Author: Franz Malten Buemann

  • Marketing analytics and reporting tools

    Hi all, I wonder, what tools do marketers use for reporting and analytics. The deal is that we also develop an analytics tool, so I decided to learn a little bit more about the marketing side of data analysis submitted by /u/RetableAI [link] [comments]

  • TWT PODCAST #39 | What if posting on Linkedin backfires on me?

    submitted by /u/spectrumtechpod [link] [comments]

  • Call Center Automation: Best Processes to Automate

    Call center automation is one of the best ways to improve your customer experience, increase agent happiness, and light up your KPI dashboard in the best possible way! Sounds great, right?
    But in a world of possibilities, you may wonder which processes are best to automate. Or where you should even start. Trust us; it’s worth the effort to review your operations and pinpoint the places where automation can offer the most significant payload. We’ll break it down for you, take a closer look at the various types of automation – and share a step-by-step guide to getting started. Let’s jump in with some basics.
    What is Call Center Automation?
    A little background first. Call center automation is a practice of using software to automate processes and perform tasks – often those that are simple and repetitive. Automation should reduce the need for a human staff member to complete these tasks or, in some cases, eliminate the need for human involvement. (Keep in mind that all automated processes need to be monitored at a higher level and continually optimized to ensure you are getting the desired results from your tools.)
    Call centers must deliver consistent, accurate information, and automation can help meet this goal while improving the customer experience and reducing agent stress. Let’s face it; repetitive taskwork is tedious and leads to employee burnout.
    FACT: A 2019 study found that 70% of call center agents reported experiencing emotional exhaustion, a key component of burnout.
    Best Processes to Automate in Your Contact Center
    The rise of AI and machine learning has dramatically – and suddenly – increased the number of call-center processes that can benefit from automation. Here are some popular examples:
    Chatbots automate simple customer service
    Chatbots use artificial intelligence to answer your customers’ questions with instant responses. They are becoming increasingly popular in contact centers and are one of the first AI-assisted tools many businesses try. Chatbots can handle enormous query volumes, reply to simple questions, and escalate callers to a live agent if needed. They can be trained to answer frequently asked questions, make recommendations, and even complete basic transactions.
    Intelligent call routing directs calls automatically.
    Smart call routing is a popular contact center automation many of us are familiar with. These IVR-based systems screen callers with simple questions and direct them to the right agent or department. This can help to reduce wait times and improve the customer experience.
    Voice call-backs offer return calls during quieter periods.
    Voice call-backs keep customers off hold by automatically offering a call-back during peak call periods when agents are overloaded. The best call-back software is omnichannel and flexible, allowing customers to schedule their preferred call-back time from any device. Look for easy integration with your existing software, quick deployment, and in-depth analytics when shopping for call-back technology.
    Automated reporting and analytics offer real-time insights.
    Automated reporting and analytics systems provide real-time insights into the metrics that matter most to call center managers, such as call volume, wait times, call resolution times, and other KPIs. Automated tools help organize the enormous volume of data flowing through a contact center, and having this information at your fingertips allows managers to make well-considered, data-driven decisions.
    Knowledge management systems support AI tools and agents
    Your organization needs a well-built central repository of company knowledge – like an internal FAQ – to provide agents, and AI tools, with real-time access to the information necessary to resolve customer inquiries.
    Automated dialing systems improve outbound calling.
    The line between inbound and outbound call centers is blurring as contact centers rely on call-back technology and take on increased sales and marketing duties. Increase the efficiency of outbound calling and reduce human error with automated dialing systems. These systems are enhanced with predictive dialing algorithms that maximize agent productivity by only connecting agents to live calls.
    Streamlined lead nurturing drives conversions
    Modern call centers are integral to your business’s sales and marketing process and rely on customer relationship management and sales software. Automation can help streamline processes like lead nurturing by sending targeted emails, SMS messages, and other communications to prospects at the right time, helping to build trust and drive conversions.
    Our Top 6 Picks for Call Center Automation Software/a>
    More Benefits of Call Center Automation
    Automation directly impacts many of the KPIs that call center managers closely monitor. Here are more ways automation can impact the success of your operation.
    Automation can improve CX.
    At the end of the day, the real goal of any contact center is to deliver an excellent customer experience. By reducing wait times, resolving issues quickly, and providing consistent, high-quality service, automation augments the human touch and helps agents deliver next-level customer service.
    Improved agent happiness
    Successful businesses know that employee happiness is directly linked to customer happiness. After all, an agent who works in a supportive environment with the proper tools and engaging, challenging workflow is much more likely to provide good service than someone worn down by repetitive, mundane taskwork. Automation relieves agents from monotony and lets them focus on creating positive customer interactions. Happy agents = happy customers.
    Increased efficiency and accuracy
    Automation can significantly increase the efficiency of contact center operations by streamlining processes and reducing errors. Automated reporting and analytics systems provide real-time insights into key metrics, ensuring agents spend their time well and signaling areas where more support or training may be needed.
    Reduced costs
    By speeding up processes, decreasing wait times, and introducing efficiencies across workflows, automation saves money across your operation. For example, an automated dialing system saves agents time and company dollars by connecting agents only to live calls, with no downtime for agents or callers. Chatbots answering simple questions and respond to huge volumes of calls, saving labor costs – and reserving live agents’ attention for more complex queries.
    Better data management
    When automated systems store call center data from multiple channels in a central repository, they save immeasurable human hours that would otherwise be spent storing and retrieving this information. The data is easier to access and analyze, and automated QA systems (call recording methods screened with NLP-enabled AI tools) can also monitor the data’s quality and identify areas for improvement.
    How to Automate Your Call Center: 4 Steps
    Automating a contact center may seem daunting, but consider the benefits: streamlined operations, reduced human error, improved CX, and decreased costs. This simple four-step plan can help you get started.
    1. Conduct an audit and assess your needs
    Conduct and audit to assess your needs and identify which processes can benefit from automation in your contact center. Review your KPIs and consider call volume, wait times, call resolution times, and CSAT levels to decide which processes could benefit. Involve your staff! Agents will have critical insights into the aspects of their workflow that are overly repetitive or prone to human error.
    2. Create a budget and choose your tools
    Start with a budget to help keep goals realistic and manage expectations as you automate your workflows. Consider tools like chatbots, reporting and analytics systems, lead nurturing strategies, Web Call-Backs (formerly Visual IVR), and knowledge management systems. You’ll need to delve into the fine print to be sure that new software is quick to deploy, easy to use, and integrates well with the systems you already have in place.
    DID YOU KNOW: TECH_TALK – CALL OUT TO FONOLO” S QUICK DEPLOYMENT TIMES
    3. Deploy your tools and monitor your performance
    Implementing your tools likely involves sorting out integrations with current software, configuring the new system, and training your employees on how to use their new tools. Your IT team will be involved, so ensure they understand the benefits of automation upgrades.
    It’s important to remember that automation is not a “set-it-and-forget-it” scenario. You’ll have to monitor performance and metrics like CSAT scores to ensure your tools are optimized for peak results.
    4. Continuously improve
    Finally, it is essential to continuously improve your automated processes by regularly reviewing performance metrics, soliciting feedback from customers and employees, and making adjustments as needed. Automation is an ongoing process, and there is always room for improvement.The post Call Center Automation: Best Processes to Automate first appeared on Fonolo.

  • Call Center Automation: Best Processes to Automate

    Call center automation is one of the best ways to improve your customer experience, increase agent happiness, and light up your KPI dashboard in the best possible way! Sounds great, right?
    But in a world of possibilities, you may wonder which processes are best to automate. Or where you should even start. Trust us; it’s worth the effort to review your operations and pinpoint the places where automation can offer the most significant payload. We’ll break it down for you, take a closer look at the various types of automation – and share a step-by-step guide to getting started. Let’s jump in with some basics.
    What is Call Center Automation?
    A little background first. Call center automation is a practice of using software to automate processes and perform tasks – often those that are simple and repetitive. Automation should reduce the need for a human staff member to complete these tasks or, in some cases, eliminate the need for human involvement. (Keep in mind that all automated processes need to be monitored at a higher level and continually optimized to ensure you are getting the desired results from your tools.)
    Call centers must deliver consistent, accurate information, and automation can help meet this goal while improving the customer experience and reducing agent stress. Let’s face it; repetitive taskwork is tedious and leads to employee burnout.
    FACT: A 2019 study found that 70% of call center agents reported experiencing emotional exhaustion, a key component of burnout.
    Best Processes to Automate in Your Contact Center
    The rise of AI and machine learning has dramatically – and suddenly – increased the number of call-center processes that can benefit from automation. Here are some popular examples:
    Chatbots automate simple customer service
    Chatbots use artificial intelligence to answer your customers’ questions with instant responses. They are becoming increasingly popular in contact centers and are one of the first AI-assisted tools many businesses try. Chatbots can handle enormous query volumes, reply to simple questions, and escalate callers to a live agent if needed. They can be trained to answer frequently asked questions, make recommendations, and even complete basic transactions.
    Intelligent call routing directs calls automatically
    Smart call routing is a popular contact center automation many of us are familiar with. These IVR-based systems screen callers with simple questions and direct them to the right agent or department. This can help to reduce wait times and improve the customer experience.
    Voice call-backs offer return calls during quieter periods
    Voice call-backs keep customers off hold by automatically offering a call-back during peak call periods when agents are overloaded. The best call-back software is omnichannel and flexible, allowing customers to schedule their preferred call-back time from any device. Look for easy integration with your existing software, quick deployment, and in-depth analytics when shopping for call-back technology.
    Automated reporting and analytics offer real-time insights
    Automated reporting and analytics systems provide real-time insights into the metrics that matter most to call center managers, such as call volume, wait times, call resolution times, and other KPIs. Automated tools help organize the enormous volume of data flowing through a contact center, and having this information at your fingertips allows managers to make well-considered, data-driven decisions.
    Knowledge management systems support AI tools and agents
    Your organization needs a well-built central repository of company knowledge – like an internal FAQ – to provide agents, and AI tools, with real-time access to the information necessary to resolve customer inquiries.
    Automated dialing systems improve outbound calling
    The line between inbound and outbound call centers is blurring as contact centers rely on call-back technology and take on increased sales and marketing duties. Increase the efficiency of outbound calling and reduce human error with automated dialing systems. These systems are enhanced with predictive dialing algorithms that maximize agent productivity by only connecting agents to live calls.
    Streamlined lead nurturing drives conversions
    Modern call centers are integral to your business’s sales and marketing process and rely on customer relationship management and sales software. Automation can help streamline processes like lead nurturing by sending targeted emails, SMS messages, and other communications to prospects at the right time, helping to build trust and drive conversions.
    Our Top 6 Picks for Call Center Automation Software
    More Benefits of Call Center Automation
    Automation directly impacts many of the KPIs that call center managers closely monitor. Here are more ways automation can impact the success of your operation.
    Automation can improve CX.
    At the end of the day, the real goal of any contact center is to deliver an excellent customer experience. By reducing wait times, resolving issues quickly, and providing consistent, high-quality service, automation augments the human touch and helps agents deliver next-level customer service.
    Improved agent happiness
    Successful businesses know that employee happiness is directly linked to customer happiness. After all, an agent who works in a supportive environment with the proper tools and engaging, challenging workflow is much more likely to provide good service than someone worn down by repetitive, mundane taskwork. Automation relieves agents from monotony and lets them focus on creating positive customer interactions. Happy agents = happy customers.
    Increased efficiency and accuracy
    Automation can significantly increase the efficiency of contact center operations by streamlining processes and reducing errors. Automated reporting and analytics systems provide real-time insights into key metrics, ensuring agents spend their time well and signaling areas where more support or training may be needed.
    Reduced costs
    By speeding up processes, decreasing wait times, and introducing efficiencies across workflows, automation saves money across your operation. For example, an automated dialing system saves agents time and company dollars by connecting agents only to live calls, with no downtime for agents or callers. Chatbots answering simple questions and respond to huge volumes of calls, saving labor costs – and reserving live agents’ attention for more complex queries.
    Better data management
    When automated systems store call center data from multiple channels in a central repository, they save immeasurable human hours that would otherwise be spent storing and retrieving this information. The data is easier to access and analyze, and automated QA systems (call recording methods screened with NLP-enabled AI tools) can also monitor the data’s quality and identify areas for improvement.
    How to Automate Your Call Center: 4 Steps
    Automating a contact center may seem daunting, but consider the benefits: streamlined operations, reduced human error, improved CX, and decreased costs. This simple four-step plan can help you get started.
    1. Conduct an audit and assess your needs
    Conduct and audit to assess your needs and identify which processes can benefit from automation in your contact center. Review your KPIs and consider call volume, wait times, call resolution times, and CSAT levels to decide which processes could benefit. Involve your staff! Agents will have critical insights into the aspects of their workflow that are overly repetitive or prone to human error.
    2. Create a budget and choose your tools
    Start with a budget to help keep goals realistic and manage expectations as you automate your workflows. Consider tools like chatbots, reporting and analytics systems, lead nurturing strategies, Web Call-Backs (formerly Visual IVR), and knowledge management systems. You’ll need to delve into the fine print to be sure that new software is quick to deploy, easy to use, and integrates well with the systems you already have in place.
    DID YOU KNOW: TECH_TALK – CALL OUT TO FONOLO” S QUICK DEPLOYMENT TIMES
    3. Deploy your tools and monitor your performance
    Implementing your tools likely involves sorting out integrations with current software, configuring the new system, and training your employees on how to use their new tools. Your IT team will be involved, so ensure they understand the benefits of automation upgrades.
    It’s important to remember that automation is not a “set-it-and-forget-it” scenario. You’ll have to monitor performance and metrics like CSAT scores to ensure your tools are optimized for peak results.
    4. Continuously improve
    Finally, it is essential to continuously improve your automated processes by regularly reviewing performance metrics, soliciting feedback from customers and employees, and making adjustments as needed. Automation is an ongoing process, and there is always room for improvement.The post Call Center Automation: Best Processes to Automate first appeared on Fonolo.

  • Self-employment: which careers are ideal for opening your own business?

    Although selling yourself as a professional is an art you must learn, it does not mean your chosen career is destined to create your own business. Some careers offer great possibilities when you want to work as a freelancer. This unique feature allows us to create our own company after working under professional fees. However, so little…
    The post Self-employment: which careers are ideal for opening your own business? appeared first on Customer Experience Magazine.

  • UK Customer Experience Awards 2023 – open for entries

    Awards International announces the start of its premium programme, the UK Customer Experience Awards, to recognise top results and achievements in CX across the United Kingdom. As of February 14, the fourteenth edition of UK CXA®is officially accepting entries. Organisations from the UK are invited to showcase their results and achievements, submit their application and compete for…
    The post UK Customer Experience Awards 2023 – open for entries appeared first on Customer Experience Magazine.

  • Social Media Posting Automation tool – looking for Beta Users

    Hello, we created a tool for Social Media Marketing Automation: content generation, posting and tags/captions. Let me know if you are interested to join Beta Users. submitted by /u/Naive_Spread_3576 [link] [comments]

  • Webinar Marketing 101

    submitted by /u/MarTechCube [link] [comments]

  • 20 Valentine’s Day Marketing Campaigns We Love

    Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love in all its forms, be it romantic love, platonic love, familial love — or your love for marketing. Okay, that last one might be a little out of place, but you get the point.
    This year, we’re showing love to our favorite creative Valentine’s Day marketing campaigns from brands across various industries.
    If you’re in need of some inspiration for your next Valentine’s Day campaign, you’ll love the following examples.
    20 Effective Valentine’s Day Marketing Campaigns
    1. Toblerone – The Love Insurance
    2. Cadbury 5 Star – Valentine’s Day Alibi
    3. Gucci – Love Story Zine
    4. Pandora – Real Couples Explain What Valentine’s Day Means to Them
    5. Etsy – Show Love to Small Businesses
    6. Stella Artois – Valentine’s Day
    7. Dunkin – Valentine’s Day Trivia Promo Code
    8. Hotels.com – Anti-Valentine’s Day
    9. Cadbury Silk – How Far Will You Go to Make Them Blush?
    10. Tyson – Chicken Nugget Bouquet Contest
    11. Lancôme – Valentine’s Day Advent Calendar
    12. El Paso Zoo – Valentine’s Day ‘Quit Bugging Me’ Event
    13. Gü Desserts – Love-themed Packaging
    14. Ranch Dressing – Customized Bottle
    15. Pandora – Little Acts of Love Ad
    16. 1-800-Flowers – Galentine’s Day
    17. Target – Valentine’s Day Haul Instagram Post
    18. MeUndies – Match Me Valentine’s Day
    19. Winc – Be Wine Instagram Post
    20. OpenTable – Millennial Experiences
    Honorable Mention: Match.com’s “Match Made in Hell” campaign.
    Valentine’s Day Campaign Takeaways

    20 Effective Valentine’s Day Marketing Campaigns
    Here are 20 Valentine’s Day marketing campaigns that stole our hearts.

    1. Toblerone – The Love Insurance
    To address the fear and uncertainty that can come witha new romance, Toblerlone’s 2023 Valentine’s Day marketing campaign offers consumers a little reassurance in the form of “love insurance.”
    Image source
    To get their “love insurance,” couples can visit Toblerone.co.uk to buy the brand’s special edition Valentine’s Day chocolate bar, which comes with its own insurance. If the relationship ends, the couple can register the purchase with @TobleroneUK on Instagram and they’ll receive a voucher to redeem online. This way, neither the Toblerone nor their relationship feels like a waste.

    2. Cadbury 5 Star – Valentine’s Day Alibi
    Those without a Valentine often find themselves struggling to dodge the dreaded question “What are you doing for Valentine’s Day?” Fortunately, Cadbury 5 Star’s 2022 Valentine’s Day campaign tooksome of the pressure off.
    The Indian chocolate brand took over an island off the coast of Karnataka and renamed it “My cousin’s wedding.” So, consumers without a Valentine couldsay “I’m not in town, I’m going to my cousin’s wedding” when asked about Valentine’s Day plans.

    For a chance to access the island, consumers could scan the special Cadbury 5 Valentine’s Day packs, which tookthem to a website to mine coins and gain an opportunity to bid for the island.

    3. Gucci – Love Story Zine
    For Valentine’s Day 2022, Gucci released a limited-edition zine that consisted of visually stunning photos telling the love story ofa fairy and giant. Each photo in the zine showcased items from the fashion house’s Valentine’s Day collection.
    The marketing campaign intrigued customers, offered an exclusive item (a physical copy of the zine), and it showed the beauty of the brand’s clothes and accessories.
    Image source

    4. Pandora – Real Couples Explain What Valentine’s Day Means to Them
    In 2021, Pandora asked real-life couples and friends to share the little (and not-so-little) things they’ve done to express their love. Some acts of love were tiny, such as a peck on the cheek or a hug; others were huge steps in the relationship, such as moving in together or adopting a dog.

    The YouTube video included a link to the company’s website and a message that the company can help viewers show their loved ones how much they’re appreciated with Pandora charms and gifts.

    5. Etsy – Show Love to Small Businesses
    To show love and support to its community of sellers, e-commerce platform Etsy offered a ready-made graphic sellers could use to promote their Valentine’s Day products on social media. Sellers could also combine the graphic with the hashtag #MakeItMeaningful to draw attention to their Etsy store.
    The pre-made graphic grabbed audience attention and fostered a sense of community among Etsy sellers.
    Image source

    6. Stella Artois – Valentine’s Day
    In 2020, beer brand Stella Artois created a 15 second YouTube that shows the growth of a couple throughout the years and the role the brand’s beer played in their love.
    The video is simple, heartfelt, and captures the spirit of Valentine’s Day. It was a huge hit and garnered almost 3 million views on YouTube.

    7. Dunkin – Valentine’s Day Trivia Promo Code
    For Valentine’s Day, Dunkin invited its followers to play a trivia game via Instagram Stories for a chance to unlock a secret promo code. The ad campaign delighted consumers with a fun game testing their knowledge of Dunkin and it rewarded customers with a chance to save on their favorite items.
    Image source

    8. Hotels.com – Anti-Valentine’s Day
    Hotels.com’s Valentine’s Day marketing campaign took a clever approach to the holiday by urging users to visit its V-Day Dumpster Stay web page and write about an ex they believe should vacation in a dumpster.
    All stories were entered into a competition for participants to win a $300 Hotels.com gift card.
    Image source

    9. Cadbury Silk – How Far Will You Go to Make Them Blush?
    In 2022, Cadbury Silk placed QR codes on its Cadbury Silk Heart Blush chocolate pack which led consumers to its website where buyers can write a secret message to a loved one. Said loved on could then see the secret message by scanning any Cadbury ad.

    10. Tyson – Chicken Nugget Bouquet Contest
    A bouquet of flowers is the quintessential Valentine’s Day present, but food brand Tyson decided to put a fresh spin on a classic gift. In 2021, the company challenged consumers to create their own chicken nugget bouquet for Valentine’s Day.
    The contest winner would win a package of Tyson Nuggets of Lovelimited edition heart-shaped chicken nuggets only available through the contest. To enter, participants had to create their best nugget bouquet and post a picture of the bouquet on Instagram or Twitter with the hashtags #NuggetBouquetContest and #TysonNuggetsofLove.
    Other prizes included $5,000 and a year’s supply of Tyson chicken nuggets.
    Image source

    11. Lancôme – Valentine’s Day Advent Calendar
    Every year, cosmetics company Lancôme releases a Valentine’s Day advent calendar filled with products for consumers to try and discover. From lotion to mascara to perfume — the advent calendar contains a wide variety of products. The idea is excellent because it introduces consumers to new products that they may want to buy more of going forward.
    Image source

    12. El Paso Zoo – Valentine’s Day ‘Quit Bugging Me’ Event
    Every year, the El Paso Zoo holds a Valentine’s Day event where scorned lovers can name a cockroach after an ex. The cockroach would then be fed to a zoo animal. The event is so popular it’s been referenced on Saturday Night Live.

     

    13. Gü Desserts – Love-themed Packaging
    In 2020, British brand Gü Desserts released a series of love-themed packaging called “Love Notes” for selected desserts. The packaging was adorned with a love song title adapted to the brand.
    For example, the brand’s salted caramel cheesecakes came with packaging that read “I’m in love with the shape of Gü.”
    Image source

    14. Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing – Customized Bottle
    Nothing says Valentine’s Day like giving someone a bottle of — Ranch Dressing?
    In 2021, while flower companies and B2C brands were highlighting the romantic gifts partners could give to each other, Hidden Valley took a funny approach to this strategy by offering audiences customized Valentine’s Day-themed bottles of Ranch salad dressing.

    While this seems like an odd gift to some, Hidden Valley knows it has fans out there that just love to cover everything they eat with Ranch dressing. To those audiences, this gift is funny, personalized, and potentially useful.

    15. Pandora – Little Acts of Love
    In 2022, Pandora revisited its successful”Little Acts of Love” campaign with an ad placement featuring more couples doing small acts of love for each other.

    The ad shows couples displaying acts of kindness towards one another that would be appreciated any day of the year. This ad reminds us all that thoughtful gestures can go a long way.

    16. 1-800-Flowers – Galentine’s Day
    Valentine’s Day isn’t just for significant others, and 1-800-Flowers wants friendships to be celebrated as well.

    This ad depicts two friends talking about how they established their friendship, reminding the viewer that platonic love also deserves to be celebrated. The two friends in the ad ask each other thoughtful questions about their friendship and how much they mean to each other.
    It’s an emotional ad that will inspire you to call your best friend, and maybe send them some flowers.

    17. Target – Valentine’s Day Haul Instagram Post
    Many people have experienced walking into Target without a list, relying on Target to tell them what they need. This user-generated post on Target’s Instagram account captures the spirit of what we all love about Target — how easy it is to load up on fun items (though our bank accounts may not share the love).

     

     

     

     

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    A post shared by Target (@target)

    In the video, the original poster fills their cart with festive Valentine’s Day merchandise at their local Target. Though it isn’t a traditionally produced ad, it’s a relatable post for Target shoppers who may have been inspired to visit their local store and pick up some of the items they saw featured in the post to celebrate.

    18. MeUndies – Match Me Valentine’s Day
    This relatable MeUndies ad from 2021 captures the spirit of communicating via Zoom that many people have become familiar with since early 2020.

    In the ad, couples talk about some of their pre-pandemic plans including travel and weddings. Though many of those events didn’t go as planned, the couples talked about ways they’ve grown closer despite the challenges and uncertainty brought on by the pandemic all while wearing matching merch from MeUndies.

    19. Winc – Be Wine Instagram Post
    Wine is a popular Valentine’s Day gift that is up there with roses and chocolate. Wine subscription company Winc typically devotes real estate on itssocial channels for Valentine’s Day-themed posts in the weeks leading up to the holiday.

     

     

     

     

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    A post shared by Winc (@winc)

    In 2021, the Winc Instagram account had a series of posts consisting of unique and user-generated content related to Valentine’s Day. The “Be Wine?” post was among the most popular. We loved the punny caption and heart-themed visuals.

    20. OpenTable – Millennial Experiences
    If you’ve ever marketed to millennials, you may know that millennials value experiential gifts. Or, as OpenTable says in this 2020 ad, dates.

    In 2020 OpenTable released 14 ads as part of a two-week countdown to Valentine’s Day, encouraging customers to make reservations early to avoid the holiday rush.
    Each of the ads targeted a different audience that could benefit from using OpenTable to make Valentine’s Day reservations, with a clear call-to-action and messaging that appeals to the ideal viewer.

    Honorable Mention: Match.com’s “Match Made in Hell” campaign.
    Technically, this campaign wasn’t created for Valentine’s Day specifically. But, many of our marketers thought it had all the perfect elements of a great Valentine’s Day campaign.
    In the commercial, directed by actor Ryan Reynolds, Satan sits in Hell using Match’s app when he sees he’s matched with a woman named 2020. When he meets up with her on Earth, he nervously says “Hi 2-0-2-0.” She replies, “Please, call me 2020” — pronouncing it like the year.
    As the commercial continues, 2020’s character appears to be the epitome of everything that happened in 2020.
    For example, the ad shows Satan and 2020 causing mischief, stealing toilet paper from store shelves, having a picnic in empty stadiums, and ultimately posing for a selfie in front of a dumpster fire.
    The couple frolics to the familiar sounds of Taylor Swift’s hit song, “Love Story,” which also sparks a sense of rom-com nostalgia for millennials.

    On the same day of this ad’s December release, Match and Reynolds also shared another commercial showing the pair explaining how they met in couple’s counseling.
    In this video, Satan explains how he found 2020 on Match:
    “I started by using the Match custom search filter. I filtered out joy, happiness, toilet paper, and reason,” Satan says in the video below:

    Although this didn’t launch in February, it was a very clever newsjacking example that many of our marketers say they enjoyed when they were asked to share their favorite Valentine’s campaigns.
    While 2020 was a difficult year for many, Match and Reynolds identified a tasteful way to create content that audiences could relate to. At the same time, they still told an epic, hilarious love story with a pleasant, entertaining tone. Although they discussed a truly terrible year, they did so in a way that felt like escapism for the viewer.

    Valentine’s Day Campaign Takeaways
    As you create and launch Valentine’s Day campaigns, take note of these strategies many of the brands above used:

    Grab your audience’s attention:Like with any holiday, marketers around the globe are churning out content around it. To compete with this overly saturated Valentine’s Day ad landscape, you’ll need to grab and keep your viewer’s attention with entertaining elements or valuable information.
    Be relatable: Around this time of year, many people are inundated with high-budget Valentine’s Day ads that offer them no useful information or value. Even if you want to tell a mushy romance-fueled love story with your content, make sure it still feels relatable or authentic. To do this, you can leverage tactics like telling a story your audience will relate to, or leveraging user-generated content from your followers — like Twitter has.
    Test out different platforms: While some companies on this list took to Instagram, others embraced physical campaign strategies like special products or billboard use.

    Now that you have some ideas for your next Valentine’s Day marketing campaign, you’re ready to find new ways to make consumers fall in love with your brand.
    Editor’s Note: This blog post was originally published in Feb. 2013, but was updated for comprehensiveness.

  • Podcast SEO 101: How to Rank Higher

    40% of podcast listeners use an in-app search bar to discover new podcasts. The trend is clear: if you want more reach, you need to optimize your podcast for search.
    One way to get there is with podcast SEO. Think of it as invisible levers you can pull to boost your ranking and drive more traffic to your podcast. 
    In this post, we’ll cover how to optimize your podcast for Spotify, YouTube, and search — plus uncover how to find great topics for your next episode.

    Table of Contents
    How to Optimize a Podcast for Spotify
    How to Optimize a Podcast for YouTube

    How to Optimize a Podcast for Search
    How to Find Topics for a Podcast
    How to Optimize a Podcast for Spotify
    Update your show page.
    Every podcast on Spotify has a show page. You can think of it as a landing page for your podcast.
    According to Spotify, the purpose of a show page is to give listeners everything they need to know about your podcast, including:

    Its title
    Its cover art
    Its show description
    A “Follow” button
    A list of recently published episodes

    The show page isn’t something to rush through — or leave to collect dust. Ensure each element is up-to-date, accurate, and as compelling as possible.
    Include sub-topics in your show description.
    Show descriptions are typically short and concise, so you need to make every word count. To get an SEO boost, incorporate phrases or sub-topics that match what your potential audience is searching for. 
    For instance, the health and wellness podcast Maintenance Phase includes sub-topics like “health fads,” “wellness scams,” and “nutrition advice” in its description. These are search teams that could lead someone to the podcast. 
    Front-load key information in your episode description.
    Writing an episode description is another way to optimize your podcast, but many skip it. This space offers keyword opportunities, meaning you can rank individual episodes in search.

    Spotify recommends using the first 20 words of your description to hook new listeners. Don’t repeat information in your episode title or general podcast description. Instead, jump right into the episode’s topic or guest.
    How to Optimize a Podcast for YouTube
    Add video chapters.
    A few years ago, Google began surfacing YouTube content in search results. For instance, a quick Google search of “How to have a breakthrough” populates a list of relevant videos — including a video chapter from the Tony Robbins Podcast:

    To show up in search results, start by dividing your podcast into different sections, also known as video chapters. This creates a structure for Google to understand your video.
    It’s not enough to add video chapters — you also need to optimize them. The key is adding relevant keywords in the title of each chapter.
    In the video below, the primary keyword is “email marketing,” but, by leveraging video chapters, it also targets the keywords email list and email segmentation.

    Besides the search benefits, video chapters also improve user experience. For instance, have you ever skimmed an entire video to find a particular conversation or topic? By adding chapters to your podcast, viewers have a roadmap to skip to the topics that most interest them.
    Create playlists.
    If your podcast covers a range of topics, consider creating a playlist for each topic. Why? YouTube populates playlists in its search results, giving your content another chance to be seen.

    Playlists can also organize your podcast library and send viewers down a content rabbit hole, encouraging them to spend more time watching related videos.
    For example, the Jay Shetty Podcast has a number of playlists on its YouTube channel, including health tips, money habits, and relationship advice. If you’re interested in one of these topics, you could spend hours listening to a single playlist.

    Add the target keyword to your video’s file name, title, and description.
    Before hitting “Publish” on your next YouTube video, make sure the following areas are optimized:

    The file name. You should first mention your primary keyword in the video’s file name. Here’s why: YouTube can’t actually “watch” your video to see how relevant it is, but it can read your video’s file name, which is one (of many) context clues.
    Video title: When possible, naturally incorporate your target keyword in the video title. On top of that, keep your title clear, compelling, and short (aim for 60 characters or less).
    Video description. Front-load your video description with the most crucial information — such as a keyword-rich summary, crucial links, or a CTA. Keep in mind that YouTube only displays the first two or three sentences before viewers have to click “Show more” to see the entire description.

    Now let’s take a look at how to optimize your podcast for search.
    How to Optimize a Podcast for Search
    Plan your episodes around specific keywords.
    Keywords are the name of the game when it comes to podcast SEO. After all, the number one way people discover new podcasts is via the search bar.
    By planning your episodes around keywords, you can put your show (or individual episodes) in front of users who have specific intents.
    For instance, if you have an entrepreneurial podcast like The Side Hustle Show, you might target keywords like “side hustle,” “print on demand,” and “affiliate marketing.”

    Always include written content for Google to index.
    Never skip out on writing a title or description for each podcast episode. Yes, it’s time-consuming, but it gives Google something to “read” and understand in more detail. 
    It’s also a good idea to add a transcript to your podcast. While Google’s text-to-speech capabilities are improving, it’s not always accurate.
    By adding your own transcript — either manually or automatically — Google can better understand the content of your episodes. Plus, with the right topic, keywords, and keyword placement, you can boost your podcast’s discoverability and ranking.
    Create a website for your podcast.
    While this isn’t necessary — especially when you’re just starting out — having a dedicated website for your podcast has SEO benefits. A website offers more real estate for keywords and gives search engines more information about your podcast beyond just the title and description.

    You can also create blog content that compliments your podcast. This is a great way to cross-promote across multiple channels and build a bigger following in the process.
    How to Find Topics for a Podcast
    Whether you’re just starting a podcast or have been in the game for years, it’s essential to find good topics to talk about.
    Podcasts cover a range of subject matters. Here are the three main types:

    Trending topics — these are topics that receive higher-than-average attention and engagement on social media. 
    Evergreen topics — these are topics with consistent search demand and interest.
    Interviews — these are topics that relate to an interviewee and/or their area of expertise.

    How to Find Trending Topics
    The best way to find trending topics is by checking what words, phrases, or stories are trending on social media. Twitter is a great place to start.
    You can also leverage keyword research tools such as Google Trends, Moz, and Semrush to spot trending keywords and gauge the popularity of certain topics.
    How to Find Evergreen Topics
    Here, the goal is to find topics that are tailored to your audience and achieve a particular purpose. For instance, you might be a real estate investor looking to offer advice to new professionals in the field. 
    This requires doing a deep dive into your audience. What are their interests? Needs? Pain points? These questions are key when finding evergreen content.
    In addition, use a keyword research tool (like the ones listed above) to find topics relating to your niche, industry, or expertise. Always check to see if demand is consistent or fluctuates throughout the year.
    Back to You
    As the popularity of podcasts continues to surge, so does the need to optimize them for maximum reach. Following the tips above, you can ensure your podcast content is properly optimized for search engines.