Are you considering redesigning your website? Be sure to think about it from a marketing perspective more than from an IT perspective. In other words, focus on the messaging and content rather than the functionality. 

According to CMI’s B2B Content Marketing 2012 Benchmarks, Budgets and Trends Report, 70% of B2B marketers find case studies to be an effective content marketing tool. Case studies do more than just tell what the services of a company are. They show how the services can work for you through revealing the success stories of current customers. Case studies increase potential customer confidence and show the value of your company.

The following is a guest post from Frank Belzer, a sales development expert and Senior Sales Strategist and VP of Corporate Training at Kurlan and Associates. Frank is a regular contributor to the sales and sales management training curriculum at Kurlan and Associates and is the host of the weekly Internet Radio Show, Sales Talk Live.

For businesses looking to get started on social media, or even for those who want to ramp up their social media marketing efforts, one question looms large: how do I get results without running afoul of the rules?  You know, the unwritten rules of social media etiquette?

Often businesses who are trying to expand their internet presence are unsure how to market themselves.  It really doesn't matter if the business is brick and mortar or online only, it can be frustrating to determine which direction to go.  You wouldn't just jump in your car and drive without an idea where you're going, the same thing applies to marketing your business online.  This is why it's critical to implement a game plan for your website.

One of the parts of your plan should include implementing a Social Media campaign.  Not only is using social media an effective way to market your business, but it also is relatively inexpensive...in fact, if you do it yourself, most social media platforms are free: the only cost is your time.

Looking for a great way to engage leads, prospects, and keeps customers “in the know” about your company/product? Email marketing is your answer.

Email marketing allows you to target a specific market audience; it draws people, and enforces a call-to-action. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your email marketing campaign.

Today as part of HubSpot's Marketing Agency and Consultants Office Hour we had the opportunity to get a sneak preview of HubSpot's new Email and Contacts tools.  So far, from what I've seen the email process seems more intuitive and cleaner than any other email tool I have previously used.  

The new tool will be available to new customers Tuesday (5/22/12), and rolling out to existing clients over the coming months via a migration process.  All customers will be migrating to the new email tool regardless of the product version you subscribe to.

Here are some of the highlights from the presentation:

SPEED IMPROVEMENTS

As a consumer, have you ever used a “loyalty” or “rewards” punch card? You know the kind that offers you something free after a certain amount of purchases. Have you ever lost that card?

Businesses incorporate new technology, such as the Apple iPad, to help simplify meetings, social media, and give interactive business presentations. Check out these five apps to help make and present interactive business presentations.

Black Friday seems to be the trending topic this time of year. It seems people are preparing for more the shopping extravaganzas than for Thanksgiving! And just like your Thanksgiving dinner, Black Friday either turns out perfectly where you get exactly what you wanted or you leave unsatisfied.