Inbound vs. Outbound Marketing

Marketers have the choice whether to use inbound or outbound marketing tactics to efficiently drive high ROI. Research shows that people are increasingly getting sick of ads and have been adept to tuning them out. According to Forbes.com, we see upward of 5,000 ads per day – that’s a lot of competition for consumers’ attention.

It can be difficult to come up with the right marketing strategy for your business when there’s so many moving parts. But, what really is the difference between inbound and outbound marketing, and how can they be used on Agency Vista? This post will walk you through it. 

Inbound Marketing

Inbound marketing is similar to a pull marketing strategy where it is best utilized for when you want to draw consumers to your product. An inbound marketing strategy can include a variety of different platforms and types of content to attract prospects and customers to your website. An Agency Vista profile is a great way to enhance your agencies inbound marketing by showcasing content that is relevant and valuable to potential customers in one place.

Inbound marketing statistics:

• Inbound marketing costs 62% less per lead than outbound marketing
• Content marketing generates 3x as many leads per dollar than traditional marketing
• 57% of online users view content at least once per month and the average user spends 20% of their online time viewing content
• Per dollar spent, inbound marketing generates 3X as many leads as traditional
• 70% of people would rather learn about a company through content versus advertising

Inbound marketing strategies: 

The main goal is to provide valuable information prospects need at all points in the customer journey. The buying cycle can be broken down into three stages:

Awareness: Leads understand that they have a problem that needs to be resolved and have begun to search for solutions. 

• Awareness Features on Agency Vista: Client Size, Team, Industry Focus, Client Locations, Networks, Account Sizes, Budgets and Pricing, and Social Media Performance.

Evaluation: Leads have been researching solutions and are aware that your product or service could fulfill their need. At this point prospects are trying to learn more about your business to determine if you are the best fit. 

• Evaluation Features on Agency Vista: Case Studies, Portfolio, Reviews etc.

Purchase: Leads are ready to make a purchase.

• Purchase Features on Agency Vista: A Business Has Saved Your Profile, You’ve Received a Message, Search Ranking etc.

Outbound Marketing

Outbound marketing is when a marketer reaches out to people to see if they’re interested in a product. This can be achieved through trade shows, seminar series, email blasts to purchased lists, internal cold calling, outsourced telemarketing, and advertising. It’s a one-way conversation that typically focuses on the product and reasons why the audience should buy it. 

Outbound marketing statistics:

• 91% of email users have unsubscribed from an email they previously opted into. Why? Most likely, the content wasn’t relevant to them
• 44% of direct mail is never opened referred to as “junk mail,” this tactic has surprisingly low effectiveness
• The average banner ad response rate is one tenth of one percent
• 84% of 25-34 year olds have left a website because of intrusive or annoying advertising

Conclusion

Ultimately, the best marketing strategy for your business will be the one that works. Always try new things while you continue to do the old things that are working. Being on a platform like Agency Vista enhances your chances of finding more qualified leads for the best ROI. If you have any feedback or suggestions on how we can make Agency Vista a better resource for you, please don’t hesitate to let us know.