I’m working on a few new video series here in Memphis, TN. So I wanted to share an outline I made a few years ago that helps explain why it’s advantageous to work with PreFocus. I know society tells you that you have to buy into the flashy stuff or agencies in order to capture the attention of ideal consumers. But it doesn’t have to be that cheesy guys.
Focusing on what you do and why you do it really well is enough to generate attention and drive credibility. Being cool, funny or extra random these days might seem to be it – but marketing quality has always been the bullseye.
At the end of the day, this isn’t a sales pitch. There are so many different things we can discuss that’ll not only improve your current marketing efforts – but the overall equity of your brand. So, here are some of the things I help my clients focus on.
A. Stop Getting Burned by Flashy Overpromises.
Many sales pitches sound really good. But the solutions are normally basic.
- Most popular concepts don’t even make sense for certain industries
- Marketing efforts usually take around 90 days to analyze. Even Ads.
- Client reports are often full of skewed data that’s misleading (likes).
- Do you know why so many agencies deal with high client turnover?
Nobody can “do it all” for a major company without access to some talent.
- Most “marketers” pocket large budgets and hire cheap contractors.
- They read a book, buy a guide or take a coarse and become “experts”.
- Cookie cutter strategies remove creativity from marketing efforts.
Buying from entrepreneurs, adopting strategies or buying guides is limiting.
- Trying to learn and do things yourself will only stretch you thin.
- If you don’t differentiate your value, you become a stagnant market option.
- Investing in your brand, it’s culture and your customers has a higher return.
You need to work with somebody that’s motivated to understand your offering and listen for your value. Someone that can assess the market accordingly and piece together a purposeful strategy. It’s a tremendous peace of mind when your marketing has sound direction. When you’re able to focus on the business, you get to really reward the customers that support it.
B. Implement a Form of Marketing Accountability.
Do you really need to become an expert at marketing? The answer is a big no. The problem is, many business owners are hesitant to throw large sums of money at uncertainty – and rightfully so. The issue lies with trust. Even if you hire a CMO, it’s still hard to know if you’re heading in the right direction or not.
Unless someone is truly able and willing to immerse themselves in the business, it’s normally a lost cause. So here are some questions to determine if some marketing accountability needs to take place.
Do you know if your marketers legit or telling the truth?
- Would you like to know if you’re wasting $500 a week?
- Are you managing KPI’s or do you just relinquish cash?
- Do you have a list of expectations and goals you need to see?
- Will you need to change course or cut ties with someone?
- Have you had to go through a transition before?
Are you paying for good work AND getting a solid ROI?
- Do you know what quality looks like and how to price it out?
- Have you met everyone working with your budget?
- Have you ever compared plans or contract details?
- Many content strategies are $1200-$2000/mo.
- Blogs and social posts based on trends and holidays blah.
- Is the investment any different or better than competition?
- Is longform content being broken down appropriately for reach?
- Does every publication have a minimum of 12 touch points?
- Do you know how to measure the cost and return of views?
- Many content strategies are $1200-$2000/mo.
- Did you know it’s more expensive to fix or reverse ineffective marketing?
- My resources have taken over plenty of bad sites with a number of costly errors. While these things can be fixed (and paid for twice), a bad first impression takes time to overcome. Anything from grammar to spammy backlinks can deter people. Other things – like stock photos, convoluted pages, slow responsiveness or inconsistent designs – can also hinder perception. High priced sites need accountability and an experienced advocate to establish cohesion.
- Are you aware of the multitude of “olay” social media strategies?
- Buying features, followers and likes from pools of managed accounts.
- Advising people to do things for attention instead of strengthening value.
- Are you guilty of “doing what you’re told” by phony “experts”?
- Did you know that mediocre efforts could actually be costing you thousands per year?
- Did you know there are plenty of ways to effectively spend $5K per month?
- Did you know that mediocre efforts could actually be costing you thousands per year?
Do you know how to spot cheap, lazy marketing companies?
- Do you know how to look past sales pitches and identify trustworthiness?
- Have you ever gotten help when it comes to things you’re not experienced with?
- Would you value an extra set of eyes and ears during interview sessions?
- Are you marketing with unrecognizable branding, low cohesion and poor professionalism?
- How do you know if an agency lacks originality or quality SEO services?
- Do you shop around or simply compare the loudest options available?
- If you’re basing your decision on price, do you know why?
Direction improves leadership ability.
When you invest in a PreFocus, you’re able to make intelligent, confident decisions.
- Strengthen competence – what to cut and when to invest.
- Less hesitation and focus on things you’re not skilled in or at.
- Regain control of and change your business.
- Ensure you get what you pay for.
Even though the industry has gotten a bad wrap, it’s still important to get marketers what they need.
Working with an expert helps you see the value in being creative and thinking things through.
- Many companies easily spend $20K/mo on new acquisition strategies.
- Better intent and spending improves P&L statements.
- What’d it be worth to make sound decisions and trust your spending efforts?
- Know that someone else has your brand’s best interests in mind.
- Vision and control for far less than your current budget.
- You don’t have to hire a salary position – just access when necessary.
- Experience the growth you envisioned when you got started.
- Same budget, better decisions focused on an identity that makes sense.
How About an Example to Bring it Home?
Think of marketing like farming. You can’t just scatter seed or hire some people that claim to be seed scattering experts and hope something grows. Different types of seed requires different elements to thrive and some seeds have no business being thrown in certain climates. If you’re starting a farm, why wouldn’t you want to find a farmer to help? Now maybe that’s a cheesy analogy but them seeds cost money don’t they?
- If the produce was less than because you did it your way, would the return be worth it?
- What if the guidance helped you reap two-fold?
- Good marketing isn’t cheap but bad marketing shouldn’t be expensive.
So if you’re unsure how to tell the difference, see the opportunity, or simply ask the right questions; then a little help can go a long way. So give me a call and see why it’s advantageous to work with PreFocus in 2022. I’m not in business to make money. I’m in business to create lasting memories. Be purposeful with everything you do and always remember to PreFocus.
