Duct Tape Marketing

Do you have a marketing strategy in place? To answer "yes" to this question, you need to have clarity on the answers to the following questions: - Company vision: - Business goals and objectives (short-term and long-term): - Marketing goals and objectives to ensure alignment (short-term and long-term): - Ideal client profile(s): - Core messaging (that speaks to your ideal client): - Customer journey map (without any gaps): - Content and channel strategy: - Marketing priorities by quarter: - Marketing execution calendar: - Clear marketing success metrics: - Marketing budget: - Marketing org chart: - Marketing and revenue reporting plan: A marketing strategy is not simply a list of tactics - that is where I see many businesses missing the mark. After going through this list: Can you still answer "yes" to having a marketing strategy in place?

Considering a Fractional CMO? Here's What the Data Says: According to a recent survey by Duct Tape Marketing and ActiveCampaign the top three services businesses hire Fractional CMOs for are: 🎯 Strategic planning (92%) 🎯 Marketing strategy development (88%) 🎯 Content strategy (82%) These just happen to be the primary reasons my clients engage with me for fractional CMO work, alongside marketing-sales alignment and building high-performing teams. 🌱 Have you thought about hiring a fractional CMO for your business? This might be your sign it's time to investigate further. You can find the full report linked in the comments, and my DMs are always open. Let's Grow! 🌱

How are you getting your customers to market your business? We are big fans of Drink LMNT but have only ordered from their website once. Last week a box arrived from LMNT on our doorstep. My first thought was "maybe someone sent us some?" I open the box to find a case of 8 cans - a brand new product line of theirs with a message on the side of each can stating, "You're holding a first edition can of LMNT." On the side of the box, there was a QR code on the box that led to a landing page with a picture of a can and the simple text "LMNT Sparkling coming 5/7/24." I opened a can of Watermelon and loved it. I almost immediately posted a picture on my Instagram and received comments like, "My husband loves LMNT. Where do I get those?" and "OMG, I need them now—where can I buy them?" If you search for LMNT on Instagram, you can see all the others who did the exact same thing. By unexpectedly sending out cases - LMNT: - Created repeat buyers (as I will buy them the next time I see them in a store) - Referral sources from their current clients without even having to ask - A feeling of exclusivity for their existing customers - Excitement to try the new cans from those who did not receive them - Brand loyalty because it's fun to receive a free gift with no strings attached In a nutshell, they turned their customers into marketers - heck, I am now writing another post about them. So, my question to you today is: How can you turn your clients into marketers for your business?

This may be controversial but...most marketing agencies aren't doing enough for their small business clients. I was speaking with a prospect the other day, and he shared a story I had heard too many times over the last several years. He hired a marketing agency to handle his marketing. They built him a website and kept ownership over his URL and website. They dove straight into SEO and paid tactics. He thinks some of his marketing is working, but he is not sure what...or how. He just keeps paying the monthly retainer. He doesn't have confidence or control. Some of the key pieces that are missing here: - Strategy - Ownership of key assets - Metrics and clarity around what is working - Communication - A clear roadmap for growth There has been a lot of talk about fractional CMOs in the small business space. But I believe the true value is merging an agency model with the fractional CMO approach. This is what we call our fCMO+ model. Essentially, clients then get the best of both worlds. They have a strategic advisor (the fCMO) and a team (the "+") to execute the strategy. The fCMO leads and builds the team - in a way, creating an outsourced marketing department for a business at a fraction of the price it would take to hire full-time staff. Imagine being able to show up effectively on the core channels to reach your target market, to stand out from the competition, and not compete on price - while having more time to focus on running your business. That's exactly what the fCMO+ model can do and why I believe it's the most possible value a small business can gain from a marketing partnership.

I've seen many small businesses struggle with scaling their marketing efforts effectively. The common pitfall? Jumping straight into tactics without a solid strategy. A strategic approach isn't just about planning; it's about aligning every marketing action with a deep understanding of your target market and customer journey. Before launching any campaign, invest time in defining who your audience is... - Understand what they value - What frustrates them to no end - Even how they interact with your brand This approach prevents wasted efforts and budgets on tactics that don't serve the long-term goals. BECAUSE....marketing isn’t just about attracting leads; it’s nurturing them through a thoughtful, strategic pathway that leads to loyalty and advocacy. Has your business ever faced challenges with tactic-driven marketing? (For example, spending $5k a month of Facebook ads and having no idea what you are getting; I've heard that one too many times.) Thanks for having me on your show Josh Elledge - I look forward to seeing the full interview once it's live.

Just completed another great Fractional CMO+ System training and certification with an awesome group of marketing leaders and entrepreneurs. Please join me in welcoming the following to the Duct Tape Marketing Network family! Ali Schwanke, Dennis Patino, Levis C., Samantha McLean, Mark Edwards, Michael Saucedo, Inri Mouchette, Aaron Grijalva, Angela Huhman, Adam Hayes, Wendy Harrington, Kaye V. Love, Julie Arden Want to see how to join this group? - https://lnkd.in/gR9UdX4h