November 11, 2024 • 19 mins
Unlock the secret to elevating your local business's marketing strategy by mastering automation! Many believe this powerful tool is reserved exclusively for large corporations, but we're here to challenge that notion with our enlightening discussion. Discover how automation can not only streamline your marketing tasks—like scheduling emails and social media posts—but also enhance personalization through smart data use. Our conversation debunks the myth that automation leads to impersonal interactions, showing you how it creates even deeper connections with your customers. With platforms like Rainmaker, even those with minimal tech skills can effortlessly navigate the automation landscape.
Join us as we tackle the common obstacles and emerging trends in marketing automation. From the intimidation of initial setup to the potential paralysis caused by over-analysis, we offer practical advice on starting small and optimizing over time. Dive into the future of marketing with us as we explore the next big trends, including hyper-personalization driven by AI and sophisticated chatbot interactions. Our focus is on leveraging technology to foster authentic relationships, ensuring your business stays ahead of the curve in delivering meaningful customer experiences. Whether you're a veteran marketer or just beginning your journey, this episode is packed with insights to revolutionize your approach.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hey everyone and welcome back to the Rainmaker's
Edge Perspective.
We're diving into a topicthat's well kind of close to
home for us.
Today we're talking all aboutmarketing automation, especially
for those of you out thererunning your own local
businesses.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
And it really can be a total game changer.
But I know there's a lot ofwell, there are a lot of
misconceptions floating aroundout there.
Speaker 1 (00:20):
You're telling me.
It seems like everyone's heardthings like oh, it's way too
expensive, or it's just toocomplicated for me, or even that
classic automation, that's onlyfor those big companies.
But here's the thing those arejust myths, and we're here today
to bust those myths wide open.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
Exactly.
We're going to break it downand show you how automation can
actually level that playingfield, no matter what size your
business is.
Speaker 1 (00:46):
That's right, because we've seen it firsthand time
and time again businesses thatare using automation.
They're seeing some seriouslyincredible results.
We're talking more leads,higher conversion rates and
maybe, best of all, a whole lotmore time freed up.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
More time to do what you do best right.
Connect with your customers,build that brand and focus on
the big picture.
Speaker 1 (01:06):
Exactly so.
Let's just jump right in andtackle the first myth head on
that whole automation is onlyfor big companies thing.
It's a pretty common one, forsure.
But get this Did you know thata whopping 60% of small
businesses yeah, smallbusinesses just like yours who
are using automation are seeingmajor improvements in their
(01:28):
marketing efficiency?
Speaker 2 (01:29):
That's right, 60%.
And think about it.
Automation swoops in and takescare of all those little
repetitive tasks that can eat upyour day, you know, sending out
emails, scheduling those socialmedia posts, following up on
leads.
Speaker 1 (01:40):
Right, all that stuff that you know you need to do,
but it just takes so much time.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
Exactly.
It's like suddenly having anextra set of hands without
having to, you know like,actually hire anyone.
And the exciting part platformslike Rainmaker, reputation, ai,
crm that's what we're all abouthere.
Right?
They're making this kind ofpower accessible to even the
smallest of budgets, so really,there are no more excuses.
Automation is within reach foreveryone.
Speaker 1 (02:04):
Okay, that leads us perfectly into myth number two,
which is this idea thatautomation equals impersonal,
robotic communication.
And I get it.
Nobody wants to feel likethey're talking to some kind of
robot, right?
But the truth is automation,when it's done right, can
actually make your communicationmore personal way more personal
(02:24):
.
Speaker 2 (02:25):
It's all about using data, but using it to really
understand your audience.
So let's say you own I don'tknow a local bakery and you have
this customer who, every singletime, they just have to get
your gluten-free chocolate chipcookies.
Speaker 1 (02:37):
They're amazing.
Speaker 2 (02:38):
The best.
So with automation you can setup a system that's smart enough
to automatically send them alittle email when you have, say,
a new gluten-free treat ormaybe a special offer just for
those loyal gluten-free fans.
Speaker 1 (02:51):
It's about being thoughtful, yeah, you know,
sending relevant messagesinstead of just blasting out
some generic thing and hoping itsticks.
Speaker 2 (02:57):
Exactly, and that's actually where platforms like
Rainmaker really, really shine.
They have these fantastic toolsthat let you segment your
audience, tailor your messagesand make sure that you're
hitting the right people withthe right information at the
right time, not just a shot inthe dark.
Speaker 1 (03:12):
It's all about creating an experience that
feels personal, making eachcustomer feel valued.
Speaker 2 (03:17):
And appreciated, which is huge for building
loyalty, absolutely.
Speaker 1 (03:22):
Okay, I am ready to tackle myth number three, and
this is one that I'll be honest.
It kind of makes me cringe alittle bit.
It's that whole automation isjust too complicated thing, and
I think this is where a lot ofpeople get hung up.
Tech can be intimidating,especially when you're already
juggling a million things as abusiness owner.
Speaker 2 (03:41):
I totally get that but honestly, it's not nearly as
scary as it sounds, especiallywith platforms like Rainmaker
that are built with userfriendliness in mind.
Really, they take all thecomplexity out of it.
They do Think of it this wayYou're making a small investment
of your time up front to learnthe system, but then the payoff
is massive.
You're going to be freeing uphours and hours of your time
(04:02):
each week and think about whatyou could do with those extra
hours Growing your business,connecting with those customers,
maybe even, you know, finallytaking that vacation you've been
dreaming of, or just catchingyour breath.
Speaker 1 (04:13):
Yeah, it's like trading a little bit of learning
time for a whole lot of freedomand efficiency down the road.
And speaking of learning,rainmaker has this amazing
support team, so you never feellost or overwhelmed.
Speaker 2 (04:26):
It's true.
They have tutorials, webinars,a whole library of resources to
walk you through everything, andtheir customer support is
fantastic.
Seriously, they're so helpful.
Speaker 1 (04:35):
Okay, myth number four is the one that I think
really limits people's vision ofwhat automation can actually do
, and that's the idea thatautomation is just about email
marketing.
But let's be clear here it isso much more than that.
It's about connecting with yourcustomers across all the
channels they're actually using.
Speaker 2 (04:52):
Yeah, whether it's email, social media, text
messages, even things like voicedrops, it's about meeting your
customers where they are.
Wherever they're having thoseconversations, right, you want
to be part of the conversationyou do, and it's not just about
being on all those channels,it's about making sure you're
creating a cohesive experience.
Speaker 1 (05:09):
So whether someone's reading your email or scrolling
through Instagram or getting atext from you, they're getting
that same consistent brandmessage.
Speaker 2 (05:16):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (05:17):
Building recognition staying top of mind.
Speaker 2 (05:19):
That's it.
And again, platforms likeRainmaker.
They just nailed this Seamlessintegration across all those
different channels, so you canmanage everything from one
central place.
No more jumping around betweena million different platforms
and trying to keep it allstraight.
It's all right there.
Speaker 1 (05:35):
All right, we have officially debunked four
marketing automation myths.
Are you ready for the fifth andfinal one?
Speaker 2 (05:42):
Get me with it.
Speaker 1 (05:50):
All right, this one's a biggie and honestly, it's
something I hear all the timeAutomation is just way too
expensive.
And I get it.
Budget's a real thing.
Speaker 2 (05:53):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (05:53):
Especially for local businesses.
But I think we need to shiftour thinking here.
Instead of focusing on the cost, we need to think about return
on investment, because thereality is automation can
actually save you money in thelong run.
Speaker 2 (06:05):
A hundred percent.
Think about all those hoursyou're spending on repetitive
tasks.
What if you could free up allthat time and focus on the
things that actually bring inmore revenue, like developing
new products, building thoserelationships with key clients,
maybe even expanding into a newmarket?
That's what automation allowsyou to do.
It's not an expense, it's aninvestment.
Speaker 1 (06:26):
An investment in your business, your peace of mind,
your sanity.
Speaker 2 (06:29):
Exactly, and when you look at the numbers, it's
really clear that automationpays off.
I mean businesses usingmarketing automation are seeing
an 80% increase in leads and a77% increase in conversion rates
.
Those are results you can taketo the bank.
Speaker 1 (06:43):
They're pretty hard to argue with, right.
Speaker 2 (06:44):
They are.
And again, there are platformslike Rainmaker that are designed
specifically to be costeffective for businesses of all
sizes.
They have flexible pricingplans and a whole range of
features that make it easy toscale your automation efforts as
your business grows.
Speaker 1 (06:57):
So you can start small, pick a plan that fits
your budget and start seeingresults right away.
Speaker 2 (07:02):
Exactly, and the great thing about Rainmaker is
it can grow with you.
As your business expands.
You can just add more featuresand functionality to meet your
needs.
It's super flexible.
Speaker 1 (07:12):
So we've officially busted all five myths, feeling
empowered.
Speaker 2 (07:16):
yet I hope so.
I mean we've seen howautomation is a powerful tool
that can really level theplaying field for local
businesses.
It can help you create morepersonalized experiences,
simplify your workflow andultimately boost your bottom
line.
It's about working smarter, notharder, and using technology to
your advantage.
Speaker 1 (07:34):
It's about time we move beyond those myths and
start exploring the real,tangible benefits of marketing
automation, because when youtake away those misconceptions,
what you're left with is a toolthat can seriously transform
your business.
But before we dive into thosebenefits, let's take a quick
break.
We'll come back refreshed andready to explore how automation
can really take your localbusiness to that next level.
Speaker 2 (07:56):
Sounds good to me, We'll be right back after this
short message.
All right, welcome backeveryone.
We just spent some time bustingthose five common myths about
marketing automation, and nowit's time to get into the good
stuff, the real benefits, thethings that can actually make a
difference in your localbusiness.
Speaker 1 (08:14):
I'm excited to dive into this because, honestly,
sometimes those myths just getso much airtime that we forget
to even talk about whatautomation can actually do for
you.
Speaker 2 (08:23):
Right.
So first things first, let'stalk about time efficiency,
because I think we all know thattime is precious right,
especially when you're running abusiness.
Time is your most valuableresource.
Speaker 1 (08:34):
It really is, and automation.
Speaker 2 (08:35):
It's like a magic wand that gives you more of it.
Speaker 1 (08:37):
I take all the magic wands I can get.
Speaker 2 (08:39):
Remember those repetitive tasks we were talking
about earlier Sending out thoseemails, scheduling the social
media stuff, following up withleads.
Automation just takes all ofthat off your plate.
Speaker 1 (08:49):
It's like having a clone, but without all the
ethical dilemmas.
Speaker 2 (08:53):
Exactly, and it frees you up to focus on the things
that really move the needle foryour business.
Speaker 1 (08:58):
And that's not even mentioning the reduced stress
right.
It's about avoiding burnout,creating a work-life balance
that's actually sustainable.
Speaker 2 (09:05):
So important, and when you're not bogged down by
all that busy work, you canchannel that energy into the
stuff that really matters thestrategic thinking, the creative
problem solving the buildingdeeper relationships with your
customers Because, honestly,when you're feeling overmommed
and stressed it's hard to bringyour best self to those customer
interactions.
Speaker 1 (09:25):
But when you have the time and space to breathe,
that's when you can really shine100% Okay.
Speaker 2 (09:31):
Another key benefit of automation is drumroll,
please.
Improved client campaigns.
We all know that data is kingthese days, and automation
allows you to actually use thatdata to create campaigns that
are smarter, more targeted, moreeffective.
Speaker 1 (09:46):
It's about working smarter, not harder.
Speaker 2 (09:48):
Exactly so.
Let's imagine you're running apromotion for I don't know a new
line of holiday cookies at yourbakery.
With automation, you canactually see who's opening your
emails, who's clicking on thelinks, who's making a purchase.
Speaker 1 (10:01):
You get to see what's actually working.
Speaker 2 (10:02):
You do, and that means you can tweak your
campaign as you go, making sureyou're reaching the right people
with the right message at theright time.
Speaker 1 (10:10):
It's like having a marketing consultant whispering
in your ear telling you exactlywhat to do.
Speaker 2 (10:15):
I love that and platforms like Rainmaker.
That's exactly what they do.
They give you those in-depthanalytics, but they also make it
so easy to understand andactually use that data.
You don't need a PhD in datascience to figure it out.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
Okay, I want to talk about another benefit that I
think is especially relevant forlocal businesses, and that's
scalability.
We all want to grow ourbusinesses, right?
Speaker 2 (10:36):
Right.
Speaker 1 (10:37):
But sometimes that growth can feel overwhelming.
Speaker 2 (10:39):
Totally.
You take on more clients,You're working longer hours.
You just feel stretched thin.
Speaker 1 (10:43):
It's like that classic feast or famine cycle
that so many entrepreneursexperience Too much work or not
enough.
It's a roller coaster.
Speaker 2 (10:50):
It really is, and that's where automation can be a
lifesaver.
It lets you scale your businesswithout sacrificing quality and
without burning yourself outWithout losing your mind.
Exactly and without burningyourself out, without losing
your mind, exactly.
By automating those key tasks,you can handle a larger volume
of work without having to work24-7.
Speaker 1 (11:06):
It's like having a team of virtual assistants
working around the clock.
Speaker 2 (11:09):
I like it.
Okay, let's talk about one morebenefit consistent messaging.
Building a strong brand isessential, right, and automation
can be a huge help here.
It helps you reinforce thatbrand identity, create a
cohesive experience across allof your marketing channels.
Speaker 1 (11:25):
It's about making sure your message is clear,
consistent and on brand, nomatter where someone's
interacting with you, whetherit's your website, social media,
your email newsletter, you nameit.
Speaker 2 (11:35):
it's all about building that recognition,
establishing yourself as thego-to expert in your industry
platforms like rainmaker make iteasy to create templates, set
your brand guidelines andautomate your messaging across
all those different channels, soyou know that your brand is
always presented in the bestpossible light, no matter what
all right.
Speaker 1 (11:53):
We've covered a lot here.
We've talked about timeefficiency, improved client
campaigns, better leadmanagement, scalability and
consistent messaging.
It's clear that automation ismore than just a buzzword.
It's a powerful tool that canhelp you build a stronger, more
efficient, more customer-centricbusiness.
Speaker 2 (12:12):
It really can, and we haven't even gotten into
specifics about how Rainmakercan make all of this happen.
Speaker 1 (12:17):
That's right.
We've mentioned Rainmaker a fewtimes, but I think it's time we
really dive into how thisplatform can bring all of these
benefits to life for localbusinesses like yours.
Speaker 2 (12:28):
Let's get specific.
Speaker 1 (12:30):
Welcome back to the Rainmaker's Edge Perspective.
We've talked about all themyths surrounding marketing
automation, we've explored theincredible benefits it can bring
to your local business, andwe've even touched on how
Rainmaker, specifically, canhelp you leverage those benefits
.
But you know, let's be real fora second.
No system is perfect.
Automation does come with itsown set of challenges, right.
Speaker 2 (12:49):
Oh for sure, it's not always sunshine and rainbows.
Speaker 1 (12:52):
But don't worry, we're going to tackle those
challenges head on.
Give you the tools andstrategies you need to overcome
them.
Speaker 2 (12:57):
We want to make sure you're not just understanding
the concept of automation, butyou're actually able to
implement it successfully inyour business.
That's the goal.
Speaker 1 (13:05):
Exactly.
So where do we start?
I think one of the biggesthurdles people face is that
initial setup phase.
It can feel a littleoverwhelming.
Speaker 2 (13:14):
It really can.
It's like you know you open thebox and there are all these
pieces and you're like wait,where do I even begin?
Speaker 1 (13:19):
Right, you're staring at workflows, integrations,
email sequences sequences.
Speaker 2 (13:27):
It's like trying to put together a thousand piece
puzzle without the picture onthe box I love that analogy.
Speaker 1 (13:30):
It's so true.
So what's the key?
Speaker 2 (13:31):
start small yes, don't try to do everything at
once.
Speaker 1 (13:35):
Pick one or two tasks that are really eating up your
time and focus on automatingthose first maybe it's those
follow-up emails that you sendafter someone downloads
something from your website,like a free guide or something.
Speaker 2 (13:45):
Perfect example.
It's repetitive, it takes timeand, honestly, it can be kind of
boring, but it's also soimportant for nurturing those
leads and moving them closer toa sale.
Speaker 1 (13:57):
Right and by automating it you free up your
time.
You make sure the communicationis consistent and nobody falls
through the cracks.
Speaker 2 (14:04):
Exactly Win-win.
And once you've got that firstautomation up and running
smoothly, you can gradually addmore.
It's like building a house, youknow Start with a solid
foundation, then add the roomsone by one.
Speaker 1 (14:15):
Love it.
Okay, another challenge that wesee a lot of businesses
struggle with is what I like tocall analysis paralysis.
Oh yeah, I've definitely seenthat Another challenge that we
see a lot of businesses strugglewith is what I like to call
analysis paralysis.
Speaker 2 (14:24):
Oh yeah.
Speaker 1 (14:24):
I've definitely seen that.
It's when you get so focused ontracking every single metric
that you kind of lose sight ofthe bigger picture.
You're drowning in data butyou're not actually using it to
make decisions.
Speaker 2 (14:35):
It's so easy to fall into that trap, especially with
platforms like Rainmaker thatgive you so much data.
Speaker 1 (14:40):
Right.
So how do you avoid it?
Focus on the KPIs, the keyperformance indicators that are
actually aligned with yourbusiness goals.
Speaker 2 (14:47):
What are you really trying to achieve?
More traffic to your website,more leads, more sales.
Figure out what you're aimingfor and then track the metrics
that measure those goals.
Speaker 1 (14:58):
And don't be afraid to experiment, see what works,
adjust your approach if you needto.
There's no one size fits allsolution in marketing Absolutely
.
Speaker 2 (15:07):
Now, speaking of experimenting.
This is another pitfall we see.
Pretty often People set uptheir automation workflows and
then they just kind of assumethat everything will magically
work perfectly forever.
Speaker 1 (15:16):
The set it and forget it mentality.
Speaker 2 (15:18):
Exactly.
But automation is not passive.
It requires ongoing monitoring.
You have to optimize as you go.
Speaker 1 (15:25):
Think of it like tending a garden.
Right, you plant the seeds, butyou don't just walk away.
You have to water them, weedthem, fertilize them, give them
what they need to grow.
Speaker 2 (15:35):
That's such a great analogy and it's the same.
With automation, you got toregularly review your workflows,
analyze the results, makeadjustments as needed.
Speaker 1 (15:43):
Keep an eye on things .
Make sure it's still working.
Speaker 2 (15:45):
Exactly Okay.
Now that we've talked aboutsome of the challenges, I want
to shift gears a little bit andtalk about the future of
marketing automation, Becausethings are constantly evolving.
Speaker 1 (15:55):
They really are.
It feels like there's somethingnew every day.
Speaker 2 (15:58):
Right and some of these new trends and innovations
.
They have the potential toseriously change the way we
connect with our customers.
Speaker 1 (16:07):
Give me an example.
Speaker 2 (16:08):
One thing I'm really excited about is hyper
personalization.
Speaker 1 (16:12):
Hyper personalization .
Speaker 2 (16:13):
Yeah, we've already talked about personalization,
but this takes it to a whole newlevel.
Speaker 1 (16:17):
OK, I'm intrigued.
Speaker 2 (16:18):
It's about using AI and machine learning to create
experiences that are trulytailored to each individual.
It's not just about using theirname in an email.
It's about anticipating theirneeds, delivering content that's
so relevant it feels like itwas made just for them, creating
those wow moments.
Speaker 1 (16:37):
It's like having a mind reader on your marketing
team.
Speaker 2 (16:40):
Right, and it's becoming more and more possible
thanks to all these advances intechnology.
Platforms like Rainmaker.
They're already integratingthese capabilities, and we're
going to see a lot moreinnovation in this area.
Speaker 1 (16:50):
Okay, what else?
What else is on the horizon?
Speaker 2 (16:52):
Another trend that's really gaining momentum is the
use of chatbots andconversational marketing in
general.
Speaker 1 (16:58):
Chatbots huh, Some people are still a little
skeptical about those.
Speaker 2 (17:01):
Oh, I know, but they have come a long way, seriously.
Speaker 1 (17:05):
They're not those clunky robotic things they used
to be.
Speaker 2 (17:07):
Nope, they're getting so much more sophisticated.
They can understand complexquestions, provide personalized
answers, they can even learnfrom past interactions.
And, the best part, they'rebecoming way more human-like in
the way they communicate.
Speaker 1 (17:21):
So it's not just press one for this, press two
for that anymore.
Speaker 2 (17:24):
Exactly.
They can have actualconversations, natural, flowing,
engaging, and they're not justfor customer service anymore.
You can use them for leadgeneration, sales, marketing
automation.
It's incredible.
Speaker 1 (17:37):
I love that.
Think about how convenient itwould be for your customers to
be able to interact with yourbusiness 24-7, get instant
answers to their questions,personalized support, all
through this friendly littlechatbot.
Speaker 2 (17:48):
Right, it's like having a virtual assistant who
never takes a break.
Speaker 1 (17:51):
That's amazing.
Okay, I think we've covered alot of ground here today.
We've talked about thechallenges of marketing
automation, we've explored theexciting future that's ahead of
us, and really We've exploredthe exciting future that's ahead
of us and really we've seen howthis technology can transform
your local business.
But it's not just about thetechnology itself, it's not.
It's about using it in a waythat's authentic, in a way
(18:13):
that's human-centered and in away that aligns with your values
100%.
Speaker 2 (18:18):
At the end of the day , marketing is about people,
connecting with people.
Speaker 1 (18:21):
Building those relationships, creating
experiences that resonate.
Speaker 2 (18:24):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (18:25):
So thank you so much for joining us on this deep dive
into the world of marketingautomation.
We hope you've learnedsomething new, that you're
feeling inspired and empoweredto take your local business to
the next level.
Speaker 2 (18:36):
We'll see you next time on the Rainmaker's Edge
Perspective.
Speaker 1 (18:38):
Until then.
Hey everyone and welcome back to the Rainmaker's
Edge Perspective.
We're diving into a topicthat's well kind of close to
home for us.
Today we're talking all aboutmarketing automation, especially
for those of you out thererunning your own local
businesses.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
And it really can be a total game changer.
But I know there's a lot ofwell, there are a lot of
misconceptions floating aroundout there.
Speaker 1 (00:20):
You're telling me.
It seems like everyone's heardthings like oh, it's way too
expensive, or it's just toocomplicated for me, or even that
classic automation, that's onlyfor those big companies.
But here's the thing those arejust myths, and we're here today
to bust those myths wide open.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
Exactly.
We're going to break it downand show you how automation can
actually level that playingfield, no matter what size your
business is.
Speaker 1 (00:46):
That's right, because we've seen it firsthand time
and time again businesses thatare using automation.
They're seeing some seriouslyincredible results.
We're talking more leads,higher conversion rates and
maybe, best of all, a whole lotmore time freed up.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
More time to do what you do best right.
Connect with your customers,build that brand and focus on
the big picture.
Speaker 1 (01:06):
Exactly so.
Let's just jump right in andtackle the first myth head on
that whole automation is onlyfor big companies thing.
It's a pretty common one, forsure.
But get this Did you know thata whopping 60% of small
businesses yeah, smallbusinesses just like yours who
are using automation are seeingmajor improvements in their
(01:28):
marketing efficiency?
Speaker 2 (01:29):
That's right, 60%.
And think about it.
Automation swoops in and takescare of all those little
repetitive tasks that can eat upyour day, you know, sending out
emails, scheduling those socialmedia posts, following up on
leads.
Speaker 1 (01:40):
Right, all that stuff that you know you need to do,
but it just takes so much time.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
Exactly.
It's like suddenly having anextra set of hands without
having to, you know like,actually hire anyone.
And the exciting part platformslike Rainmaker, reputation, ai,
crm that's what we're all abouthere.
Right?
They're making this kind ofpower accessible to even the
smallest of budgets, so really,there are no more excuses.
Automation is within reach foreveryone.
Speaker 1 (02:04):
Okay, that leads us perfectly into myth number two,
which is this idea thatautomation equals impersonal,
robotic communication.
And I get it.
Nobody wants to feel likethey're talking to some kind of
robot, right?
But the truth is automation,when it's done right, can
actually make your communicationmore personal way more personal
(02:24):
.
Speaker 2 (02:25):
It's all about using data, but using it to really
understand your audience.
So let's say you own I don'tknow a local bakery and you have
this customer who, every singletime, they just have to get
your gluten-free chocolate chipcookies.
Speaker 1 (02:37):
They're amazing.
Speaker 2 (02:38):
The best.
So with automation you can setup a system that's smart enough
to automatically send them alittle email when you have, say,
a new gluten-free treat ormaybe a special offer just for
those loyal gluten-free fans.
Speaker 1 (02:51):
It's about being thoughtful, yeah, you know,
sending relevant messagesinstead of just blasting out
some generic thing and hoping itsticks.
Speaker 2 (02:57):
Exactly, and that's actually where platforms like
Rainmaker really, really shine.
They have these fantastic toolsthat let you segment your
audience, tailor your messagesand make sure that you're
hitting the right people withthe right information at the
right time, not just a shot inthe dark.
Speaker 1 (03:12):
It's all about creating an experience that
feels personal, making eachcustomer feel valued.
Speaker 2 (03:17):
And appreciated, which is huge for building
loyalty, absolutely.
Speaker 1 (03:22):
Okay, I am ready to tackle myth number three, and
this is one that I'll be honest.
It kind of makes me cringe alittle bit.
It's that whole automation isjust too complicated thing, and
I think this is where a lot ofpeople get hung up.
Tech can be intimidating,especially when you're already
juggling a million things as abusiness owner.
Speaker 2 (03:41):
I totally get that but honestly, it's not nearly as
scary as it sounds, especiallywith platforms like Rainmaker
that are built with userfriendliness in mind.
Really, they take all thecomplexity out of it.
They do Think of it this wayYou're making a small investment
of your time up front to learnthe system, but then the payoff
is massive.
You're going to be freeing uphours and hours of your time
(04:02):
each week and think about whatyou could do with those extra
hours Growing your business,connecting with those customers,
maybe even, you know, finallytaking that vacation you've been
dreaming of, or just catchingyour breath.
Speaker 1 (04:13):
Yeah, it's like trading a little bit of learning
time for a whole lot of freedomand efficiency down the road.
And speaking of learning,rainmaker has this amazing
support team, so you never feellost or overwhelmed.
Speaker 2 (04:26):
It's true.
They have tutorials, webinars,a whole library of resources to
walk you through everything, andtheir customer support is
fantastic.
Seriously, they're so helpful.
Speaker 1 (04:35):
Okay, myth number four is the one that I think
really limits people's vision ofwhat automation can actually do
, and that's the idea thatautomation is just about email
marketing.
But let's be clear here it isso much more than that.
It's about connecting with yourcustomers across all the
channels they're actually using.
Speaker 2 (04:52):
Yeah, whether it's email, social media, text
messages, even things like voicedrops, it's about meeting your
customers where they are.
Wherever they're having thoseconversations, right, you want
to be part of the conversationyou do, and it's not just about
being on all those channels,it's about making sure you're
creating a cohesive experience.
Speaker 1 (05:09):
So whether someone's reading your email or scrolling
through Instagram or getting atext from you, they're getting
that same consistent brandmessage.
Speaker 2 (05:16):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (05:17):
Building recognition staying top of mind.
Speaker 2 (05:19):
That's it.
And again, platforms likeRainmaker.
They just nailed this Seamlessintegration across all those
different channels, so you canmanage everything from one
central place.
No more jumping around betweena million different platforms
and trying to keep it allstraight.
It's all right there.
Speaker 1 (05:35):
All right, we have officially debunked four
marketing automation myths.
Are you ready for the fifth andfinal one?
Speaker 2 (05:42):
Get me with it.
Speaker 1 (05:50):
All right, this one's a biggie and honestly, it's
something I hear all the timeAutomation is just way too
expensive.
And I get it.
Budget's a real thing.
Speaker 2 (05:53):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (05:53):
Especially for local businesses.
But I think we need to shiftour thinking here.
Instead of focusing on the cost, we need to think about return
on investment, because thereality is automation can
actually save you money in thelong run.
Speaker 2 (06:05):
A hundred percent.
Think about all those hoursyou're spending on repetitive
tasks.
What if you could free up allthat time and focus on the
things that actually bring inmore revenue, like developing
new products, building thoserelationships with key clients,
maybe even expanding into a newmarket?
That's what automation allowsyou to do.
It's not an expense, it's aninvestment.
Speaker 1 (06:26):
An investment in your business, your peace of mind,
your sanity.
Speaker 2 (06:29):
Exactly, and when you look at the numbers, it's
really clear that automationpays off.
I mean businesses usingmarketing automation are seeing
an 80% increase in leads and a77% increase in conversion rates
.
Those are results you can taketo the bank.
Speaker 1 (06:43):
They're pretty hard to argue with, right.
Speaker 2 (06:44):
They are.
And again, there are platformslike Rainmaker that are designed
specifically to be costeffective for businesses of all
sizes.
They have flexible pricingplans and a whole range of
features that make it easy toscale your automation efforts as
your business grows.
Speaker 1 (06:57):
So you can start small, pick a plan that fits
your budget and start seeingresults right away.
Speaker 2 (07:02):
Exactly, and the great thing about Rainmaker is
it can grow with you.
As your business expands.
You can just add more featuresand functionality to meet your
needs.
It's super flexible.
Speaker 1 (07:12):
So we've officially busted all five myths, feeling
empowered.
Speaker 2 (07:16):
yet I hope so.
I mean we've seen howautomation is a powerful tool
that can really level theplaying field for local
businesses.
It can help you create morepersonalized experiences,
simplify your workflow andultimately boost your bottom
line.
It's about working smarter, notharder, and using technology to
your advantage.
Speaker 1 (07:34):
It's about time we move beyond those myths and
start exploring the real,tangible benefits of marketing
automation, because when youtake away those misconceptions,
what you're left with is a toolthat can seriously transform
your business.
But before we dive into thosebenefits, let's take a quick
break.
We'll come back refreshed andready to explore how automation
can really take your localbusiness to that next level.
Speaker 2 (07:56):
Sounds good to me, We'll be right back after this
short message.
All right, welcome backeveryone.
We just spent some time bustingthose five common myths about
marketing automation, and nowit's time to get into the good
stuff, the real benefits, thethings that can actually make a
difference in your localbusiness.
Speaker 1 (08:14):
I'm excited to dive into this because, honestly,
sometimes those myths just getso much airtime that we forget
to even talk about whatautomation can actually do for
you.
Speaker 2 (08:23):
Right.
So first things first, let'stalk about time efficiency,
because I think we all know thattime is precious right,
especially when you're running abusiness.
Time is your most valuableresource.
Speaker 1 (08:34):
It really is, and automation.
Speaker 2 (08:35):
It's like a magic wand that gives you more of it.
Speaker 1 (08:37):
I take all the magic wands I can get.
Speaker 2 (08:39):
Remember those repetitive tasks we were talking
about earlier Sending out thoseemails, scheduling the social
media stuff, following up withleads.
Automation just takes all ofthat off your plate.
Speaker 1 (08:49):
It's like having a clone, but without all the
ethical dilemmas.
Speaker 2 (08:53):
Exactly, and it frees you up to focus on the things
that really move the needle foryour business.
Speaker 1 (08:58):
And that's not even mentioning the reduced stress
right.
It's about avoiding burnout,creating a work-life balance
that's actually sustainable.
Speaker 2 (09:05):
So important, and when you're not bogged down by
all that busy work, you canchannel that energy into the
stuff that really matters thestrategic thinking, the creative
problem solving the buildingdeeper relationships with your
customers Because, honestly,when you're feeling overmommed
and stressed it's hard to bringyour best self to those customer
interactions.
Speaker 1 (09:25):
But when you have the time and space to breathe,
that's when you can really shine100% Okay.
Speaker 2 (09:31):
Another key benefit of automation is drumroll,
please.
Improved client campaigns.
We all know that data is kingthese days, and automation
allows you to actually use thatdata to create campaigns that
are smarter, more targeted, moreeffective.
Speaker 1 (09:46):
It's about working smarter, not harder.
Speaker 2 (09:48):
Exactly so.
Let's imagine you're running apromotion for I don't know a new
line of holiday cookies at yourbakery.
With automation, you canactually see who's opening your
emails, who's clicking on thelinks, who's making a purchase.
Speaker 1 (10:01):
You get to see what's actually working.
Speaker 2 (10:02):
You do, and that means you can tweak your
campaign as you go, making sureyou're reaching the right people
with the right message at theright time.
Speaker 1 (10:10):
It's like having a marketing consultant whispering
in your ear telling you exactlywhat to do.
Speaker 2 (10:15):
I love that and platforms like Rainmaker.
That's exactly what they do.
They give you those in-depthanalytics, but they also make it
so easy to understand andactually use that data.
You don't need a PhD in datascience to figure it out.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
Okay, I want to talk about another benefit that I
think is especially relevant forlocal businesses, and that's
scalability.
We all want to grow ourbusinesses, right?
Speaker 2 (10:36):
Right.
Speaker 1 (10:37):
But sometimes that growth can feel overwhelming.
Speaker 2 (10:39):
Totally.
You take on more clients,You're working longer hours.
You just feel stretched thin.
Speaker 1 (10:43):
It's like that classic feast or famine cycle
that so many entrepreneursexperience Too much work or not
enough.
It's a roller coaster.
Speaker 2 (10:50):
It really is, and that's where automation can be a
lifesaver.
It lets you scale your businesswithout sacrificing quality and
without burning yourself outWithout losing your mind.
Exactly and without burningyourself out, without losing
your mind, exactly.
By automating those key tasks,you can handle a larger volume
of work without having to work24-7.
Speaker 1 (11:06):
It's like having a team of virtual assistants
working around the clock.
Speaker 2 (11:09):
I like it.
Okay, let's talk about one morebenefit consistent messaging.
Building a strong brand isessential, right, and automation
can be a huge help here.
It helps you reinforce thatbrand identity, create a
cohesive experience across allof your marketing channels.
Speaker 1 (11:25):
It's about making sure your message is clear,
consistent and on brand, nomatter where someone's
interacting with you, whetherit's your website, social media,
your email newsletter, you nameit.
Speaker 2 (11:35):
it's all about building that recognition,
establishing yourself as thego-to expert in your industry
platforms like rainmaker make iteasy to create templates, set
your brand guidelines andautomate your messaging across
all those different channels, soyou know that your brand is
always presented in the bestpossible light, no matter what
all right.
Speaker 1 (11:53):
We've covered a lot here.
We've talked about timeefficiency, improved client
campaigns, better leadmanagement, scalability and
consistent messaging.
It's clear that automation ismore than just a buzzword.
It's a powerful tool that canhelp you build a stronger, more
efficient, more customer-centricbusiness.
Speaker 2 (12:12):
It really can, and we haven't even gotten into
specifics about how Rainmakercan make all of this happen.
Speaker 1 (12:17):
That's right.
We've mentioned Rainmaker a fewtimes, but I think it's time we
really dive into how thisplatform can bring all of these
benefits to life for localbusinesses like yours.
Speaker 2 (12:28):
Let's get specific.
Speaker 1 (12:30):
Welcome back to the Rainmaker's Edge Perspective.
We've talked about all themyths surrounding marketing
automation, we've explored theincredible benefits it can bring
to your local business, andwe've even touched on how
Rainmaker, specifically, canhelp you leverage those benefits
.
But you know, let's be real fora second.
No system is perfect.
Automation does come with itsown set of challenges, right.
Speaker 2 (12:49):
Oh for sure, it's not always sunshine and rainbows.
Speaker 1 (12:52):
But don't worry, we're going to tackle those
challenges head on.
Give you the tools andstrategies you need to overcome
them.
Speaker 2 (12:57):
We want to make sure you're not just understanding
the concept of automation, butyou're actually able to
implement it successfully inyour business.
That's the goal.
Speaker 1 (13:05):
Exactly.
So where do we start?
I think one of the biggesthurdles people face is that
initial setup phase.
It can feel a littleoverwhelming.
Speaker 2 (13:14):
It really can.
It's like you know you open thebox and there are all these
pieces and you're like wait,where do I even begin?
Speaker 1 (13:19):
Right, you're staring at workflows, integrations,
email sequences sequences.
Speaker 2 (13:27):
It's like trying to put together a thousand piece
puzzle without the picture onthe box I love that analogy.
Speaker 1 (13:30):
It's so true.
So what's the key?
Speaker 2 (13:31):
start small yes, don't try to do everything at
once.
Speaker 1 (13:35):
Pick one or two tasks that are really eating up your
time and focus on automatingthose first maybe it's those
follow-up emails that you sendafter someone downloads
something from your website,like a free guide or something.
Speaker 2 (13:45):
Perfect example.
It's repetitive, it takes timeand, honestly, it can be kind of
boring, but it's also soimportant for nurturing those
leads and moving them closer toa sale.
Speaker 1 (13:57):
Right and by automating it you free up your
time.
You make sure the communicationis consistent and nobody falls
through the cracks.
Speaker 2 (14:04):
Exactly Win-win.
And once you've got that firstautomation up and running
smoothly, you can gradually addmore.
It's like building a house, youknow Start with a solid
foundation, then add the roomsone by one.
Speaker 1 (14:15):
Love it.
Okay, another challenge that wesee a lot of businesses
struggle with is what I like tocall analysis paralysis.
Oh yeah, I've definitely seenthat Another challenge that we
see a lot of businesses strugglewith is what I like to call
analysis paralysis.
Speaker 2 (14:24):
Oh yeah.
Speaker 1 (14:24):
I've definitely seen that.
It's when you get so focused ontracking every single metric
that you kind of lose sight ofthe bigger picture.
You're drowning in data butyou're not actually using it to
make decisions.
Speaker 2 (14:35):
It's so easy to fall into that trap, especially with
platforms like Rainmaker thatgive you so much data.
Speaker 1 (14:40):
Right.
So how do you avoid it?
Focus on the KPIs, the keyperformance indicators that are
actually aligned with yourbusiness goals.
Speaker 2 (14:47):
What are you really trying to achieve?
More traffic to your website,more leads, more sales.
Figure out what you're aimingfor and then track the metrics
that measure those goals.
Speaker 1 (14:58):
And don't be afraid to experiment, see what works,
adjust your approach if you needto.
There's no one size fits allsolution in marketing Absolutely
.
Speaker 2 (15:07):
Now, speaking of experimenting.
This is another pitfall we see.
Pretty often People set uptheir automation workflows and
then they just kind of assumethat everything will magically
work perfectly forever.
Speaker 1 (15:16):
The set it and forget it mentality.
Speaker 2 (15:18):
Exactly.
But automation is not passive.
It requires ongoing monitoring.
You have to optimize as you go.
Speaker 1 (15:25):
Think of it like tending a garden.
Right, you plant the seeds, butyou don't just walk away.
You have to water them, weedthem, fertilize them, give them
what they need to grow.
Speaker 2 (15:35):
That's such a great analogy and it's the same.
With automation, you got toregularly review your workflows,
analyze the results, makeadjustments as needed.
Speaker 1 (15:43):
Keep an eye on things .
Make sure it's still working.
Speaker 2 (15:45):
Exactly Okay.
Now that we've talked aboutsome of the challenges, I want
to shift gears a little bit andtalk about the future of
marketing automation, Becausethings are constantly evolving.
Speaker 1 (15:55):
They really are.
It feels like there's somethingnew every day.
Speaker 2 (15:58):
Right and some of these new trends and innovations
.
They have the potential toseriously change the way we
connect with our customers.
Speaker 1 (16:07):
Give me an example.
Speaker 2 (16:08):
One thing I'm really excited about is hyper
personalization.
Speaker 1 (16:12):
Hyper personalization .
Speaker 2 (16:13):
Yeah, we've already talked about personalization,
but this takes it to a whole newlevel.
Speaker 1 (16:17):
OK, I'm intrigued.
Speaker 2 (16:18):
It's about using AI and machine learning to create
experiences that are trulytailored to each individual.
It's not just about using theirname in an email.
It's about anticipating theirneeds, delivering content that's
so relevant it feels like itwas made just for them, creating
those wow moments.
Speaker 1 (16:37):
It's like having a mind reader on your marketing
team.
Speaker 2 (16:40):
Right, and it's becoming more and more possible
thanks to all these advances intechnology.
Platforms like Rainmaker.
They're already integratingthese capabilities, and we're
going to see a lot moreinnovation in this area.
Speaker 1 (16:50):
Okay, what else?
What else is on the horizon?
Speaker 2 (16:52):
Another trend that's really gaining momentum is the
use of chatbots andconversational marketing in
general.
Speaker 1 (16:58):
Chatbots huh, Some people are still a little
skeptical about those.
Speaker 2 (17:01):
Oh, I know, but they have come a long way, seriously.
Speaker 1 (17:05):
They're not those clunky robotic things they used
to be.
Speaker 2 (17:07):
Nope, they're getting so much more sophisticated.
They can understand complexquestions, provide personalized
answers, they can even learnfrom past interactions.
And, the best part, they'rebecoming way more human-like in
the way they communicate.
Speaker 1 (17:21):
So it's not just press one for this, press two
for that anymore.
Speaker 2 (17:24):
Exactly.
They can have actualconversations, natural, flowing,
engaging, and they're not justfor customer service anymore.
You can use them for leadgeneration, sales, marketing
automation.
It's incredible.
Speaker 1 (17:37):
I love that.
Think about how convenient itwould be for your customers to
be able to interact with yourbusiness 24-7, get instant
answers to their questions,personalized support, all
through this friendly littlechatbot.
Speaker 2 (17:48):
Right, it's like having a virtual assistant who
never takes a break.
Speaker 1 (17:51):
That's amazing.
Okay, I think we've covered alot of ground here today.
We've talked about thechallenges of marketing
automation, we've explored theexciting future that's ahead of
us, and really We've exploredthe exciting future that's ahead
of us and really we've seen howthis technology can transform
your local business.
But it's not just about thetechnology itself, it's not.
It's about using it in a waythat's authentic, in a way
(18:13):
that's human-centered and in away that aligns with your values
100%.
Speaker 2 (18:18):
At the end of the day , marketing is about people,
connecting with people.
Speaker 1 (18:21):
Building those relationships, creating
experiences that resonate.
Speaker 2 (18:24):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (18:25):
So thank you so much for joining us on this deep dive
into the world of marketingautomation.
We hope you've learnedsomething new, that you're
feeling inspired and empoweredto take your local business to
the next level.
Speaker 2 (18:36):
We'll see you next time on the Rainmaker's Edge
Perspective.
Speaker 1 (18:38):
Until then.
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