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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Tip
12 Jul 2024
Why does data privacy matter in marketing?
Marketers frequently use customer data for their strategies. They must properly secure that information, so they comply with privacy laws and customers trust the business. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jul 2024
Know when to use a headless CMS and when it's not worth it
Headless CMSes aren't a silver bullet for every circumstance. Evaluate four use cases for a headless CMS and four scenarios when a headless CMS isn't worth the investment. Continue Reading
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News
07 Mar 2023
Salesforce joins generative AI ranks with Einstein GPT
The CRM giant capitalizes on GPT 3.5 tech, weaving generative AI into code creation, Slack tools and customer interactions. The vendor also launched a $250M AI investment fund. Continue Reading
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News
06 Mar 2023
Microsoft's new Dynamics 365 Copilot uses generative AI
Copilot accelerates routine tasks for marketing and sales teams like creating email responses and collecting customer insight data, intensifying the AI race in CRM software. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Mar 2023
Deinfluencing explained: Everything you need to know
The influencer market tells people about the latest trends and shows them products to purchase. But some influencers -- deinfluencers -- are trying to stop overconsumption. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Mar 2023
marketing-qualified lead (MQL)
A marketing-qualified lead (MQL) is a website visitor whose engagement levels indicate they are likely to become a customer. Continue Reading
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News
01 Mar 2023
Generative AI-supported tools coming from Pegasystems
CRM platform Pega Infinity will incorporate artificial intelligence language tools for quicker task management, insight visualization and app development. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Feb 2023
marketing automation
Marketing automation is a type of software that allows companies to effectively target customers with automated marketing messages across channels including email, websites, social media and text messages to generate sales leads. Continue Reading
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Infographic
27 Feb 2023
A brief history of Google algorithm changes
Google frequently updates its algorithm to improve search result quality. These updates often enhance search query interpretation and prevent spam tactics. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Feb 2023
Rolling recession explained: Everything you need to know
Talks of a looming recession and tech layoffs dominated the news in 2022 and 2023, but job and spending reports have outpaced predictions. Enter the term 'rolling recession.' Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Feb 2023
Learn the basics of digital asset management
DAM systems offer a central repository for rich media assets and enhance collaboration within marketing teams. However, users may struggle with metadata and business processes. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Feb 2023
social commerce
Social commerce is a rapidly growing branch of e-commerce that uses social networks and digital media to facilitate transactions between businesses and customers. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Feb 2023
shoppable video
A shoppable video is a way for consumers to discover products and make a purchase through links within the video. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Feb 2023
Why is sustainable marketing important?
On a grand scale, sustainable marketing brings awareness to environmental and social issues. On a business level, this practice can improve brand loyalty and worker engagement. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Feb 2023
infographic
An infographic (information graphic) is a representation of information in a graphic format designed to make the data easily understandable at a glance. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Feb 2023
B2C (business-to-consumer)
B2C, or business-to-consumer, is a retail model where products or services move directly from a business to the end user who has purchased the goods or services for personal use. Continue Reading
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Answer
02 Feb 2023
What are the different types of marketing personalization?
Marketing teams use multiple personalization strategies for customer outreach, like emails, targeted ads and chatbots. Each approach brings several benefits and can improve CX. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Feb 2023
sales pipeline
A sales pipeline is a visual representation of sales prospects and where they are in the purchasing process. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Jan 2023
Facebook wall
A Facebook wall refers to the space on a Facebook user's profile where other users can post messages, pictures, videos and other digital content for their friends or the public to see. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jan 2023
marketing stack
A marketing stack, also called a marketing technology stack, is a collection of technologies used by marketers to perform, analyze and improve their services. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jan 2023
How do green marketing and sustainable marketing differ?
Many organizations use green and sustainable marketing to build trust with consumers. Green marketing focuses on the environment, whereas sustainable marketing is broader. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jan 2023
5 examples of e-commerce content marketing strategies
Content marketing strategies with personalization, thought leadership research, SEO and diverse content types can help e-commerce companies reach and engage more customers. Continue Reading
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News
24 Jan 2023
Google faces new DOJ lawsuit over advertising technology
The DOJ alleges that Google maintains an illegal monopoly over advertising technology used by website publishers and advertisers. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Jan 2023
How AI and marketing will influence our future
AI changes marketing strategies by using predictive analytics and automating some time-consuming tasks to increase efficiency; however, there are considerations as you adopt AI. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jan 2023
Latest Google Cloud AI shines spotlight on retail automation
AI-powered automated inventory tracking systems aren't perfect. However, retailers with high rates of lost sales from missing items in stores could still achieve a decent ROI. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jan 2023
Microsoft and Salesforce step up smart store retail tech
The tech giants are quickly evolving their technologies aimed at the brick and mortar commerce market, with new software for smart store analytics, CX and retail associates. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Jan 2023
TAM SAM SOM
TAM SAM SOM is a set of acronyms used to quantify the business opportunity for a brand in a given market. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Jan 2023
video marketing
Video marketing is the use of video content to promote a brand, product or service. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Jan 2023
6 e-commerce email marketing strategies to heed
Building a database, nurturing existing customers and using an email service provider are some e-commerce email marketing strategies to help businesses increase revenue. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Jan 2023
Personalization vs. segmentation: What's the difference?
Personalization and segmentation both bring different benefits to marketing teams and use different types of customers data. Find out the main differences between the two terms. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 Jan 2023
Why is personalization important?
Personalization is key in many marketing teams' strategies. It plays an important role in helping organizations retain customers, build trust among audiences and stay relevant. Continue Reading
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News
04 Jan 2023
Salesforce 2023 layoff plans follow recent executive exodus
Changes continue to shake up Salesforce, with a 10% workforce reduction and office space closures this year following recent departures of top executives. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Jan 2023
Digital marketing tips for growth amid economic uncertainty
Budgets are down, social media is unreliable, the economy is rough. That could make first-party data, loyalty programs and streaming video better marketing investments. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Dec 2022
customer lifecycle
In customer relationship management (CRM), customer lifecycle is a term used to describe the progression of steps a customer goes through when considering, purchasing, using and maintaining loyalty to a product or service. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Dec 2022
Digilantism explained: Everything you need to know
With the rise of digital communications, some people turn to digilantism for justice and support. Here is how digilantism is used to gain advocacy for various causes. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Dec 2022
Top 8 e-commerce marketing platforms to consider
An e-commerce marketing strategy is no longer optional. Organizations need a marketing platform that meets their e-commerce teams' needs, can customize websites and is affordable. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Dec 2022
law of diminishing returns
The law of diminishing returns is an economic principle stating that as investment in a particular area increases, the rate of profit from that investment, after a certain point, cannot continue to increase if other variables remain at a constant. Continue Reading
- Definition 21 Dec 2022
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Feature
21 Dec 2022
5 ethical issues in marketing to avoid
Marketing is about attracting customers and making sales. However, there are some unethical advertising and promotion tactics that may cause people to mistrust your brand. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Dec 2022
5 examples of personalization strategies
These real-world personalization strategies -- mixed with intent-based marketing, targeted emails and multimedia -- helped create long-lasting relationships with engaged customers. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Dec 2022
direct email marketing
Direct email marketing is a format for email-based campaigns in which standalone advertisements are sent to a targeted list of recipients. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Dec 2022
search engine marketing (SEM)
Search engine marketing (SEM) is a method of promotion and advertising to help companies' content rank higher among search engine traffic. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Dec 2022
10 e-commerce marketing strategies for your business
Marketers have myriad tools in their belts -- from SEO to influencers to technology and tools. These strategies can improve anyone's e-commerce marketing plan. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Dec 2022
How to efficiently measure customer loyalty
Most organizations don't measure customer loyalty often or thoroughly enough to improve CX. This book excerpt explores tips and suggestions to measure loyalty more efficiently. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Nov 2022
database marketing
Database marketing is a systematic approach to the gathering, consolidation and processing of consumer data. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Nov 2022
How to choose a customer data platform
CDPs centralize customer data, which can improve marketing insights. To choose the right CDP, CX leaders can create a team of stakeholders, identify goals and compare products. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Nov 2022
SEO vs SEM: What's the difference?
SEO and SEM strategies help marketers put digital content in front of the right audience. However, SEO strategies focus on organic search whereas SEM generates paid traffic. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Nov 2022
8 free SEO keyword research tools to explore
SEO keyword research tools can help marketing teams create the content their audiences want to see. Free tools include Google Search Console, Keyword Surfer and Semrush. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Nov 2022
How to incorporate social media into SEO strategies
While social media marketing and SEO seem like two separate practices, when used together, they can enhance any organization's digital marketing strategy. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Nov 2022
AI-powered CRM platforms compared
CRM vendors can apply fundamental AI capabilities in various ways. Learn about the similarities and differences between AI functionality in the major CRM platforms. Continue Reading
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News
28 Oct 2022
How Musk's Twitter takeover could affect business accounts
Potential changes to Twitter's advertising and security policies are top issues for business owners who rely on the social media platform for brand visibility and sales. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Oct 2022
LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a social networking site designed specifically for the business community. Continue Reading
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News
19 Oct 2022
Oracle pushes forward with CX tech amid layoff cycle
Rumors of the demise of Oracle marketing, CRM and customer service turn out to be unfounded, as the company forges ahead with vertical-specific CX offerings. Continue Reading
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News
12 Oct 2022
Microsoft adds conversational AI to Dynamics 365
At Ignite, Microsoft Dynamics 365 users get AI-based automation capabilities with emphasis on conversational intelligence for sales and customer service. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Oct 2022
conversational marketing
Conversational marketing is marketing that engages customers through dialogue. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Oct 2022
Top 4 SEO marketing challenges for 2023
An organization's content must rank well on Google to drive website traffic. Yet, SEO marketers face barriers to this success, such as algorithm changes and underdeveloped AI. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Sep 2022
Top 5 trends for the future of marketing
Text messaging, hybrid experiences and Web3 may play key roles in the future of marketing. Learn how to fit these trends into marketing strategies moving forward. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Sep 2022
How to create a zero-party data strategy
Zero-party data can enable better personalization and customer retention without tracking users across sites, like third-party cookies. These steps can kickstart your strategy. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Sep 2022
8 ways to improve your search engine ranking
Through processes such as keyword research, on-page SEO practices and ensuring a page is mobile-friendly, a website can appear higher in the search engine rankings. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Sep 2022
hue, saturation and brightness
Hue, saturation and brightness, or HSB, are aspects of color in the red, green, and blue (RGB) scheme. Continue Reading
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News
22 Sep 2022
Microsoft Viva Sales CRM automation focuses on end users
Microsoft Viva Sales takes AI notes from calls and automates data entry and other routine tasks. It's the latest tech to improve the sales rep experience. Continue Reading
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News
14 Sep 2022
Salesforce adds automation features across Customer 360
Salesforce's upcoming Customer 360 features include automation tied together with CDP data for sales, marketing, service and e-commerce. Continue Reading
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Opinion
13 Sep 2022
NFTs can boost customer loyalty -- if people would chill out
Starbucks launched an NFT loyalty program, which could change the public's -- and marketers' -- attitude toward the technology. But most people still have reservations. Continue Reading
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News
08 Sep 2022
HubSpot's growing CRM takes on Salesforce -- but not head-on
No one is saying that HubSpot is building a 'baby Salesforce' for small to medium-sized businesses. But it looks a lot like that is exactly what's happening. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Sep 2022
customer demographics
Customer demographics are categories of consumer populations that are relevant to a business' purposes, such as marketing and product design. Continue Reading
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Quiz
31 Aug 2022
Quiz: Test your knowledge of digital asset management
DAM systems help marketing teams manage the multimedia content they work with every day. With this quiz, test your knowledge of digital asset management. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Aug 2022
9 disadvantages of self-service options
Customer self-service platforms free up live agents for more complicated issues, but if organizations don't keep this software up to date, its disadvantages can frustrate users. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Aug 2022
organic search results
Organic search results are the unpaid listings that appear on a search engine results page (SERP). Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Aug 2022
4 types of loyalty programs and their benefits
Loyalty programs can improve brand recognition, increase sales and emphasize an organization's values. Get an in-depth look at four loyalty programs and what they offer. Continue Reading
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News
17 Aug 2022
NI CMO: Marketing should lead corporate social responsibility
As Gen Z holds brands accountable for corporate social responsibility values, Ana Villegas, CMO at NI (National Instruments), makes the case that marketing teams should handle CSR. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Aug 2022
What is user-generated content and why is it important?
User-generated content (UGC) is published information that an unpaid contributor provides to a website. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Aug 2022
9 types of video marketing for businesses to reach customers
Videos continue to dominate as more people are watching them than ever before. Video marketing offers various ways for companies to boost their brand and connect with customers. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Aug 2022
Key steps for an e-commerce planning process
E-commerce can help organizations grow their business online, but the venture brings the most success if planned properly. These steps can start organizations on the right path. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Aug 2022
Zero-party data vs. first-party data: What's the difference?
Zero-party data comes from customer surveys and polls, but first-party data comes from customer web activity. Marketers can use both data types to personalize their ad campaigns. Continue Reading
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News
12 Aug 2022
Third-party cookies remain as Google advertising in DOJ's sights
If Google gets sued by U.S. antitrust authorities on the grounds its advertising network is a monopoly, marketers need to plan for how it may affect their operations. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Aug 2022
How to market a loyalty program effectively
Loyalty programs boost customer retention, but organizations must first convince customers to sign up. Marketers can incentivize referrals and use mobile apps to gain enrollment. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jul 2022
Customer loyalty vs. brand loyalty: What's the difference?
Low prices can generate customer loyalty, whereas reliability and reputation foster brand loyalty. To maximize customer retention, organizations should strive for both. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Jul 2022
Twitterbot
A Twitterbot is a software program designed to automatically follow Twitter users, like and retweet posts. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jul 2022
SAP green CX tech aids sustainable retail, B2B sales
SAP users can tackle sustainable e-commerce -- and be accountable to customers wary of 'greenwashing' -- with a bundle of Qualtrics, CDP, e-commerce and other tech tools. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Jul 2022
4 real-world examples of zero-party data
With zero-party data directly from consumers, marketing teams get better data to help retain customers and improve CX. These real-world examples highlight how this data works. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Jul 2022
test marketing
Test marketing is a method that aims to explore consumer response to a product or marketing campaign by making it available on a limited basis to test markets before a wider release. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jul 2022
How to create a customer loyalty program in 9 steps
A customer loyalty program can help organizations better retain and understand their current customers and target audiences. These nine steps can lead to a successful program. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jul 2022
HubSpot releases free CMS with marketing, CRM integrations
HubSpot small-business users are the focus of free CMS, marketing automation and CRM features, after the company spent several release cycles wooing enterprise customers. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jul 2022
Optimizely CEO talks roadmap plans, A/B testing and DXP
Optimizely CEO explains why the company bet big on digital marketers' perpetual need for A/B testing. Also: how content management systems morphed into experience tech. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Jul 2022
5 best practices for customer journey mapping
As CX teams create customer journey maps, they must set clear goals, collect feedback and embrace creativity. Failure to follow best practices can leave teams with inaccurate data. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Jul 2022
What is the difference between marketing and advertising?
Advertising is a subset of marketing. Learn more about this and the function of each. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Jun 2022
Why are loyalty programs important?
Loyalty programs can help organizations retain their most valuable customers with special offers. Additionally, they can gather useful marketing data, increase referrals and more. Continue Reading
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News
29 Jun 2022
Salesforce users get more low-code automation, including RPA
Salesforce integrates MuleSoft RPA and Composer with Salesforce Flow, which avails low-code process automation and bot creation to line-of-business users. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
23 Jun 2022
How strong workplace values affect ethical marketing
Modern customers actively seek out companies with strong values that match their own, so brands should embrace ethical marketing strategies to ensure customers see their values. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Jun 2022
7 ways to use TikTok for business
TikTok is one of the hottest social media trends today. Businesses looking to reach Gen Z and millennials can use this platform to create videos, branded hashtags and challenges. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jun 2022
AWS Amazon Connect adds case management tools
The AWS contact center as a service, Amazon Connect, previews tools to manage cases. The features will drive more self-service workflows based on case data. Continue Reading
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News
16 Jun 2022
Salesforce Sales Cloud Unlimited Edition adds AI, automation
Pricing stays the same for Salesforce Sales Cloud's highest-level subscription, but formerly a la carte tools are now included that span AI-powered analytics and automation. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jun 2022
Adobe adds CDP functionality for B2B use cases
Adobe catches up with the competition with the release of new customer data platform features for marketers, including a 'data clean room' and tools for B2B users. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Jun 2022
Facebook status
A Facebook status is a social media update feature that enables users to discuss their thoughts, whereabouts or important information with their friends from their Facebook profile. Continue Reading
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Opinion
31 May 2022
The Readability Consortium's lessons for marketing content
The University of Central Florida, Adobe and Google band together to study digital readability. Those who create marketing content can get an edge if they pay close attention. Continue Reading
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News
25 May 2022
Lob launches direct mail automation platform
As direct mail makes a comeback, longtime API vendor Lob launches a web front end to automate physical mail campaigns directed by marketing automation data. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 May 2022
The future of DMPs in a post-cookies world
DMPs are still important in marketers' jobs, but the move away from third-party cookies threatens the DMP's future. Here's what marketers and DMP providers need to know. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 May 2022
internal marketing
Internal marketing is the promotion of a company's objectives, products and services to employees within the organization. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Apr 2022
search engine optimization (SEO)
Search engine optimization is the science of improving a website to increase its visibility when people search for products or services. Continue Reading
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Opinion
28 Apr 2022
Smart brands will change approach to marketing email, cookies
You'd think marketers got the hint to move past third-party cookies and marketing emails once Google, Apple and regulators all stepped in to protect consumers. Not yet. Continue Reading
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News
15 Apr 2022
Marketing to Gen Z takes new tech, channels, strategies
Gen Z consumers will change the world. Savvy, nimble brands know to give them digital platforms for sharing their values as corporate America catches up to their worldview. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Apr 2022
neuromarketing
Neuromarketing is the study of how people's brains respond to advertising and other brand-related messages by scientifically monitoring brainwave activity, eye tracking and skin response. Continue Reading