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Inbound vs. Outbound Marketing Tactics for Local Business

When trying to attain contractor leads and grow a local business, one has to consider the ever changing phenomena we call the Internet. People market themselves creatively each and every day. When trying to reel in customers, what are you doing to set yourself apart from the competition to make those customers want to come to you?

Every local business owner needs to realize that nearly one third of the US population is online for approximately 3 hours each day throughout the week. During those three hours, they visit numerous sites. They shop, communicate, network, research, and so much more with just a click of a mouse.

With this being true, marketing your business in a way to attract traffic to your site is vital. You need to be informative, have special offers, use social media networking tactics, and make some changes so you’re not using the outbound marketing tactics that are now, in many ways, outdated.

Don’t get stuck in the rut with outdated marketing tactics

Outbound marketing tactics mean that you are pushing information and basically begging for leads. If you want to be more cost-effective, studies have shown that the traditional outbound marketing isn’t the best use of your resources today, such as snail mail, telemarketers, commercials, trade shows, etc. It’s time to start using more inbound marketing tactics instead. Statistics show that inbound marketing tactics can generate more revenue for your company and are more cost effective when compared to outbound marketing.

Start adding on the layers to boost your inbound marketing tactics

Inbound marketing tactics have replaced many outbound marketing tactics for most local businesses, and you do not want to be left behind!

Some inbound marketing tactics include:

  • Blogging
  • Social media marketing
  • SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
  • Lead nurturing

Research shows that traditional ways actually cost 60% more per lead when comparing them to inbound marketing costs. Aren’t you looking to save money with a higher return on investment? I’d like to think any savvy local business owner would say a resounding ‘yes’.

Written By

For nearly three decades, Chris Marentis, founder and CEO of Surefire Social, has been responsible for driving innovation and sales growth for large media and e-commerce brands as well as start-ups. With a long-history of counseling local businesses about their marketing efforts, Marentis provides insight on what it takes for small businesses to succeed and thrive in today’s evolving digital environment. His notable career includes creating the foundational blueprints for online marketing, e-commerce and content branding for AOL's Interactive Marketing group, where he served as Senior Vice President. While CEO of Clearspring Technologies, Marentis developed one of the most widely adopted venture-backed Web 2.0 technology platforms. Marentis is a frequent speaker at local digital marketing conferences and a contributor to SMB and technology-focused publications.

14 Comments

14 Comments

  1. Nishadha

    January 25, 2012 at 2:40 pm

    These methods are extremely important because more and more people are using social media in their buying decision. So having a good engaging online presence is a must.

    • Tracyann0312

      January 26, 2012 at 8:06 am

      Hi Nishanda! You are right, this is really important because many people depend on Social networking! They also make networking site as their advertising site! No wonder social media plays important role to our business!

    • Joe

      January 27, 2012 at 8:00 pm

      I totally agree with you Nishadha, these methods are extremely important because a new era has come along. Everyone uses the internet and social media on the internet.

  2. Tana

    January 27, 2012 at 11:42 am

    You could probably sign a statement assigning the business name to you and your husband and file an assumed business name with your state secretary of state’s office. It will depend upon your state. I would call the secretary of state’s office in your state. They should be able to help you. You could also talk to a business attorney in your state. I hope this answers your question.

  3. Tony

    January 27, 2012 at 12:33 pm

    Hey, Chris! I read your article with huge interest, but unfortunately you’ve lost me at the end: “Lead nurturing” – what is that?

  4. Danny

    January 31, 2012 at 6:05 am

    I have to agree, inbound marketing is the way to go. 60% cheaper per lead is a nice number. Also people are losing more and more potential leads to inbound marketing.

  5. mitch16

    February 1, 2012 at 9:57 am

    Its so great to know and learn about the factors take by out bound and in bound marketing tactics.

  6. Ann

    February 3, 2012 at 3:22 pm

    Hi Chris,
    That is an amazing difference in costs, 60%. I think most people respond quicker to internet marketing because of the ease to do so. I know several online companies that I shop with make it as easy as possible to order, receive and return merchandise. Much easier that getting in your car and driving to the mall and fighting those crowds. It is a click away.

  7. Dean

    February 13, 2012 at 9:34 pm

    I think the opportunity with social media is precisely what inbound marketing does, seduce them to come through the door verses pushing a piece of mail in the midst of all kinds of other useless mail in the 1-3% chance the respond. Yeah, I could see a cost savings there, but how are the man hours accounted for in that research study? There is a lot to social media besides a tweet and facebook page. There is skill and experienced needed. To get an idea of what you should be aware of when it comes to social media take a look at this university’s advanced social media marketing training curriculum.

  8. Joseph

    March 7, 2012 at 8:35 pm

    I think that most businesses are focused on more traffic to produce more sales and they are missing out on using their existing traffic for more sales by nurturing their leads into buyers.

    Joseph

  9. Rita Dawson

    May 3, 2012 at 1:13 pm

    Great information! Inbound marketing is something good that you have discussed. Its really very interesting to read your post.

  10. Louis

    July 5, 2012 at 10:57 am

    I am agree with your statement.I think all these method are very impotent and useful .Today,s faster life every body looks busy but social media help us to join each other.

  11. Darrell Fore

    July 21, 2012 at 12:49 pm

    Establishing a good online presence is a must, given the advancements of the so called Social Media phenomenon; it is already a notch wherein telemarketing companies can maximize their potential in closing sales. Whatever platform or process it may be, whether inbound or outbound, your tactics should be spot on and engaging.

  12. Joan

    August 6, 2012 at 3:48 pm

    I agree, inbound marketing may have a distinct advantage over outbound, but I do think that a mixture of both inbound and outbound is going to be the best strategy for a business. Sure, its the 21st century, but the traditional methods such as telemarketing/commercials should still be considered so as not to isolate or neglect certain demographics.

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