The 10 Best Marketing and Brand Building Tools and Tips

The 10 Best Marketing and Brand Building Tools and Tips

by | Nov 23, 2023 | Blog

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Many small businesses utilize multiple tools for marketing and brand building, including email, CRM, and social media. But many of these tools can be used in different ways. And you may be overlooking some that could help your business. Here are insights from members of the online small business community for choosing the right platforms and software products.

Using Tools to Step Up Your Marketing and Brand Building

In the evolving landscape of marketing and brand building, leveraging the right tools is not just a convenience—it’s a necessity. Here are five compelling reasons why using tools can significantly enhance your marketing and brand-building efforts:

  • Efficiency and Time Management: Tools automate repetitive tasks, allowing you to focus on strategy and creativity. This can lead to more efficient use of time and resources, enabling you to manage marketing campaigns more effectively.
  • Data-Driven Decisions: Marketing tools often come with analytics capabilities, providing valuable data about customer behavior, campaign performance, and market trends. This data enables informed decision-making, ensuring that your strategies are guided by actual metrics rather than guesswork.
  • Consistency in Branding: Brand consistency across various platforms and media is crucial. Tools that help in creating and maintaining a uniform brand identity (like logo creators, template designers, etc.) ensure that your brand is consistently represented, which is vital for recognition and trust.
  • Enhanced Customer Engagement: Tools designed for customer engagement, such as chatbots or email marketing software, help in maintaining continuous and personalized communication with your audience. This not only enhances customer experience but also fosters long-term relationships.
  • Scalability and Adaptability: As your business grows, the need for scalable marketing strategies becomes imperative. Marketing tools allow for scalability, enabling you to increase your marketing efforts or pivot strategies with ease, adapting to the changing needs of your business and market dynamics.

Our Methodology: The Best Marketing and Brand Building Tools

we employ a comprehensive methodology that includes a detailed analysis based on a 1 to 10 rating scale. This scale is instrumental in quantifying the effectiveness and applicability of each marketing and brand-building tool and tip.

Higher scores indicate superior efficacy and relevance in areas such as enhancing brand visibility, user engagement, and marketing efficiency. This rating system provides a clear framework for comparison, helping businesses to easily discern the potential impact of each tool and strategy on their marketing and branding efforts.

Alignment with Marketing Goals (Rating: 9/10)

We assess how each tool and tip aligns with diverse marketing goals like customer acquisition, brand awareness, and engagement, rating its effectiveness in achieving these objectives.

Ease of Implementation (Rating: 8/10)

The simplicity and practicality of integrating each tool or tip into existing marketing strategies are evaluated, considering the resources required for implementation.

Versatility and Adaptability (Rating: 9/10)

We rate the flexibility of each tool and tip in catering to different business models and marketing scenarios.

Cost-Efficiency (Rating: 7/10)

The cost implications and ROI of each marketing tool and strategy are analyzed, looking for options that offer high value at a reasonable cost.

Innovation and Creativity (Rating: 8/10)

Tools and tips that bring innovative and creative approaches to marketing and brand building are rated highly for their potential to set a brand apart in a competitive market.

User Engagement and Interaction (Rating: 9/10)

We focus on the ability of each tool and tip to effectively engage and interact with the target audience, a critical aspect of successful marketing and brand building.

Measurable Outcomes (Rating: 8/10)

The ability to track and measure the success of each tool and tip is assessed, as quantifiable results are key to evaluating marketing effectiveness.

Long-term Impact (Rating: 7/10)

We consider the potential long-term benefits and sustainability of each marketing approach, favoring strategies that promise enduring value.

The Best Marketing and Brand Building Tools

Find the Right CRM for Your Nonprofit

marketing and brand building tools, crm

Customer relationship management is an important concept for both businesses and nonprofits. Even if your goal isn’t to earn tons of revenue, the right tools can make a major impact on your mission. Learn about top CRMs for nonprofits in this DIY Marketers post by Ivana Taylor. ??

Consider Clubhouse for Building Your Brand

marketing and brand building tools

Clubhouse is a relatively new social media platform that may interest those looking to position themselves as experts. It recently moved out of invite-only beta. So it’s widely available now. Learn more in this Social Media Today post by Andrew Hutchinson.

Generate Leads Via Social Media

social media leads, marketing and brand building tools

Lots of small businesses use social media for marketing. But fewer use these platforms to generate targeted leads. To really make the most of these tools, check out this Pixel Productions post by Fahad Khan. Then head over to BizSugar to see what community members are saying.

Build Your Email List with Solo Ads

Solo ads offer paid marketing opportunities for those looking to build their email lists. This tactic isn’t right for every business. But it may benefit certain brands. Get a rundown of this concept to make your own decision in this GetResponse post by Pam Neely.

Automate Marketing Operations Reporting

marketing and brand building tools

Reporting is an essential part of any marketing plan, since it shows what works and what doesn’t. But it can also be time consuming for your team. But there are automation tools to ease the process. Oliver Peterson explains in this Process Street post.

Check Out the New Version of WordPress

marketing and brand building tools

Tons of small businesses already use WordPress for their websites. But the platform is always adding new features to enhance the experience. In fact, it just added a brand new version. Learn all about it in this MarTech post by Chris Wood.

Get the Right Social Media Apps for Your Smartphone

Social media can be run almost exclusively on mobile devices. Even if you have a team managing accounts in the office, apps let you check while you’re away. This Search Engine Journal post by Brent Csutoras includes 25 for business users to consider.

Make Memes for Your Business

marketing and brand building tools

You probably think of memes as silly images you see online. But they can actually be useful tools for certain brands. Janice Wald of Mostly Blogging shares several tools for making your own in this post. And BizSugar members commented here.

Sell Digital Products with These Platforms

If you sell digital products or subscriptions, you need a platform that can facilitate sales and deliver products. This is a specialized but growing field with several options to consider. Christopher Benitez goes over some of them in this Startup Bonsai post.

Get More Efficient with These Marketing Productivity Boosters

Whatever tools you choose for your small business should help you get more done in less time. There are tons of options that span various tasks and departments. Lane Ellis shares several tips and tools for B2B marketers in this TopRank Marketing post.

If you’d like to suggest your favorite small business content to be considered for an upcoming community roundup, please send your news tips to: sbtips@gmail.com.

Marketing and Brand Building Tools Summary

Tool/Platform Primary Use Suitable For
CRM for Nonprofits Customer Relationship Management Nonprofits focusing on mission impact
Clubhouse Brand Building and Networking Businesses aiming to establish thought leadership
Social Media Platforms Lead Generation Small businesses seeking targeted customer outreach
Solo Ads Email List Building Brands looking for paid marketing opportunities
Marketing Automation Tools Operations Reporting Businesses needing efficient reporting processes
WordPress Website Management Small businesses requiring a versatile web platform
Social Media Apps Mobile Management Businesses managing social media on-the-go
Meme Creation Tools Engagement and Branding Brands using humor or viral content
Platforms for Selling Digital Products E-commerce and Product Delivery Businesses selling digital products or subscriptions
Marketing Productivity Tools Efficiency and Time Management B2B marketers and businesses focusing on productivity

Image: Depositphotos

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CSS Linear Gradient: Level-Up Your CSS

CSS Linear Gradient: Level-Up Your CSS

by | Nov 22, 2023 | Blog

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CSS linear gradients provide a powerful and flexible way to style elements on a web page. CSS as a whole, has always been one of my favorite languages to work with. With just a few lines of code, you can create stunning effects and enhance the visual appeal of your website.

Young woman studying CSS and property value functions like the CSS linear gradient function.

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Sales Outsourcing: Discover the Top 12 Solutions

Sales Outsourcing: Discover the Top 12 Solutions

by | Nov 22, 2023 | Blog

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Sales outsourcing plays an important role in today’s business landscape, offering a range of top-notch solutions for companies aiming to enhance their sales strategies. It involves entrusting external professionals to manage your sales processes, allowing companies to focus on core operations. In this article, we’ll reveal the top sales outsourcing solutions.

What is Sales Outsourcing?

Sales outsourcing is the process wherein a company entrusts certain sales-related activities or functions to specialized external entities. This is done either to augment an existing sales team, bring in specialized expertise, or completely outsource the sales function.

Features of Sales Outsourcing:

  • Flexibility: It allows companies to scale their sales efforts up or down based on demand without the long-term commitment of hiring or firing employees.
  • Expertise: Third-party agencies often specialize in specific sales functions, providing a level of proficiency and know-how that might be challenging to cultivate in-house.
  • Cost Efficiency: Outsourcing can prove to be more economical in certain situations, saving on overheads, recruitment costs, and training expenses.
  • Risk Reduction: By handing over sales functions to experts, companies can mitigate risks associated with sales processes, especially when entering new markets or selling unfamiliar products.

Tasks Commonly Outsourced Include:

  • Lead Generation: Identifying and cultivating potential customers for a business’s products or services.
  • Telemarketing: Making unsolicited calls to potential customers to sell products or services.
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Managing a company’s interactions with current and potential customers, often through CRM software and strategies.
  • Sales Campaigns: Crafting and executing specific campaigns or initiatives to promote and sell a product or service.
  • Sales Training: Upskilling an existing sales team with the help of external experts.
  • Sales Analytics and Reporting: Analyzing sales data to derive insights and generate comprehensive reports.

Industries That Commonly Use Sales Outsourcing:

  • Technology: Especially for startups or tech companies launching a new product, who might not have an established sales team.
  • Healthcare: Pharmaceutical and medical device companies often outsource sales to experts familiar with complex regulations and products.
  • Retail: Leveraging sales experts to introduce new products, seasonal campaigns, or even entering new markets.
  • Real Estate: Outsourcing sales functions for specific property campaigns or to tap into specialized expertise.
  • Telecommunications: Employing third-party sales agents to promote new plans, services, or devices.

In summary, sales outsourcing is a strategic move taken by companies looking to optimize their sales functions. By leveraging external expertise, businesses can enhance their reach, efficiency, and bottom line. However, like all strategic decisions, it comes with its set of pros and cons and should be approached with careful consideration.

Outsourced Sales vs In-house Sales Teams

Outsourcing sales involves partnering with external experts and granting access to specialized skills and resources. This approach benefits businesses seeking rapid scalability, reduced operational costs, and quick market entry. On the other hand, in-house sales involve building and managing an internal sales team, offering greater control and alignment with company culture. It’s preferable when long-term strategic alignment and brand representation are paramount.

Criteria In-House Sales Sales Outsourcing
Control Over Operations High control over processes, decisions, and strategies Reduced direct control as processes might be driven by third-party
Scalability Might require significant time & resources to scale Rapid scalability based on needs
Cost Often involves higher initial costs (hiring, training, benefits) Potentially reduced operational costs
Alignment with Company Culture High alignment as teams are embedded within the company Possible misalignment, depending on the external partner
Market Entry Could be slower due to recruitment and training time Quicker market entry with specialized expertise
Risk Management Direct control over risk management strategies Shared responsibility; depends on outsourcing agreement
Skill Access Limited to the skills of hired personnel Access to a broad range of specialized skills & expertise
Flexibility Can be rigid due to fixed structures & roles More flexible, can change based on agreements with providers

The Benefits of Sales Outsourcing

Let’s take a look at how sales outsourcing can transform your business operations and boost sales performance through a range of strategic advantages.

Cost-Effectiveness of Outsourcing Sales

Outsourcing sales functions often lead to cost savings, as businesses avoid expenses related to recruitment, training, and maintaining an in-house team.

Access to Expertise and Experienced Sales Professionals

Partnering with external sales experts allows you to tap into a pool of skilled professionals who possess industry-specific knowledge and a proven track record.

Scalability and Flexibility of Outsourced Sales Teams

Outsourced sales teams can easily adapt to changing demands, enabling your business to scale up or down without the constraints of fixed internal resources.

Focus on Core Business Operations

By entrusting sales activities to external specialists, your company can redirect its focus towards core competencies and strategic growth initiatives.

Reduced Overhead Costs

Outsourcing eliminates the need for office space, equipment, and other overhead expenses associated with maintaining an in-house sales team.

Access to Latest Sales Technologies

External sales partners often leverage cutting-edge sales technologies, granting your business access to advanced tools without the need for heavy investments.

Streamlined Sales Process

Outsourcing can lead to a more streamlined and efficient sales process, enhancing lead management, conversion rates, and overall customer satisfaction.

Improve Sales Performance

Through the expertise of outsourced professionals, your business can experience improved sales performance, increased revenue, and a competitive edge in the market.

sales outsourcing

Getting Started with Sales Outsourcing

Begin your journey into sales outsourcing by following these essential steps to ensure a smooth and successful transition.

Identifying Your Needs and Defining Your Goals

Before delving into outsourcing, pinpoint your sales requirements and set specific goals. This foundation will guide the outsourcing strategy and align it with your business objectives.

Choosing the Right Sales Outsourcing Agency

Selecting the ideal sales outsourcing partner is crucial. Evaluate their expertise, track record, and cultural fit to guarantee harmonious and effective collaboration.

Onboarding Your Outsourced Sales Team

Smoothly integrate your outsourced team by establishing clear communication channels, providing comprehensive training, and fostering a collaborative environment. This ensures synergy and maximizes results.

Our Methodology to Choose the Top Sales Outsourcing Companies

In evaluating the top sales outsourcing solutions, our methodology is designed to provide businesses with a comprehensive analysis of each option, ensuring they can find a solution that effectively extends their sales capabilities and aligns with their strategic goals.

We use a rating scale from 1 to 10 for each key aspect of these services, where higher scores denote superior performance in crucial areas such as lead generation, integration with business tools, and cost-effectiveness.

This scale helps businesses to clearly understand and compare the strengths and weaknesses of different sales outsourcing solutions.

Quality of Lead Generation (Rating: 9/10)

Assessing the effectiveness of each service in generating high-quality leads is pivotal. Solutions that demonstrate a consistent ability to identify and engage potential customers relevant to the business’s niche are rated highly.

Training and Expertise of Sales Personnel (Rating: 9/10)

The skill level and training of the sales personnel provided are crucial. We evaluate the recruitment and training processes, prioritizing solutions that invest in comprehensive training and experienced sales professionals.

Integration with Business Systems (Rating: 8/10)

We examine how seamlessly each solution can integrate with a business’s existing systems, such as CRM and sales automation tools. Effective integration is key for maintaining a cohesive sales process.

Cost-Effectiveness and ROI (Rating: 8/10)

Analyzing the cost structure and potential return on investment is vital. We look for solutions offering transparent pricing and a clear demonstration of value in terms of sales outcomes.

Flexibility and Scalability (Rating: 7/10)

The ability to scale services in line with business growth and change is important. Solutions that offer scalable and flexible services tailored to evolving business needs score higher.

Success Rate and Client Testimonials (Rating: 8/10)

We review the historical success rate and client testimonials to gauge the effectiveness and reliability of each service. High ratings are given to solutions with positive feedback and documented success stories.

Data Security and Compliance (Rating: 9/10)

Adherence to legal standards and data security protocols is paramount. We prioritize solutions that maintain strict compliance with telemarketing laws and data protection regulations.

Reporting and Analytics (Rating: 7/10)

Effective reporting mechanisms and analytics on sales performance and customer engagement are assessed. Solutions that provide comprehensive analytics and insightful reporting are rated favorably.

The Top 12 Sales Outsourcing Companies

With so many sales outsourcing options available online to help your business grow and make more money, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your specific needs. Check out the list below of the top 12 sales outsourcing companies and what they offer.

1. Leadium

sales outsourcing

Leadium is a renowned sales outsourcing company that specializes in lead generation, appointment setting, and sales development. Their tailored strategies help businesses effectively engage prospects and drive conversions.

2. The Sales Factory

sales outsourcing

With a focus on driving revenue growth, The Sales Factory offers comprehensive sales outsourcing solutions. Their expertise spans from lead generation to customer acquisition, empowering businesses to achieve their sales goals.

3. Sales Outsourcing Pros

sales outsourcing

Sales Outsourcing Pros offers expert sales outsourcing services, assisting businesses in optimizing their sales processes and enhancing customer relationships for sustained growth.

4. Visitor Queue

sales outsourcing

Visitor Queue provides innovative B2B lead generation solutions, enabling businesses to identify and connect with website visitors, turning them into potential leads and customers.

5. CloudTask

sales outsourcing

CloudTask offers outsourced sales, customer support, and customer success services. They focus on maximizing efficiency and results through skilled human interaction and advanced technology.

6. Salespanel

sales outsourcing

Salespanel offers a platform for B2B lead generation and tracking. It empowers businesses to identify and nurture website visitors, turning them into qualified leads.

7. Pareto

sales outsourcing

Pareto provides outsourcing sales development services, helping businesses accelerate their sales pipelines and optimize lead generation strategies.

8. ZoomInfo

sales outsourcing

ZoomInfo offers a comprehensive B2B contact database and sales intelligence platform, aiding businesses in identifying potential leads and making data-driven sales decisions.

9. Lunas

sales outsourcing

Lunas specializes in sales consulting and outsourcing, assisting businesses in improving their sales processes and strategies for better results.

10. CIENCE

sales outsourcing

CIENCE is a provider of B2B lead generation services, utilizing a combination of human research and technology to deliver high-quality leads and appointments.

11. Uproar Partners

sales outsourcing

Uproar Partners offers sales outsourcing services, helping companies optimize their sales processes and achieve revenue growth through strategic sales solutions.

12. Aloware

sales outsourcing

Aloware offers a comprehensive contact center solution with sales and customer support features, aiding businesses in improving customer interactions and sales performance.

Company Core Services & Specialization Notable Features
Leadium Lead generation, appointment setting, sales development Tailored engagement strategies
The Sales Factory Comprehensive sales outsourcing From lead generation to customer acquisition
Sales Outsourcing Pros Sales outsourcing services Optimizing sales processes & enhancing customer relations
Visitor Queue B2B lead generation Identifying & connecting with website visitors
CloudTask Outsourced sales, customer support, customer success Integration of human skills & advanced technology
Salespanel B2B lead generation & tracking Identifying & nurturing website visitors
Pareto Outsourcing sales development Optimizing lead generation strategies
ZoomInfo B2B contact database & sales intelligence Data-driven sales decisions
Lunas Sales consulting and outsourcing Strategy improvement for better sales results
CIENCE B2B lead generation Combination of human research & technology
Uproar Partners Sales outsourcing services Strategic sales solutions for revenue growth
Aloware Contact center with sales & customer support features Enhancing customer interactions & sales performance

Exploring B2B Sales Outsourcing

Dive into the realm of Business-to-Business (B2B) sales outsourcing, where the focus shifts to catering to other businesses. This landscape presents distinct challenges like complex decision-making processes. However, B2B outsourcing offers tailored solutions that align with industry nuances, helping businesses navigate intricacies and build meaningful client relationships.

FAQs: Sales Outsourcing

Are Sales Outsourcing Services Worth It?

You can certainly grow a business using outsourcing and hiring. Sales outsourcing services offer a strategic advantage by tapping into specialized skills, reducing costs, and enhancing sales performance. Is this approach a worthwhile investment for your business? Follow the tips in the post above to ensure your company is outsourcing for success.

How to Choose the Right Outsourcing Sales Company?

When selecting an outsourcing sales company, consider their industry experience, track record, and cultural alignment. These factors ensure a fruitful collaboration that meets your sales goals effectively.

What Should I Look for in Sales Outsourcing Agencies?

Sales outsourcing agencies should exhibit expertise, scalability, and a comprehensive understanding of your industry. Assess their ability to tailor strategies that align with your unique business needs.

How Can a Third-Party Sales Provider Help My Business Grow?

A third-party sales provider can accelerate your business growth through specialized skills, scalability, and cost-efficiency. They bring a fresh perspective and strategic insights that drive enhanced sales performance and market expansion.

There are also providers that specialize in on area, so you can still handle the majority of your sales processes in-house if that works for your business. For example, you might explore the benefits of merchant services or outsourcing call center operations.

Image: Depositphotos



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Spotlight: RealPool Reimagines International Real Estate Investing

by | Nov 22, 2023 | Blog

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International real estate can be an amazing investment. But it isn’t accessible to everyone. Now, RealPool is working to change that. Read about the innovative new business model below in this week’s Small Business Spotlight.

What the Business Does

Makes international real estate investing more accessible.

Founder Vlad Lushnikov told Small Business Trends, “RealPool, a startup with a mission to democratize international real estate investment, aims to open the doors of opportunity to a wider audience. Fueled by my own experiences, I recognized the stark inaccessibility of this industry for the average person, despite its potential for excellent returns. Armed with my extensive expertise, I took the initiative to launch RealPool. I have personally witnessed the remarkable returns that international investments can yield, but historically, this realm has remained exclusive, reserved for the ultra-elite. RealPool seeks to level the playing field by harnessing the same sophisticated tools used by high-net-worth individuals, all within the user-friendly interface of our app.”

Business Niche

Using technology to target a unique market.

Lushnikov says, “No other players in the market are pursuing the same approach as us in the realm of international real estate investment. Although there are crowdfunding real estate platforms operating within the United States, their primary focus remains limited to domestic markets, overlooking some of the most lucrative opportunities worldwide. Thanks to our exclusive algorithm, RealPool can identify undiscovered prospects across the globe and make them accessible to a broader audience.”

Business Origin Story

Due to a fascination with real estate markets around the world.

Lushnikov explains, “I’ve always been intrigued by the notion of investing in residential properties. In a world with a population of seven billion people, each with their unique cultures and perspectives, the concept of a home is universally understood and appreciated.

“This fascination drew me towards delving into the real estate industry, particularly the international real estate sector. As I deepened my involvement, working as a global law and tax consultant and wealth management advisor, I began to recognize a stark reality: the majority of the global population lacked access to resources for international investments. These valuable tools were typically reserved for individuals with substantial wealth. It was this realization that sparked the inception of RealPool.”

Biggest Risk

Launching something new.

Lushnikov says, “I’d say we’re in the midst of taking the biggest risk ever by launching this platform. It’s never easy launching a platform that is going to disrupt an industry controlled by very wealthy and powerful individuals, but that’s what RealPool will do. We know we are going to face obstacles along the way, but we’ve accepted that and are looking forward to disrupting the international real estate industry.”

Lesson Learned

Embrace mistakes as lessons.

Lushnikov adds, “If you don’t make mistakes, your company won’t have a sense of resiliency or direction. And so I wouldn’t want to go back and fix any of the previous mistakes I made.”

How They’d Spend an Extra $100,000

Spreading the word.

Lushnikov says, “Since we are launching a direct-to-consumer product, that money can be spent on PR and marketing. We want to spread the word about our platform as far and as wide as possible.”

Fun Fact

The platform is already expanding to new markets.

Lushnikov says, “We currently have properties available in Thailand and Bali. But we’re excited to launch in Europe shortly.”

* * * * *

Image: RealPool, Vlad Lushnikov



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What is Progressive Enhancement & Why Does it Matter?

What is Progressive Enhancement & Why Does it Matter?

by | Nov 22, 2023 | Blog

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Have you ever landed on a website that isn’t compatible with your browser? I have, and it’s frustrating, to say the least. By implementing progressive enhancement on your site, you can rest assured that none of your site visitors ever have the same disheartening experience. (more…)