We predict you are all counting down the days until the Christmas break this year! However, you may have a few days off of work but your brand does not. Your brand should be working the full 365 days a year, therefore ensure you are maintaining this hard work even when you cannot be in the office.
Before you panic, no you do not need to work over the holidays. We are about to highlight a process that will rock your world… Marketing Automation.
What is marketing automation?
This is software that allows you to preplan and schedule marketing actions. For example, scheduling social media posts, blog posts, emails, text messages etc.
However, now you know there is software out there that means you can complete work ahead of time, do not assume it will do all the hard work for you. All the research, preparation and collation will remain the same, you can just simply make it go live on a different date.
Organisation is key if you want a successful Christmas campaign that includes posting during your closure. A clear content calendar is advised so that everyone knows exactly what they are doing, what content is to go out when and how to keep audiences entertained when you are home tucking into your Christmas dinner and Quality Streets.
Some of our favourite automation software include:
HubSpot (of course!) – CRM, CMS, Marketing and Sales combined into one
Hootsuite – Social media automation
MailChimp – Email marketing automation
As well as automation, there is something called ‘workflows’. This is an outlined step-by-step checklist that customers can enter if a specific step is completed. Workflows are unique to the business and their objectives, aims and goals of the campaign. For example, here at 07 Heaven, we may have a workflow where if someone fills in our form on our contact us page, they will automatically be sent an email thanking them for their submission. We will be notified of this action where we can then respond where necessary.
Workflows are essentially automation, but methods are only published in response to specified behaviour. Whereas automation is outlined by staff.
When combining the use of workflows and automation, your followers and customers will be delighted that their favourite brand is continuing producing engaging content throughout the festive season. Little do they know you are tucked up with endless snacks, mulled wine and presents!
For further insights and guidance, we invite you to explore our blog at 07hm.co.uk/blog. Here, you’ll find a wealth of information tailored to the needs and challenges of SMEs navigating the digital landscape. Additionally, if you have specific questions or need personalised advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to us via email at info@07hm.co.uk or telephone on 01702 410663.
