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SaaS Benefits Defined

Posted on May 14, 2013 by mlindsey

SaaS Benefits Defined

For many businesses, SaaS benefits are numerous. Using SaaS benefits companies because it relieves the burden of IT responsibilities and reduces the cost and hassle associated with the implementation and upkeep of a software application. By using SaaS for your business, you’ll not only save money and effort, but also gain access to the latest software innovations that are designed to enable everyone to focus energy on your core business.

One of the primary SaaS benefits is the relief of the burden of infrastructure. Installing and maintaining software systems requires the employment of an IT department, and most companies do not have the resources to do that and stay abreast of new technology at the same time. Whether you’re looking for the latest, cutting-edge marketing CMS, or a top of the line accounting system, it pays to have all of the upgrades and upkeep managed by the software vendor.
Because you’re not paying for a software system outright, you can afford the best. You can keep your competitive advantage when you use a SaaS, because you do not have to invest in new hardware, software, staffing, or any of the other things that go along with a traditional IT department. Rather, you can invest that money into building your business and keeping up with the latest technology. In fact, those companies that use SaaS systems often find that they have immediate access to innovative technology.
Overall, using an SaaS solution is extremely cost effective. It’s affordable at the onset, because you don’t have to purchase an entire software system. It’s also affordable because it is a subscription service, with rates that remain constant. If the software ceases to meet your needs, you are under no obligation to continue your subscription, and you can move on to something that better suits your business needs.
Another of the SaaS benefits: It saves time. The software is already running on the provider’s server, so all that’s needed is access to a computer and the Internet, and you’re ready to start! Down the road, there are no patches or upgrades to download and install, or backups and updates to run, because the software provider handles all of that. The time you do not spend fussing with your software is time you can focus on growing your business.
An SaaS is user-friendly. When an SaaS is instituted in a company, there’s a high adoption rate among employees because SaaS programs typically make use of skills that employees accustomed to working online already have. This means better efficiency, because there’s such a low learning curve.
Unlike traditional software, an SaaS is relationship-based. This is not something you take out of a store and use on your own. Rather, the software provider is invested in the relationship with your company, and will do everything possible to ensure your satisfaction and increase your comfort level.
SaaS implementation makes you part of a community. Because there are many other companies using the software, and because the provider is constantly monitoring how the customers use the application, there is a heightened awareness of the program’s efficacy. This monitoring of the SaaS benefits customers, because it leads to improved usability, functionality, and performance.

Even as the implementation of SaaS benefits businesses, so, too, does the use of a great marketing team. For years, Ad Giants has been that team, helping customers streamline their branding and employ the right processes to keep their companies ahead of the competition. For more information on SAAS benefits, marketing CMS, or our mission to make marketing simpler and more efficient, find us on Facebook, Twitter, or at AdGiants.com!

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Posted in Brand Management Software | Tagged Ad Giants, ad software, brand identity, brand management, branding, SaaS, software, software as a service, strategic brand management | Leave a comment

Your Business Software Should be a Perfect Fit

Posted on May 14, 2013 by mlindsey

Your Business Software Should be a Perfect Fit

Regardless of your line of business, it is important that your business software is right for your company. Just as your mission statement should be well defined, and your brand should represent the true voice of your company, your business software should be aligned with your business’s goals. That will help ensure your company runs efficiently and your efforts are effective. So, how do you ensure, before you invest, that your business software is up to the task?

What impact will the software have on your business? If you’re purchasing a major software system, it’s important to determine which departments or staff members will be using it, how well it will integrate with existing software, and how dependent you will become on its functionality. Determining how much impact your business software will have on your operation will help you determine how much time to spend evaluating options.
Know your company’s processes to determine your business software needs. Do you need more operational efficiency? Are you merely looking for a way to streamline processes? Choosing the right tool for any job requires understanding what that job entails, so that you can facilitate its needs. Not understanding the processes and functions needed to run your company could result in technology that impedes, rather than enhances, performance.
Determine what software is available. You may need an outside consultant for this step, because there is a wide array of software on the market, and wading through it can be mind-boggling. A consultant familiar with your type of business can help you find the software systems that will meet your needs. If you’re not interested in hiring a consultant, you’ll want to thoroughly research the type of software you want, educating yourself on its processes and reading reviews to determine its real-world efficacy.
Narrow the field with an RFP. An RFP, or Request for Proposal, is a document that describes your company environment, and asks questions related to the software you’re considering. You’ll want to be specific, and ask questions that have yes or no answers, about any concerns you may have. You ‘re unlikely to get responses to questions about customer support or user friendliness, but having an RFP gives you more continuity than if you just chat with a representative or attend a demonstration. Submit RFPs to several companies, and evaluate the answers to eliminate those companies that are no longer contenders for your business.
Assess your business software in terms of functionality. Once the RFP has helped you narrow the list down to three or four vendors, it’s time to take the remaining software contenders out for a spin! Set up a demo to assess the look and feel of the software, its familiarity and ease of use, and how difficult it will be to incorporate into your existing system and train your employees. Once you’ve completed this step, you probably have a good idea of which business software is right for your company.

Just as your business software must be a good fit to ensure productivity, your marketing efforts must follow best processes to effectively promote your brand. The experts at Ad Giants can help. They have years of experience helping clients reach their goals, and knowledge that can be put to work for you. For more information on brand management, business software, or our mission to make marketing simpler and more efficient, find us on Facebook, Twitter, or at AdGiants.com!

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Posted in Brand Management Tool | Tagged Ad Giants, brand consistency, brand control, brand identity, brand management, brand management software, branding strategy, business software, marketing software | Leave a comment

Marketing CMS: The Essentials for Maximizing the Benefits of Content Marketing

Posted on May 14, 2013 by mlindsey

Marketing CMS: The Essentials for Maximizing the Benefits of Content Marketing

Content marketing is an idea experiencing a resurgence of popularity, and the right marketing CMS can help you make the most of it. Simply put, content marketing is a type of brand marketing that seeks to contribute information and establish your company’s credibility as a familiar, yet expert voice in the marketplace. Consistency across your various marketing platforms is essential to the success of your content marketing, so the choosing a marketing CMS that helps you achieve this is vital to effective brand management.

Content marketing solutions require cooperation from your team. When you use marketing CMS software to help streamline your brand marketing, it’s important to meet with the people who generate the content and make sure everyone understands his or her role in content marketing. Marketing CMS is about solutions, not just software, so keep communication flowing, and make sure everyone is clear about expectations for the consistent flow of content. Proper communication will also help ensure consistency across all marketing channels, including your website, blog, social media campaigns, advertising and promotions, and so on.
Work with what you already have in place. Planning around your existing search engine optimization (SEO) plan is definitely a good idea, as is giving your SEO team notice when you plan to focus on a new topic for a while. Working together to generate content and track the topics around which that content is generated will help to focus your efforts and make them more effective.
Measure efficacy continually. Use every means available to measure the effectiveness of your efforts. Don’t just track your on-site traffic, but also social media, blog interaction, and community building. Make sure you’re engaging customers conversationally as well as generating content.
Focus on value-added content. Your content marketing should not read like an advertisement, but rather it should offer quality information to consumers. Offer excellent content that adds something to consumers’ lives, and you are likely to see increased excitement about your product.

Content marketing solutions make your brand management simpler and more streamlined. Ad Giants can also streamline your processes, with years of marketing experience that translates to a knowledge of best practices to help customers stay ahead of the crowd. For more information on marketing CMS or our mission to make marketing simpler and more efficient, find us on Facebook, Twitter, or at AdGiants.com!

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Posted in Marketing CMS | Tagged Ad Giants, brand consistency, brand management, CMS, marketing CMS, marketing content management system | Leave a comment

How to Brand a Company: 5 Starting Steps

Posted on May 9, 2013 by mlindsey

How to Brand a Company: 5 Starting Steps

Learning how to brand a company may seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. Essentially, it comes down to successfully relating to customers in various ways, through the different areas in which they experience your company. Knowing how to brand a company means knowing how to successfully define your company’s objectives, communicating these objectives to the customers to create expectation, and following through to fulfill your company’s implicit promises.

Define the substance behind your claims. Your company makes promises to the customer, and expresses those promises through branding. It’s necessary, therefore, to reinforce these promises by clarifying their meaning. Don’t just claim that your product is “intelligent” or “healthy,” but give specific reasons for the veracity of such claims.
Map out your customers’ connections to the brand. There are many touch points at which the customer comes in contact with your brand, and understanding these will help solidify your position in the minds of your customers. Mentally walk through each step of the process of getting your product to the customers. How do you identify the need for your product and create demand? How is your product marketed and sold? How is it used? How can you maintain contact after the sale? Each of these steps presents an opportunity to touch your customers and strengthen your brand.
Once you know the touch points, find the most important ones. How your product is used will generally determine the most important touch points. With ice cream, for instance, taste is the most important factor; with another product, the packaging may be what draws the customer to you. Identify which touch points most effectively resonate with the customer, and design your brand’s message around them. If you’re experiencing difficulty doing that, use whatever means necessary to help you succeed, from focus groups to surveys to research.
Create an unforgettable customer experience. You know your message, and you know the best way to reach your customers. All that remains is for you to grab them and generate enthusiasm! Knowing how to brand a company means knowing how to make the customers truly believe.
Strive for consistency. Across the board, throughout all marketing platforms, your message should stay consistent. This does not mean that you should have the same content or slogan everywhere, but it does mean that the heart of your message should shine through everywhere you market your brand. Cohesion is key, and no matter where they find it, customers should be able to instantly identify your brand, because of the integrity of its message. A marketing CMS can help with this, allowing you to keep your brand consistent.

Learning how to brand a company is simple, but knowing how to effectively market that brand takes experience and expertise. Ad Giants has both, in spades, and is committed to helping companies streamline their marketing practices using the best processes, gleaned from years of marketing experience. For more information on how to brand a company or our mission to make marketing simpler and more efficient, find us on Facebook, Twitter, or at AdGiants.com!

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Posted in Branding | Tagged brand consistency, brand identity, brand management, branding, branding and identity, branding strategy, strategic brand management | Leave a comment

The Importance of Content Management

Posted on May 2, 2013 by mlindsey

The Importance of Content Management

When creating a website, including a content management system can save a great deal of money in the long run. In the ever-changing world of Internet technology, a content management system (CMS) helps you, as a website owner, keep up without having to hire a web design firm for your changes along the way. As important as it is for you to use a CMS, it’s equally important to choose the right content management system for your business.

Content is the heart of the website. As a website owner, you need the functionality to modify and tweak content as needed, without having to rely on others; this means you are fully in control of your website’s content. Irrelevant or outdated information can be removed promptly, and you’ll be better able to communicate with your customers effectively and efficiently.
Match your content management with your company. A marketing firm, for example, needs a marketing CMS. When you’re working on marketing strategy, you want to have a CMS that facilitates your work, making it simple for you to modify your content as needed. You must remember that, as with many other things you use in marketing, CMS is just a tool. Choose the tool that best suits your processes, and you will be able to successfully use it.
The right CMS system enables you to manage your website without technical knowledge. Be sure to choose a CMS that does not require you to know HTML or back-end coding; rather, pick one that simply enables you to log on and upload content. By using this kind of system, you’ll be eliminating the need for special training or professional assistance.
A content management system is inexpensive. Before the advent of the CMS, website owners had to rely on web developers to change their content once it was no longer relevant. This quickly became both frustrating and expensive, as outdated pages remained active and web developers charged for every change. Today, it’s only prudent to have an easy-to-use CMS, so that you can provide as much current information as possible to your customers.

Since its inception, Ad Giants has been dedicated to helping companies market their brands more efficiently through the use of better process. Experts in marketing, the Ad Giants professional team knows what works and what doesn’t and they can help you find the marketing solutions best suit your business. For more information about content management systems or our mission to make marketing simpler and more efficient, find us on Facebook, Twitter, or at AdGiants.com!

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SaaS Model: The Perks

Posted on April 24, 2013 by mlindsey

SaaS Model: The Perks

The Software as a Service, or SaaS, model is becoming an increasingly popular way for companies to utilize cutting-edge software without the expense and hassle of creating and maintaining an IT infrastructure. Because the SaaS model essentially equates to “renting” software, it affords companies the convenience of subscribing to services via the Internet. There are many reasons to take advantage of SaaS solutions, because this model is beneficial to businesses of all types and sizes.

Because the SaaS model works from a shared infrastructure, it’s easily accessible. Available from any computer or device, SaaS apps typically require the same skills with which Internet savvy people are already familiar, so there’s a short learning curve.
SaaS applications cost less initially than traditional software. There are no licensing fees, and because the SaaS provider manages the IT infrastructure, companies using the SaaS model don’t have the same level of expenditure on hardware, software, and staffing. Because there’s no software or hardware to install and maintain, implementation is simple and IT staffing needs are minimal. Because the SaaS model is typically a subscription service with a set monthly or yearly fee, it is easier for most businesses to work into their budgets than traditional software, which often requires a hefty sum at purchase.
Upgrades are not your problem. Because the SaaS model relies on the management of the SaaS provider, that provider takes care of all the updates and upgrades, as well as availability. Even as the user base grows, there’s no need to acquire additional hardware or software, even across multi-site locations.
Customization means fluid integration. SaaS providers can customize their products to meet a company’s specific needs, in order to successfully integrate with your current programming. In addition, SaaS solutions do not require commitment; if the program no longer works for you, you can simply unsubscribe and move on to something that will.
The SaaS model breeds confidence. SaaS providers offer access to tech support, comprehensive security back-up and disaster recovery. This frees a company from IT tasks, and allows it to focus on its core business.

SaaS solutions can help make your business run more efficiently, free from the chores associated with maintaining an IT infrastructure. The Ad Giants SaaS solution is built and operated by experienced marketers specifically to help you market your brand more effectively and with the best marketing processes. For more information on SaaS Model or our mission to make marketing simpler and more efficient, find us on Facebook, Twitter, or at AdGiants.com!

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Posted in marketing management system | Tagged Ad Giants, brand consistency, brand identity, brand management, Brand Management System, marketing software, SaaS | Leave a comment

Brand Marketers: What Skills Are Most Important?

Posted on April 17, 2013 by mlindsey

Brand Marketers: What Skills Are Most Important?

Brand marketers are in high demand, and for brand marketing experts, the opportunities are virtually limitless. From sales rep positions to brand management, there are good jobs for brand marketers all across the country. If you have strong leadership skills, an intuitive knowledge of people’s preferences, and an unrelenting drive to succeed, you may have what it takes to build this type of exciting career.

Jobs available to brand marketers all require a high level of intuition about what people want. In order to sell to people, you have to understand their thought processes. Then, you must have the ability to formulate a plan to motivate them to choose your brand over your competition.
Brand marketing managers must be highly analytical and strategically strong. Because marketing managers are the people who come up with the marketing plans, it is vital that they understand how to evaluate data, in order to determine which strategies are effective and which aren’t. Marketing occurs across many platforms, and a marketing plan must be cohesive and consistent across the board; brand marketers, then, must have the strategic skills to see the big picture and create a road map for success. In addition, brand performance must be continually reassessed to determine its effectiveness and whether changes need to be made.
Good people skills are important for brand marketers. People are the lifeblood of any business, and without people skills, you’ll have a hard time selling. Every point of customer contact, from the marketing manager to the sales associates, should reinforce your brand’s integrity. People need an awareness of your brand and an emotional connection to it before they’re going to prefer your brand to competitors.
Communication skills are also a must. When speaking and in writing, brand marketers must convey ideas and communicate persuasively. To convince people of the integrity of your brand, you must reach them with your core message, and that requires communication skills.
As brand marketing manager, you must have strong leadership skills. For this kind of job, you need to effectively convey to your team the brand message, educate them, and provide them with the tools and incentive needed to make your branding efforts a success.

Savvy brand marketers are smart enough to know they can use assistance from time to time when discerning the best processes for their brand management. Ad Giants has years of experience helping clients streamline their processes and market their brands more effectively. For more information on brand marketing or our mission to make marketing simpler and more efficient, find us on Facebook, Twitter, or at AdGiants.com!

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Posted in Marketing Tips | Tagged brand consistency, brand identity, brand management, brand marketing manager, marketing plan, marketing tips | Leave a comment

Rebranding: Is it Time?

Posted on April 10, 2013 by mlindsey

Rebranding: Is it Time?

If your business needs a boost, you may be wondering if it’s time for rebranding. Changing your brand identity can be an enormous endeavor, requiring far more than just a change of logo; so before you decide on rebranding, consider whether another type of brand management would keep your existing brand fresh. The most important thing is to ensure that your brand stays true to your company’s voice and remains iconic.

If your company has substantially changed, your current identity may be off message. If you’ve changed products, services, or procedure, it may be time for rebranding. Your brand should represent your corporate culture and philosophy, and should be in tune with the times. Remember, what worked twenty years ago is not likely to still be effective, so look at your branding with a critical eye and be sure that you have a sense of what’s current.
When a brand is losing ground in the marketplace, rebranding may help. Perhaps you have had negative feedback that has created a bad reputation, or perhaps increased competition is hindering your momentum. If you’re losing sales, take a critical look at your marketing, and decide if you’re projecting the right image; if not, it may be time for a brand makeover.
Moving or expanding may be the impetus for a rebranding effort. If your company is growing or changing premises, it may be an excellent time to reinvent yourself. A new partnership also warrants a rebranding, to avoid the confusion of dueling identities. Make sure your brand communicates your company’s values to consumers, and is something that you can be proud to advertise. Be wary, though, of changing your brand just because you have new leadership; you don’t want to shift on a whim.
Know the risks before you decide to change your brand. If your brand is well established, your stability and longevity may be among your greatest assets. Rebranding has the potential to disrupt your customers’ comfort level and lead to failure. Consider the equity you already have in your market before you make the investment in a drastic change; if your message still resonates with customers, change might not be worth it. Sometimes, refreshing your current brand may be equally effective.

Rebranding is one of the many tools utilized in effective brand management. Experts in successful marketing techniques, the professionals at Ad Giants can help your company establish a strong identity and achieve success in your marketing efforts. For more information on rebranding or our mission to make marketing simpler and more efficient, find us on Facebook, Twitter, or at AdGiants.com!

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Posted in Branding | Tagged Ad Giants, brand consistency, brand identity, brand identity design, brand management, branding, franchise marketing, what is brand strategy | Leave a comment

Brand Consistency Everywhere

Posted on April 3, 2013 by mlindsey

Brand Consistency Everywhere

Brand consistency is crucial in establishing your presence as a business, both on and offline. In today’s complicated marketplace, where social media and mobile devices have changed the face of marketing, brand management is more important than ever. Your business can remain competitive only by carrying a cohesive message consistently across all channels, a message that capitalizes on the wants and needs of the market.

Branding is not a new idea. For centuries, artisans and merchants have placed their marks on their products in an effort to achieve top-of-mind awareness among consumers. Branding is a way of owning your product or service, taking responsibility for its quality, and making it stand out from all the other similar items. This is what brings customers back time and again.
Branding is more complex than ever. Brand management in today’s marketplace typically involves several people and multiple platforms. Social media, smartphones, apps, and mobile websites are merely a few of the new arenas in which you need to achieve brand consistency in order to thrive.
Visual impact is a significant part of branding. Visuals have always been important in brand recognition, and today, they’re even more vital. Think of the most prominent brand names; the ones that immediately come to mind have visuals that correspond with their corporate identity. These visuals use the same basic elements, like logo, typeface, colors, and style. Making your marketing materials instantly recognizable is one key to creating memorable and effective brand.
Identifying your brand’s personality is part of establishing cohesion. While you don’t want your marketing efforts to be identical across all platforms, cohesion should be the goal.
Understand your market, and stay relevant. Stay on message and faithfully represent the voice of your brand, but don’t be afraid to bring current events into the picture. Especially on social media platforms, staying on top of what’s trending can put you in the forefront of consumer consciousness.
Particularly in social media, invite conversation. Successful social media marketing is not the trumpeting of a brand’s superiority, but rather the kind of fluid conversation that welcomes commentary and creates dialogue. Being responsive to your customer’s opinions is an important part of successful branding.

Since its inception, Ad Giants has been an organization dedicated to using better processes to create brand consistency and protect your brand’s integrity. With decades of advertising and marketing experience for clients local to global, Ad Giants can help you to promote your brand and make your mark on your industry. For more information on brand consistency or our mission to make marketing simpler and more efficient, find us on Facebook, Twitter, or at AdGiants.com!

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Brand Marketing Manager: What it Takes

Posted on March 27, 2013 by mlindsey

Brand Marketing Manager: What it Takes

If you’re looking for a career that offers a good salary along with a high level of personal satisfaction and job security, brand marketing manager is a position you should consider. Consistently referred among the best jobs in America, brand marketing is a career option that provides all that, and affords ample opportunities for the kind of creative thinking that can keep a job interesting. As a brand marketing manager, you’ll have the opportunity to not only build your own career, but to also help businesses make their own marks on the world.

An effective brand marketing manager needs to have insight into consumer preferences. Marketing is about understanding customer needs and knowing how to appeal to their desires. Brand marketing managers need to determine which marketing ventures are working and which are falling flat, in order to help craft strategy that effectively promotes the brand.
A career in brand marketing offers security that is rare in today’s economic climate. With a median salary between $78,000 and $116,000, and an unemployment rate of a low 6.1 percent, this is a career that is not only stable now, but offers promising growth potential. Companies will always need individuals capable of leading them into new marketing endeavors, with sound strategic skills and the capability to tap into consumer preferences in order to effectively position products and services. Because of that, an effective brand marketing manager will always find a place to use these skills.
Brand marketing management is a career that lets you flex your creativity. To gain customers, you have to know how to reach and motivate them in some way. Whether making people laugh, feel, or think, advertising and marketing professionals must create innovative ways to increase interest in the products and services they sell. A brand marketing manager has the creativity to help facilitate this process, along with the analytical abilities necessary to process data gathered from focus groups, and the capability to create buzz across not only traditional marketing avenues, but also social media platforms.

For a career to be satisfying long-term, it needs to be interesting and fulfilling, giving you the opportunity to push yourself intellectually and creatively. Brand marketing management is a career that requires you to think on your feet, and the satisfaction it provides makes the challenges all the more worthwhile. For more information on what it takes to be a brand marketing manager, or our mission to make marketing simpler and more efficient, find us on Facebook, Twitter, or at AdGiants.com!

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