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Learn More<\/a><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:button --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:buttons --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column -->\n\n<!-- wp:column {\"width\":\"33.33%\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":54626,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=https://www.ama.org/"https:////ama-preprod.go-vip.co//wp-content//uploads//2020//03//Digital-Marketing-Certification-PCM.png?w=1024\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-54626\"\/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:columns -->\n\n<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"31px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:31px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator {\"opacity\":\"css\"} -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n<!-- \/wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-i-already-have-a-pcm-digital-marketing\"><strong>I Already Have a PCM\u00ae Digital Marketing<\/strong><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Awesome! Your credential helps you stand out as someone committed to using their skills to make an impact. Don't forget to report your <a href=https://www.ama.org/"https:////www.ama.org//how-to-maintain-your-professional-certified-marketer-pcm-certification-and-record-ceus///" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Continuing Education Units (CEUs)<\/a> to the AMA. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you need support and are outside of the U.S. please <a href=https://www.ama.org/"https:////digitalmarketinginstitute.com//contact?utm_source=ama&utm_medium=ama_referral&utm_campaign=ama_contact_us_page_referral\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"55px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:55px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->","post_title":"Advanced Digital Marketing Certification","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"advanced-digital-marketing-certification","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-12-02 09:35:40","post_modified_gmt":"2024-12-02 15:35:40","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":1065,"guid":"https:\/\/www.ama.org\/?page_id=69924","menu_order":0,"post_type":"page","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":174209,"post_author":"161905","post_date":"2024-10-28 14:38:55","post_date_gmt":"2024-10-28 19:38:55","post_content":"<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Marketing techniques are the engine of successful campaigns. They dictate how businesses connect with their audiences and drive growth. Understanding marketing techniques is crucial for any marketing professional looking to enhance their strategy.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Let\u2019s dissect the key components of effective marketing techniques, clarify the marketing strategy meaning, and explore both basic and advanced marketing practices.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-definition-of-marketing-techniques\">Definition of Marketing Techniques<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Marketing techniques are the specific methods used by businesses to promote their products or services and engage their target audience. These techniques include a wide range of actions, such as social media marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, and traditional advertising like print and direct mail. Each technique plays a vital role in reaching potential customers and driving conversions.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-top-10-marketing-techniques\">Top 10 Marketing Techniques<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Ready to supercharge your marketing efforts? These 10 marketing techniques are crucial for boosting brand visibility, engaging your audience, and increasing conversions. Each one includes best practices to ensure you maximize their effectiveness.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-branding-and-awareness-techniques\">Branding and Awareness Techniques<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Brand storytelling<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Brand storytelling involves creating a narrative around your brand that communicates its values, mission, and personality. This technique engages customers on an emotional level, helping them connect with the brand and remember its message. Research in neuroscience has shown that storytelling is an effective way to capture attention and embed information in people's memories.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Best practices<\/strong>: To maximize the impact of your brand storytelling, consider the following strategies:<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Use a framework<\/strong>: Follow established storytelling frameworks like Simon Sinek\u2019s \"<a href=https://www.ama.org/"https:////simonsinek.com//find-your-why///">Find Your Why<\/a>,\" or Donald Miller\u2019s <a href=https://www.ama.org/"https:////storybrand.com///">Storybrand, to structure your narrative effectively.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Be authentic<\/strong>: Ensure your story aligns with your brand values and mission to build trust with your audience.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Engage emotions<\/strong>: Focus on emotional connections by highlighting relatable challenges and triumphs in your narrative.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"start\":2} -->\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Digital PR<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Digital PR focuses on building and maintaining your brand\u2019s online reputation through strategic media outreach and online presence. This technique leverages online platforms to generate buzz, enhance visibility, and reach new audiences. With the average person spending o<a href=https://www.ama.org/"https:////images.squarespace-cdn.com//content//v1//5b79011d266c077298791201//fd5036f9-cf72-47cf-854d-61d1d90283a0//04+Time+Online+by+Country+– DataReportal+20230424+Digital+2023+April+Global+Statshot+Report+Slide+26.png?format=2500w\%22>ver six hours a day<\/a> on social media, effective digital PR is vital for increasing brand awareness.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Best practices<\/strong>: Implement these strategies to enhance your digital PR efforts:<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Leverage influencers<\/strong>: Collaborate with influencers and bloggers who align with your brand to expand your reach and credibility.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Create shareable content<\/strong>: Develop high-quality, shareable content that encourages users to engage and promote your brand organically.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Monitor your online presence<\/strong>: Regularly track mentions and discussions about your brand to respond quickly and maintain a positive image.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"start\":3} -->\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Community building<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Community building involves creating online spaces where customers can engage with each other and the brand. This technique fosters a sense of belonging and loyalty, encouraging long-term engagement. Many brands are now leveraging digital communities, with <a href=https://www.ama.org/"https:////blog.hubspot.com//marketing//hubspot-blog-social-media-marketing-report#trends\">90% of social media marketers<\/a> stating that building an active community is critical for success.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Best practices<\/strong>: Here are effective strategies to cultivate a thriving digital community:<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Choose the right platforms<\/strong>: Select platforms where your audience is most active, whether it\u2019s social media, forums, or your own website.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Encourage interaction<\/strong>: Facilitate discussions, ask questions, and encourage user-generated content to keep the community engaged.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Provide value<\/strong>: Offer exclusive content, resources, and support to community members to strengthen their connection to your brand.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-traditional-marketing-techniques\">Traditional Marketing Techniques<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"start\":4} -->\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Flyers<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Flyers are a straightforward and budget-friendly marketing technique that involves distributing printed advertisements in targeted areas. This approach, often referred to as \"carpet-bombing,\" allows businesses to reach a wide audience quickly. By placing flyers in mailboxes or public spaces, you can promote your products or services directly to potential customers in your desired location.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Best practices<\/strong>: To maximize the effectiveness of your flyer campaigns, keep these tips in mind:<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Be concise<\/strong>: Keep your message brief and to the point, highlighting your key services or products along with clear contact information.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Design for impact<\/strong>: Use eye-catching graphics and bold headlines to grab attention, ensuring your flyer stands out in a crowded mailbox or bulletin board.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Target your audience<\/strong>: Distribute flyers in neighborhoods or areas where your target audience is most likely to be, increasing the chances of engagement.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"start\":5} -->\n<ol start=\"5\" class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Posters<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Posters are another traditional marketing technique that involves displaying advertisements in high-traffic public areas, such as supermarkets, malls, and community centers. This method can be hit-or-miss, but effective placement and design can significantly enhance visibility and reach.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Best practices<\/strong>: To ensure your poster campaign is effective, consider the following strategies:<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Make it visible<\/strong>: Choose locations with high foot traffic and ensure your poster is placed at eye level for maximum visibility.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Include removable tabs<\/strong>: Incorporate tear-off tabs with discount offers or promotions that customers can take with them, encouraging immediate action.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Keep it simple<\/strong>: Use clear, bold messaging and strong visuals to convey your brand message quickly, as potential customers may only glance at your poster.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-audience-engagement-techniques\">Audience Engagement Techniques<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"start\":6} -->\n<ol start=\"6\" class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Value-add emails<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Value-add emails are targeted communications sent to customers that provide valuable content, insights, or offers, rather than just promotional material. This technique aims to foster a relationship with the audience by ensuring that each email enhances the recipient's experience and adds value to their lives. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>With Americans spending an average of <a href=https://www.ama.org/"https:////www.statista.com//statistics//1332517//time-spent-checking-emails-us-users-daily//#:~:text=In%202021%2C%20users%20in%20the,spent%20checking%20their%20work%20emails.\">172 minutes daily on personal emails<\/a>, effective email marketing is essential for engagement.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Best practices<\/strong>: To maximize the effectiveness of your email campaigns, consider these strategies:<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Focus on value<\/strong>: Ensure each email provides real value to the recipient, whether through helpful tips, informative articles, or exclusive offers.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Segment your audience<\/strong>: Tailor your emails to specific segments of your audience for more personalized communication, which can increase engagement rates.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Optimize for mobile<\/strong>: Design emails to be mobile-friendly, as a significant portion of users check emails on their smartphones.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"start\":7} -->\n<ol start=\"7\" class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Podcasting<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Podcasting is a digital audio format that allows brands to share content in episodes, covering topics relevant to their audience. This technique enables deeper engagement through storytelling, expert interviews, and discussions, making it a popular medium. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In 2024, the number of global podcast listeners is expected to reach <a href=https://www.ama.org/"https:////www.emarketer.com//chart//251021//podcast-listeners-worldwide-2019-2024-millions-change-of-internet-users/">504.9 million<\/a>, highlighting the effectiveness of this medium for outreach.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Best practices<\/strong>: To effectively use podcasting as a marketing technique, keep these tips in mind:<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Create high-quality content<\/strong>: Focus on delivering valuable, entertaining content that resonates with your target audience.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Promote across channels<\/strong>: Use social media and email marketing to promote new episodes and reach a wider audience.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Engage with your audience<\/strong>: Encourage listener interaction through Q&A segments or feedback, fostering a sense of community.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"start\":8} -->\n<ol start=\"8\" class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Video marketing<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Video marketing involves creating video content to promote a brand, product, or service. This technique has become the <a href=https://www.ama.org/"https:////www.hubspot.com//hubfs//2024 State of Marketing Report//2024-State-of-Marketing-HubSpot-CXDstudio-FINAL.pdf?hubs_signup-url=www.hubspot.com%2Fstate-of-marketing&hubs_signup-cta=Submit\%22>leading form of media<\/a> in content strategy due to its flexibility and effectiveness in engaging audiences. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Video not only enhances information retention but also performs well in search engines, increasing visibility and driving higher engagement across digital platforms.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Best practices<\/strong>: To make the most of video marketing, consider the following:<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Craft compelling content<\/strong>: Focus on storytelling and valuable information to keep viewers engaged from start to finish.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Optimize for SEO<\/strong>: Incorporate relevant keywords in video titles, descriptions, and tags to improve search visibility.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Use multiple formats<\/strong>: Experiment with different video formats\u2014such as tutorials, interviews, or live streams\u2014to see what resonates best with your audience.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-traffic-acquisition-techniques\">Traffic Acquisition Techniques<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"start\":9} -->\n<ol start=\"9\" class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>SEO and content marketing<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and content marketing work together to improve online visibility. SEO involves optimizing a website and its content to rank higher in search engine results, while content marketing focuses on creating valuable content that informs and engages the target audience. Together, these techniques drive organic traffic and foster conversions.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Best practices<\/strong>: To effectively implement SEO and content marketing, consider these strategies:<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Develop quality content<\/strong>: Create well-researched, useful content that addresses your audience\u2019s needs and interests.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Incorporate keywords strategically<\/strong>: Use relevant keywords throughout your content to signal to search engines what your pages are about, improving search rankings.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Engage subject matter experts<\/strong>: Collaborate with experts to ensure your content is accurate and authoritative, which can enhance credibility.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"start\":10} -->\n<ol start=\"10\" class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Social media marketing<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Maximizing reach and engagement<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Social media marketing involves using social media platforms to promote a brand, engage with customers, and drive traffic. This technique is essential for reaching a broader audience and creating a dialogue with consumers. According to <a href=https://www.ama.org/"https:////www.statista.com//topics//1164//social-networks//#dossierContents__outerWrapper\">Statista<\/a>, 86% of industry professionals believe that increased exposure is the leading benefit of social media marketing.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Best practices<\/strong>: To optimize your social media marketing efforts, keep these tips in mind:<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Create engaging content<\/strong>: Use a mix of formats, such as images, videos, and polls, to engage your audience and encourage interaction.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Analyze performance metrics<\/strong>: Regularly track and analyze engagement metrics to refine your strategy and improve results.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Stay updated on trends<\/strong>: Keep abreast of the latest social media trends and platform updates to ensure your strategies remain relevant and effective.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-conclusion\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Mastering effective marketing techniques is essential in a competitive market. It\u2019s about more than just visibility; it\u2019s about creating meaningful connections with your audience. Stay adaptable and leverage data to refine your strategies continuously. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Remember, impactful marketing goes beyond the basics\u2014it's about delivering value and fostering loyalty. Elevate your approach, and don\u2019t settle for ordinary. Make your marketing resonate.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","post_title":"Define Marketing Techniques: Best Practices for Effective Marketing","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"define-marketing-techniques","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-28 14:38:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-28 19:38:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.ama.org\/?post_type=ama_marketing_news&p=174209","menu_order":0,"post_type":"ama_marketing_news","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":147289,"post_author":"21","post_date":"2024-02-07 11:30:47","post_date_gmt":"2024-02-07 17:30:47","post_content":"<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The origin of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) dates back to the 1940s, to the emergence of neural networks and the Turing test. Business professionals and researchers have invested in intelligent automation (IA) and AI technologies such as service robots, robotic process automation, generative AI, machine learning, and affective or cognitive computing, to name a few. With recent developments in sensors and smart technologies, and large language models (LLMs) now with enhanced capability to learn and to process information at large scale and emulate human capabilities, the importance of automation is accelerating. Companies already employ marketing automation for tasks such as communicating with customers (e.g., using conversational chatbots), generating and personalizing content (e.g., Reisenbichler et al. 2022), and buying media. While such automation offers tremendous opportunities, it comes with significant up-front investment, complexity in design and implementation, and several other challenges (Krafft et al. 2019; Skiera 2022).<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Increasingly, AI is improving how automation can bring about performance improvements for marketing operations and innovations in how marketers engage with their various stakeholders. IA refers to a practice that harnesses methods and technologies, business process automation, robotic process automation (RPA), natural language processing (NLP) and generation (NLG), entity detection, and computer vision, enabling computing applications to undertake tasks and processes that were previously carried out by humans (Bornet et al. 2020). This promises to improve business performance (e.g., see Libai et al. 2020), empowering marketing workers to improve both their effectiveness and efficiency.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>AI as a core enabler of IA has the potential to dramatically increase the scope and capability of automated marketing operations. The world\u2019s largest technology companies, including Alphabet, Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft are rapidly innovating in this space. A testimony to the tremendous level of interest in IA is Microsoft\u2019s multibillion-dollar investment in Open AI (the developer of ChatGPT). Microsoft\u2019s \u201cDynamics 365 Copilot\u201d promises to bring the power of AI and automation across the marketing organization, including sales teams, customer service agents (via conversation boosters in Power Virtual Agents; Le et al. 2023; Sajtos et al. 2020), product listing in online commerce, customer insights, supply chain coordination, and marketing planning tasks such as segmentation and targeting.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This special issue therefore aims to focus on understanding the IA of higher-order marketing tasks and processes, including evaluative thinking, agile marketing (e.g., Kalaignaman et al. 2022), design thinking (e.g., Beverland et al. 2015; Allen et al. 2018), causal reasoning, brainstorming, and idea generation (e.g., Girotra et al. 2023)<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>When companies invest in and deploy IA for marketing operations, they need to consider multiple factors, since marketing automations can vary widely in terms of what they do and how they work. Marketing automations differ based on the technologies they employ, the type and modality of data (structured or unstructured; text, images, speech) that they use (see Du et al. 2021), and the outcome (rule- or inference-based) they produce. For instance, validating customers\u2019 physical or email addresses requires an automation process different from one to classifying customer queries into the correct category. These different marketing automations often focus on a single task, but companies increasingly connect these automations to form end-to-end automation chains or automation journeys, which can have an adverse effect on IA transparency and employee autonomy. However, as with employees, automation applications are not necessarily specialized, and can be employed to complete different tasks in the business depending on where the needs arise. Automation capabilities promise benefits in efficiency and effectiveness but present challenges for marketing practitioners who must redesign their internal operations.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Besides organizational workflows, marketing automations are likely to affect company brands and their communication. Marketing automations can deliver seamless experiences with brands when, for instance, a customer books an appointment, and first receives a confirmation, which is followed by timely reminders of the event or the need to make a change. These streamlined and personalized processes have the power to result in faster and personally relevant experiences and contribute to creating a stronger brand experience. At the other extreme, of course, these very same automations can be too rigid, can demand or capture too much or inappropriate information, and become frustrating for customers, which can increase the likelihood of the customer taking their business elsewhere. More importantly, as these automations become more widely available, companies need to consider whether and how their marketing automations are aligned with and support their brand values and their ethical standards prior to deploying them (Wirtz et al. 2023). Finally, companies develop automations for customers to help them in their daily routines, and for automation developers it is critical to understand the tasks and processes people are keen to automate, and how best to automate them.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-relevant-topics-and-questions-for-research\"><strong>Relevant Topics and Questions for Research<\/strong><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Considering numerous differences in how automations are built and work and the areas in which they can be employed, companies have a number of decisions to make when it comes to developing and investing in IA. Based on the issues outlined, this special issue aims to focus on particular aspects of IA by addressing some of the following questions.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>What tasks or processes are most suitable for marketing automation? How should companies decide on or prioritize which tasks and processes to automate?<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>How do IA and marketing automation tools influence employee and business performance?<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>What are the competitive implications of AI-based automation? Topics addressing this question may consider how the potential for greater personalization through automation could potentially alter competitive dynamics and outcomes.  <\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>How will IA and AI-enabled marketing activities change consumer behavior?<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>What are the future domains of marketing automation? How will IA transform areas that are already heavily automated, such as data analysis, content generation, real-time personalization, media buying, market research, and so on?<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>How will IA contribute to creating more effective and efficient business processes? Are consumers willing to pay more for more effective and efficient processes?<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>What tasks and processes do customers automate? What IA and marketing automation tools are available for customers to use? How does automation of marketers interact with that of customers?<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>What changes in employee skill levels or loyalty to the firm are required or can be observed as a result of introducing marketing automations in their jobs? Under what conditions does IA lead to either skill erosion (or, at the extreme, human replacement) or to skill development (human enhancement)?<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>What new roles will marketers of the future be required to undertake, and what skills would they need to be effective in these roles?<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>How should we train the next generation of marketers? Will IA and marketing automation tools change (shrink or enhance) marketers\u2019 roles in the future\u2014and if so, how? Will IA and marketing automation tools be likely to create new roles and responsibilities for marketing professionals (e.g., Chief Ethics Officers)?<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>How helpful is IA in building brands? Or will IA erode companies\u2019 efforts to build humanized brands?<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>What criteria should companies use to assess the effectiveness of IA and marketing automation tools? How can ROI on automations be calculated? How is employee time saved in jobs (partial task automation) incorporated into these calculations?<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>How should companies develop their automation strategies? Do companies always first automate the processes that account for the largest share of their transactions?<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Will the need to automate accelerate companies\u2019 efforts to integrate customer data stored across multiple isolated databases?<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>What ethical, regulatory or moral issues are important for brands and marketers to consider in the future of hyper automated marketing organisations? What is the role of AI alignment strategies and AI safety for AI-powered and IA marketing operations? <\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The special issue invites original manuscripts on these, or related topics. We especially welcome empirical work and articles focused on technological aspects of intelligent automation relevant to marketing practitioners. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-submission-deadline-december-31-2024\"><strong>Submission Deadline: December 31, 2024<\/strong><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-submitting-your-manuscript-to-the-special-issue\"><strong>Submitting Your Manuscript to the Special Issue<\/strong><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>All submissions will be considered for publication in the <em><a href=https://www.ama.org/"https:////www.ama.org//journal-of-interactive-marketing///" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Journal of Interactive Marketing<\/a><\/em>, via a double-anonymous peer review, drawing on prominent scholars with interest and expertise in the area. Each manuscript may also be considered by prominent marketing practitioners and thought leaders.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Submissions must be made via the journal\u2019s <a href=https://www.ama.org/"https:////mc.manuscriptcentral.com//ama_jnm/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ScholarOne site<\/a>, with author guidelines available <a href=https://www.ama.org/"https:////www.ama.org//submission-guidelines-american-marketing-association-journals///" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Please contact Andr\u00e9 Bonfrer with questions (<a href=https://www.ama.org/topics/martech/\"mailto:andre.bonfrer@deakin.edu.au\">andre.bonfrer@deakin.edu.au)./n

Marketing Technology

Marketing technology refers to the tools that make a marketer’s job easier by automating time consuming tasks and optimizing efforts. Here you will find a collection of marketing news articles and research insights from the AMA archives regarding marketing technology.

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