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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Answer
20 Nov 2024
How does malvertising work?
With each ad placed, a hidden risk often goes overlooked: Cybercriminals who exploit ads to spread malware. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Nov 2024
9 sustainable event ideas
From hosting virtual conferences to repurposing exhibition stands as cow shelters, brands can find ways to make their events more sustainable. 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
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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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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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
- Definition 24 Apr 2023
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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
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Definition
23 Mar 2023
service level indicator
A service level indicator (SLI) is a metric that indicates what measure of performance a customer is receiving at a given time. Continue Reading
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News
22 Mar 2023
Adobe unveils new collaboration tool for marketing teams
The CX giant revealed new technology for faster workflows between marketing, product and data teams to collaborate on marketing campaigns in its new Product Analytics platform. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Mar 2023
Why version control is necessary in digital asset management
Creative teams often use different versions of their digital assets across marketing channels. Learn how version control in DAM systems helps teams track these versions. Continue Reading
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News
21 Mar 2023
Adobe Firefly brings generative AI image marketing tool
The CX giant's Firefly is an image creator trained on millions of visuals from Adobe stock content to understand written commands and make images for better marketing. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Mar 2023
20 social media terms to know
Social media marketing can be an easy way to reach consumers and build brand awareness. Check out this glossary to understand popular social media terms. Continue Reading
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News
21 Mar 2023
Adobe and RainFocus pair for more data insight at events
The CX software giant pairs with the event marketing services vendor to provide customers with tools for deeper personalized experiences at in-person and online events. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Mar 2023
How Gen Z will shape the future of customer experience
The future of customer experience is in the hands of Gen Z -- and new technologies, like generative AI and XaaS. These trends will affect consumer and enterprise markets alike. Continue Reading
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News
13 Mar 2023
CX personalization drives strategy for customer data mining
Users are more likely to engage with custom-made, exclusive digital experiences, which ease the flow of zero- and first-party data back to the vendor for improved CX strategies. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Mar 2023
7 examples of sustainable marketing
Organizations can help the environment, society and their bottom line at the same time with sustainable marketing. Examples include charity partnerships and social transparency. 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
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
- 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