Marketing and sales
Marketing spreads awareness of your organization to its potential customers, while sales transforms them into actual customers. Read about the latest advances in marketing and sales force technologies, the different strategies each requires and the ways the two fields intersect.
Top Stories
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News
08 Apr 2024
Sendbird launches in-app business messaging, dashboard
SMS and email channels are so noisy and subject to so many regulations that in-app messaging has appeal for businesses who want a direct customer communication channel. Continue Reading
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News
05 Apr 2024
Why Alphabet might acquire HubSpot: Data, data and more data
If Alphabet were to buy HubSpot, it would come with a hefty price when interest rates are high. Experts discuss what HubSpot assets might interest Google's parent company most. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Apr 2024
6 social media conferences to attend in 2024
Social media is changing how businesses market products, interact with customers and build awareness. Here are events where businesses can learn to make the most of social media. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Apr 2024
Generational values in the workplace explained
Baby boomers and Gen X, Y and Z make up the modern workforce, bringing various skills to the table. Effective teamwork requires understanding the values each generation holds. Continue Reading
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News
27 Mar 2024
Adobe intros new GenAI tools and apps for marketers
The new applications and tools are for marketers looking to connect the different processes of the content supply chain in a safe and responsible manner. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Mar 2024
6 challenges of omnichannel marketing
When marketers use omnichannel strategies to engage customers across touchpoints, they often face challenges with personalization, campaign tracking and brand consistency. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Mar 2024
6 real-life examples of effective diversity marketing
Inclusive marketing can take many forms but always requires authenticity. Explore these real-life examples from companies like Breezit, LLYC and Stallion Express. Continue Reading
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Opinion
12 Mar 2024
Salesforce TDX reveals how consumer and enterprise AI differ
The soaraway success of GenAI chatbots has obscured how enterprise AI differs from consumer AI. Salesforce's TDX developer conference threw those differences into some relief. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Mar 2024
8 free marketing automation tools for SMBs
Marketing automation can help any business engage more customers, but SMBs might need it most. These free tools can help small marketing teams get started with automation. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Mar 2024
Marketing automation checklist for SMB buyers
How can SMBs and small marketing teams develop a proper marketing automation strategy? With a checklist. Here's what to include in a checklist for a successful strategy. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Mar 2024
digital strategy (digital media strategy)
A digital strategy, sometimes called a digital media strategy, is a plan for maximizing the business benefits of data assets and technology-focused initiatives. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Mar 2024
6 benefits of omnichannel marketing
Omnichannel marketing shares data between interaction channels, like email and live chat, to improve CX. Key benefits include enhanced personalization and customer loyalty. Continue Reading
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News
28 Feb 2024
Google unfazed by advertiser criticism of third-party cookie plan
Google is working with U.K. regulators on its plan to phase out third-party cookies this year, despite pushback from an advertisers group. Meanwhile, bots are affecting ad traffic. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Feb 2024
data broker (information broker)
A data broker, also called an information broker or information reseller, is a business that collects large amounts of personal information about consumers. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Feb 2024
How to create a diversity and inclusion marketing strategy
Diversity marketing helps organizations attract new customers, but to implement a strategy, marketers need an internal D&I initiative and to learn about their audience. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Feb 2024
Top 6 marketing automation certifications and courses
With the right marketing automation certifications, SMBs and small marketing teams can gain the skills and expertise needed to compete with larger companies in their markets. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Feb 2024
10 marketing trends to watch for in 2024
Marketers in 2024 must embrace AI, voice search, chatbots, personalized marketing, video, social commerce, influencers, VR, sustainability and big data for a competitive edge. Continue Reading
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News
07 Feb 2024
Email marketers feel Google, Yahoo DMARC policy change
As marketers face changes to email authentication and third-party cookie deprecation, contact centers are a treasure trove of first-party data to drive multichannel campaigns. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Feb 2024
uncanny valley
The uncanny valley is a common unsettling feeling people experience when androids or humanoid robots and audio/visual simulations closely resemble humans in many respects but aren't quite convincingly realistic. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Feb 2024
Why authenticity in marketing is important
Discover why authenticity in marketing is more important now than ever, and learn how brands can cultivate a more authentic presence to earn customer trust. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Feb 2024
How to get started with marketing automation for SMBs
Marketing automation can help SMBs, which may lack marketing budgets and resources. With certain processes automated, an SMB's marketing team can spend more time creating. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Jan 2024
consumer data
Consumer data is the information that organizations collect from individuals who use internet-connected platforms, including websites, social media networks, mobile apps, text messaging apps or email systems. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Jan 2024
Compare the top 10 marketing automation software
With the right marketing automation software, marketers can streamline their workflows and focus more on creative tasks. This list compares the top vendors in this space. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Jan 2024
content analytics
Content analytics, also known as content intelligence, is the process of measuring and analyzing how users interact and engage with digital content. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Jan 2024
competitive differentiation
Competitive differentiation is a strategic positioning tactic an organization can undertake to set its products, services and brands apart from those of its competitors. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Jan 2024
white hat link building
White hat link building is a search engine optimization (SEO) technique for increasing the number of high-quality backlinks to a webpage. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Jan 2024
Why is marketing automation important?
Marketing automation can eliminate repetitive tasks and create a more personalized customer experience. Learn more about the future role of AI in marketing automation. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Jan 2024
Vodcasting: Everything you need to know
Vodcasting, the rising star of video content, offers immersive content by blending audio and video for deeper engagement, community building and growth. Continue Reading
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News
19 Jan 2024
Salesforce unveils retail shopping and marketing AI tools
The CRM vendor brings generative AI to analytics and management tools for businesses' marketing teams and Copilot for Shoppers for swifter product discovery and purchase. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jan 2024
8 types of marketing automation, with examples
Just as there are different types of marketing, automation types differ, too. Explore real-world examples of each type and learn how businesses can benefit from them. Continue Reading
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News
16 Jan 2024
FCC adopts lead generation rules to protect consumer privacy
The new rules aim to protect consumers from scam communications perpetuated by robocalls and robotexts and give consumers the ability to choose which companies can contact them. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Jan 2024
martech (marketing technology)
Martech (marketing technology) refers to the integration of software tools, platforms, and applications designed to streamline and enhance marketing efforts. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jan 2024
Microsoft unveils new GenAI, data tools for retail industry
The tech giant is adding industry-specific features in Data Fabric along with GenAI Copilots designed to better personalize shopping as well as aid frontline workers in real time. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Jan 2024
transactional marketing
Transactional marketing is a business strategy that focuses on single, point-of-sale transactions. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Jan 2024
mPOS (mobile point-of-sale)
MPOS, or mobile point-of-sale, is a smartphone, tablet or dedicated wireless device that performs the functions of a cash register or electronic POS terminal wirelessly. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Jan 2024
How to overcome the top 6 marketing automation challenges
Marketing automation tools can improve employee productivity if organizations avoid common pitfalls, such as poor planning and a lack personalized messaging. Continue Reading
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News
04 Jan 2024
Google begins phasing out third-party cookies in Chrome
The search giant starts limiting cross-site tracking to respond to consumer privacy concerns, while aiming to preserve ad revenue and skirt pushback from U.K. regulators. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Jan 2024
10 marketing automation best practices
Learn how marketing automation best practices, like using behavior-based triggers and A/B testing, can help marketers reach and engage more audiences. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Dec 2023
TikTok
TikTok is a social media platform that allows users to create, share and discover short-form videos. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Dec 2023
Overview of RingCentral's RingCX AI-powered CCaaS platform
RingCentral's new contact center-as-a-service offering, RingCX, is poised to shake up the CCaaS market. Explore its benefits and features to see if it works for your organization. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Dec 2023
The value of a total experience platform
Combining customer, employee, omnichannel and multichannel, and UX platforms and tools into a total experience offering improves visibility, metrics and insights. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Dec 2023
The benefits of diversity in sales teams
A diverse sales team can improve customer connections and boost employee engagement. However, sales managers must create an inclusive work culture if they want to retain talent. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Dec 2023
e-commerce
E-commerce (electronic commerce) is the buying and selling of goods and services, or the transmitting of funds or data, over an electronic network, primarily the internet. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Dec 2023
vanity URL (vanity uniform resource locator)
A vanity URL (vanity uniform resource locator) is a simplified version of a URL that users enter into their browsers in place of the original URL. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Nov 2023
Top 5 benefits of marketing automation
If an organization wants to help its marketers, it must invest in marketing automation. This software offers benefits such as better lead conversion and data collection. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Nov 2023
Sales enablement vs. sales operations: What's the difference?
Sales enablement and sales operations strategies have a shared goal -- to make the sales team successful and bring in more customers -- yet have different methods of reaching it. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Nov 2023
Why is diversity important in marketing?
Diversity marketing can help marketers improve personalization, connect with younger audiences and increase brand loyalty. However, inauthentic efforts can erode customer trust. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Nov 2023
buyer persona
A buyer persona is a composite representation of a specific type of customer in a market segment. Continue Reading
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News
15 Nov 2023
Microsoft adds more AI tools to Copilot for Sales, Service
The new capabilities let sales and service teams access customer information from apps such as a knowledge base or CRM system using natural language prompts in Microsoft platforms. Continue Reading
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Answer
02 Nov 2023
Why is sales enablement important?
With a sales enablement strategy, sales leaders can make their teams more efficient, well-trained and ensure all reps are consistent when they interact with customers. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Oct 2023
digital marketing
Digital marketing is the promotion and marketing of goods and services to consumers through digital channels and electronic technologies. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Oct 2023
Nostalgia marketing explained: Everything you already know
Nostalgia marketing is not a new idea, but it changes throughout the generations. Learn what it is and why it can be a successful strategy in the right context. Continue Reading
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News
25 Oct 2023
SurveyMonkey launches Build with AI to create surveys faster
The vendor releases generative AI capabilities to let users build custom questionnaires quickly and incorporate prompts that will yield better responses from customers. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Oct 2023
DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo is an independent company that offers products geared toward internet privacy. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Oct 2023
chief marketing officer (CMO)
A chief marketing officer (CMO) is a C-suite executive responsible for overseeing the planning, development and execution of an organization's marketing and advertising initiatives. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Oct 2023
How to use the Wayback Machine for a business advantage
Unlock past insights with the Wayback Machine -- a time-travel tool for websites. Learn how to use it for competitive analysis, research, content restoration and fixing issues. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Oct 2023
8 ways to measure sales enablement metrics
Measuring sales enablement metrics can increase efficiency for sales teams and drive revenue growth. Learn which metrics to track and real-world uses for each. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Oct 2023
lead generation
Lead generation involves identifying and attracting potential customers, then nurturing and, ultimately, converting them into paying customers. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Oct 2023
CRM (customer relationship management)
Customer relationship management (CRM) is the combination of practices, strategies and technologies that companies use to manage and analyze customer interactions and data throughout the customer lifecycle. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Oct 2023
Bard vs. ChatGPT: What's the difference?
ChatGPT took the spotlight for AI-generated content, and Google answered with Bard. While Bard and ChatGPT might perform similar tasks, there are differences between the two. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Oct 2023
Salesforce
Salesforce, Inc. is a cloud computing and social enterprise software-as-a-service (SaaS) provider based in San Francisco. Continue Reading
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News
11 Oct 2023
Adobe unveils Firefly AI models to quickly make vivid images
The CX and multimedia vendor amps up its generative AI image creation offerings with Prompt Guidance, vector graphic production, template generation and photo-style image tweaks. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
11 Oct 2023
How product-led growth can help scale your business
With a product-led growth strategy, you can take the pressure off your sales and marketing teams and center what really matters: the product and the customer. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Oct 2023
Salesforce Einstein
Salesforce Einstein refers to an integrated set of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies developed for the Salesforce Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Oct 2023
5 digital sales enablement tools to boost productivity
Explore how the top sales enablement tools -- such as live chat, email automation and digital asset management -- can help agents boost productivity and efficiency. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Sep 2023
Customer success vs. sales: What's the difference?
Customer success and sales teams both interact with clients, but customer success prevents churn whereas sales teams focus on loyalty and acquisition. Continue Reading
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News
25 Sep 2023
Shopify adds Audiences integrations for more segmentation
The e-commerce vendor builds on its customer segmentation capabilities by adding platform integrations with Snapchat, Criteo and TikTok for creating lists of target contacts. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Sep 2023
5 email marketing challenges and their solutions
Most organizations primarily use email to connect with customers. Yet, marketers often struggle with engagement due to spam filters and crowded inboxes. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Sep 2023
Pros and cons of AI-generated content
Artificial intelligence is growing rapidly in the tech sector and assisting with various tasks such as creating images and generating content. However, it cannot do everything. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Sep 2023
4 email A/B testing best practices
A/B testing can help marketers improve email campaigns one variable at a time. Best practices include designing the right test, starting with the sender's name and using AI tools. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Sep 2023
technology adoption lifecycle
The technology adoption lifecycle describes how different customers accept and adopt new technology, with early adopters enthusiastically embracing new products and services, and later adopters taking longer to make a purchase decision. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Sep 2023
Social media marketing strategies: Cut cliches, add opinions
Effective online engagement with customers starts with conversations that use feelings and opinions, rather than cliches and facts, to build lasting relationships. Continue Reading
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News
12 Sep 2023
Salesforce unveils Einstein 1 to embed AI in every app
The CRM vendor unveils a suite of new capabilities for its revamped AI platform, including a genAI Copilot in every app, and a way to customize the Copilot's functions. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Sep 2023
6 generative AI tools to consider for marketing and sales
Generative AI tools can write marketing content, score leads and personalize sales emails. Explore six generative AI tools for marketing and sales, such as Jasper and Flick. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Sep 2023
mindshare (share of mind)
Mindshare, also known as share of mind, is an approach to marketing that involves attempting to make a company, brand or product the first one that comes to mind when a customer thinks of a particular market. Continue Reading
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News
06 Sep 2023
HubSpot unveils AI-based Campaign Assistant, LinkedIn tie-in
The CRM vendor unveiled a virtual assistant tool, Campaign Assistant, to help marketers build campaigns and an integration between HubSpot and LinkedIn Sales Navigator. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Sep 2023
What does a sales enablement manager do?
A sales enablement manager helps sales reps boost productivity and improves their workflows to generate more revenue. Some organizations may have a full sales enablement team. Continue Reading
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News
06 Sep 2023
HubSpot unveils AI capabilities, releases Sales Hub tools
The CRM vendor unveiled virtual assistants to automate customer service and project future sales, and released tools to centralize sales reps' daily tasks and prioritize leads. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Sep 2023
Sales vs. account management: What's the difference?
Sales and account management teams work together to increase revenue. However, these roles have different goals, responsibilities, skills and relationship timeframes. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Aug 2023
10 sales enablement best practices
A proper sales enablement strategy can help businesses improve revenue, training for sales teams and overall CX. And, with the right tools, teams can become more efficient. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Aug 2023
account mapping
Account mapping is a strategic process that involves researching and visually organizing the key stakeholders, decision-makers and influencers within a target customer's organization. Continue Reading
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News
23 Aug 2023
Twilio's new CDP tool unites data for more personalization
Twilio's new tool uses its customer data platform, Segment, to connect real-time unified customer profiles with isolated data and boost marketing customization for better CX. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Aug 2023
chief experience officer (CXO)
A chief experience officer (CXO) is an executive in the C-suite who ensures positive interactions with an organization's customers. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Aug 2023
brand recognition
Brand recognition is the extent to which a consumer can correctly identify a particular product or service just by viewing the product or service's logo, tag line, packaging or advertising campaign. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Aug 2023
account-based selling
Account-based selling (ABS) is a strategic sales approach in business-to-business sales and marketing that centers around building highly personalized and targeted relationships with specific high-value accounts. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Aug 2023
6 must-have customer experience roles for success
A well-rounded CX team is essential for meeting and exceeding customer expectations when engaging with a company. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Aug 2023
How sales teams can use generative AI
Sales teams can use generative AI to create personalized content, coach sales reps and improve forecasting. However, risks include data protection and a lack of empathy. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Aug 2023
customer experience (CX)
Customer experience (CX) is the sum total of customers' perceptions and feelings resulting from interactions with a brand's products and services. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Aug 2023
Online forms tool offers custom designs and user insights
Digital marketing agency SmartBug Media uses digital customer survey platform Typeform to create custom-designed, brand-appropriate questionnaires and collect user data insights. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Aug 2023
rainmaker
A rainmaker is an individual who generates an unusually high amount of revenue for an organization by bringing new clients and new business to the company. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Aug 2023
Customer communications management key to CX success
Companies of all sizes are using the latest tech such as generative AI, online store apps, and collaboration tools like video calling to improve CX for B2B and B2C businesses. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Aug 2023
content personalization
Content personalization is a branding and marketing strategy in which webpages, email and other forms of content are tailored to match the characteristics, preferences or behaviors of individual users. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Aug 2023
multichannel marketing
Multichannel marketing refers to the practice of companies interacting with customers via multiple channels, both direct and indirect, to sell them goods and services. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Aug 2023
7 ways to successfully align your sales and marketing teams
Learn how to create a close collaboration between sales and marketing that can lead to more effective marketing campaigns, an increase in qualified leads and a boost in revenue. Continue Reading
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News
02 Aug 2023
Salesforce offers tighter Slack integration with Sales Cloud
The CRM giant released tools that bring customer data and insights to the collaboration platform, such as instant account updates sent directly to channels for review. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Aug 2023
10 popular digital marketing podcasts of 2023
Podcasts are popular among digital marketers, offering insights, trends and advice on SEO, social media and email marketing. They provide a time-saving way to stay competitive. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Aug 2023
What is account-based marketing? A guide to ABM strategy
Companies increasingly use ABM to target high-value accounts and boost sales revenue. Here's the lowdown on the key terms and technologies, plus expert advice on getting started. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jul 2023
7 ABM challenges and how to solve them
Navigating through account-based marketing program headwinds in team collaboration, budgeting, resource allocation, scalability, and tool selection requires a unique approach. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jul 2023
12 essential ABM metrics and KPIs to measure success
Account-based marketing metrics let teams effectively engage with key decision-makers within target accounts, strengthen customer loyalty and identify areas of improvement. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jul 2023
Account-based marketing vs. lead generation, explained
Discover the key differences between lead generation and account-based marketing, as well as pros and cons and how to decide which approach is best for your organization. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Jul 2023
demand generation
Demand generation is the process of creating and cultivating interest in a product or service with the goal of generating high-quality leads that can be nurtured into loyal customers. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Jul 2023
account-based experience (ABX)
Account-based experience (ABX) is a business-to-business (B2B) strategy in which the sales, marketing and customer success departments work together to provide accounts with a unified, personalized experience throughout the buyer journey. Continue Reading