print, digital or a combination of the two. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 May 2023
customer segmentation
Customer segmentation is the practice of dividing a customer base into groups of individuals that have similar characteristics relevant to marketing, such as age, gender, interests and spending habits. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 May 2023
How to avoid greenwashing as a marketer
Greenwashing can erode customer trust and damage brand reputation. To avoid it, organizations can offer evidence to support their claims and use sustainability certifications. Continue Reading
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News
03 May 2023
Salesforce brings GPT to customer service, sales platforms
The CRM giant brings generative AI capabilities to its sales and service platforms for fast, relevant email, message and article creation, as well as multilanguage transcription. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 May 2023
lead scoring
Lead scoring is a methodology used by sales and marketing departments to determine the worthiness of leads, or potential customers, by attaching values to them based on their behavior relating to their interest in products or services. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Apr 2023
How businesses improve customer experience with AI
AI bolsters the consumer journey by improving personalization for enterprise marketing and unlocking data extraction for customer calls to the contact center. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Apr 2023
Top 8 digital asset management platforms to consider in 2023
DAM platforms help marketers manage digital assets for customer-facing channels like websites and social media pages. Top DAM products include Acquia DAM, Bynder and Canto. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Apr 2023
MAM vs. DAM: What's the difference?
Digital asset management is the reigning champion of managing digital and multimedia assets. Now, media asset management offers the same, with more support for larger files. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Apr 2023
white paper
A white paper is an authoritative, research-based document that presents information, expert analysis and an organization or author's insight into a topic or solution to a problem. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Apr 2023
contactless payment
A contactless payment is a wireless financial transaction in which the customer makes a purchase by moving a security token in close proximity to the vendor's point of sale (POS) reader. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Apr 2023
11 TikTok alternatives to check out in 2023
TikTok wasn't the first of its kind, and it won't be the last. Check out these alternatives. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Apr 2023
partner relationship management (PRM)
Partner relationship management (PRM) is a combination of the software, processes and strategies companies use to streamline business processes with partners that sell their products. Continue Reading
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News
06 Apr 2023
Overcoming data privacy challenges in digital marketing
As access to customers' personal data tightens, online marketers must reevaluate their strategies to reach their desired targets in an effective and creative way. Continue Reading
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News
05 Apr 2023
Salesforce forms new Trailblazer community group for sales
The CRM software giant aims to fill sales personnel gap with new sales-focused learners group named Salesblazer and sales certification for existing courses. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Mar 2023
5 best practices for a sustainable marketing strategy
Sustainable marketing can boost brand loyalty, but marketers need an effective strategy. Brands should commit to a larger purpose, take a long-term approach and remain consistent. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Mar 2023
How account-based marketing can improve personalization
An ABM strategy can help B2B marketers personalize marketing efforts for top prospects. An ABM strategy includes an ideal customer profile, personalized messaging and a CRM system. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Mar 2023
Advice for marketing personalization
Business professionals have become numb to the plethora of marketing emails they receive every day. However, personalized messaging can grab their attention. Continue Reading
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News
27 Mar 2023
Canva steps up design game with new AI-powered design tools
The platform provides accessible tools for small businesses that need design help. Canva is also escalating its technology to compete against bigger design platforms such as Adobe. Continue Reading