Happy New Year, fellow marketers! As we kick off 2023, Emma and Router from the Blame it on Marketing podcast are here to share some fresh perspectives, resolutions, and invaluable insights to help you navigate the ever-evolving marketing landscape. Grab your favorite cocktail—Router and Emma swear by their Negronis—and let’s dive into what’s shaping the marketing world this year.
One of the standout topics Emma and Router discuss is the symbiotic relationship between sales and marketing. Router, with a background in sales, emphasizes how crucial it is for marketers to understand the sales process. “Any marketer that does a bit of sales will be a better marketer,” Router asserts. This hands-on experience fosters a deeper appreciation for the challenges sales teams face, enabling marketers to craft strategies that are not only creative but also executable and aligned with sales objectives.
Emma adds, “It’s important to understand each other's pains and be able to speak each other's language.” This mutual understanding ensures that marketing campaigns are not created in a vacuum but are integrated seamlessly with sales efforts, leading to more effective and cohesive strategies.
Reflecting on their time at Clear Review, Router highlights the significance of owning a market category from the get-go. “Stuart helped create a category which is continuous Performance Management and he caught on to that super quickly,” Router notes. By establishing a strong presence in organic search and consistently investing in long-term strategies, Clear Review became a leader in its niche.
Router laments the shift towards short-term tactics in today’s marketing world. “It’s all kind of quick and dirty tactics—how much can I spend on PPC, what’s the ROI of releasing this page.” In contrast, Clear Review’s commitment to sustainable, data-driven marketing continues to yield results, proving that patience and persistence pay off.
As we step into the new year, Router and Emma share their personal and professional resolutions, offering a roadmap for fellow marketers to follow.
Router’s first resolution centers around better prioritization:
"One of my biggest resolutions for the year is to make sure that I prioritize my projects, not ahead of clients but as equally important as my client work."
Balancing client demands with personal projects like Blame it on Marketing and a new metrics platform is crucial for sustained growth and personal satisfaction. Emma echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of self-care amidst busy schedules:
"I have to prioritize myself somewhere in all of that so there will be a little bit of me in a similar way to you."
Both Emma and Router recognize the power of a strong online presence, especially in uncertain economic times. Router aims to bolster his organic social game:
"I want to be more of that person for other people... if you want to chat, hit me up."
Building a personal brand not only increases visibility but also positions you as a thought leader in your field. Emma adds, “Showing yourself to be a decent human in what are going to be quite trying times is really important.” Engaging authentically on platforms like LinkedIn can foster valuable connections and opportunities.
Router is passionate about advocating for metrics and data-driven decisions:
"People are pulling the numbers out of their ass... set up their marketing teams to fail."
He stresses the necessity for marketers to “know your numbers” and engage in conversations grounded in data. This approach not only justifies budget allocations but also enhances the effectiveness of marketing strategies. Emma agrees, highlighting that without data, marketing efforts can become aimless and ineffective.
Integrity is a core value for both hosts. Router shares how his third-sector experience shaped his ethical approach:
"Everything you do should have integrity... your marketing should have integrity."
In a time where consumers are increasingly value-driven, maintaining ethical standards is paramount. Emma supports this by emphasizing the importance of authenticity:
"Don’t be a dick. Show up and help the community."
Upholding ethical practices not only builds trust with your audience but also fosters a positive and sustainable brand image.
The duo doesn’t shy away from discussing the importance of mental health. With the pressures of constant innovation and the relentless pace of marketing, it’s easy to burn out. Emma and Router advocate for taking steps to maintain mental well-being:
“We have to make sure we look after ourselves,” Emma reminds listeners, highlighting that a healthy mind is crucial for sustained creativity and productivity.
As we navigate through 2023, the key takeaway from Emma and Router’s discussion is the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. The marketing landscape is ever-changing, driven by technological advancements and shifting consumer behaviors. Staying informed, embracing new strategies, and maintaining a balance between personal and professional life will set you up for success.
Remember, as Router puts it, “You’ve got to keep your finger on that [marketing work] or you’re out of the game.” So, keep learning, stay ethical, prioritize your projects, and don’t forget to take care of yourself along the way.
Whether you’re refining your data-driven strategies, building your personal brand, or simply striving to maintain your sanity in a demanding field, Emma and Router’s insights offer a valuable guide for the year ahead. Cheers to a year of growth, integrity, and innovative marketing!