As a business owner, you want to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to your marketing and automation needs. That’s why at Automation Agency, we offer project fees instead of hourly rates.
We firmly believe that this is in the best interest of our clients and provides them with the most value for their investment. In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons why we offer project fees and how this benefits you as a client.
1. No Surprises
When you engage with the Automation Agency, transparency is key. We pride ourselves on providing you with a comprehensive scope of work alongside a fixed project fee right from the outset. This is one reason why we encourage most of our private clients to start with a Flowchart & Funnel Diagram. This ensures that you’re fully aware of what you’re investing in, eliminating any unwelcome surprises or unanticipated expenses as the project progresses. You can embark on your sales and marketing automation development with peace of mind, knowing that your budget is locked in and won’t be impacted by unexpected hourly charges. This means that you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for from the beginning, with no surprise expenses or extra costs down the line.
2. Focus on Quality
Our team of seasoned growth experts and marketing automation architects are committed to delivering top-notch work that generates tangible outcomes for your business. With project-based pricing, we’re able to devote the necessary time and energy to perfect every facet of your project without being hindered by tracking hours. Our undivided attention is directed towards producing the best results possible, without the concern of ticking clocks or hourly quotas allowing our team to produce high-quality work that delivers real results for your business.
3. More Flexibility
The flexibility that project fees afford us is directly beneficial to you. It allows us to tailor our approach based on your evolving needs and preferences. If a change in strategy or an adjustment in priorities becomes necessary, we have the agility to reallocate resources swiftly and identify if there are any additional fees necessary. This ensures that the end product not only meets but exceeds your expectations, adapting to any shifts in your project requirements. With project fees, we can be more flexible in our approach. This means we’re able to adjust our resources and priorities as needed to make sure we’re delivering the best possible outcome for our clients.
4. More Efficient
Embracing project-based fees empowers us to optimize our workflows and work more efficiently. Unlike hourly billing, which can inadvertently encourage slower work to accrue more hours, project fees encourage us to work smarter and more streamlined. This results in quicker project completion times, reduced complexities, and fewer disruptions, enabling you to witness the results of our labor sooner. Ultimately by using project fees, we’re able to streamline our processes and work more efficiently. This means getting your project completed faster and with fewer complications or delays.
5. No Hidden Costs
Hourly billing models sometimes hide unforeseen costs within their fine print, surprising clients with expenses that weren’t initially apparent. By opting for project fees, you can put these concerns to rest. Your invoice remains transparent, free from hidden fees or charges. You can have confidence that the price you agreed upon at the outset is the only cost you’ll encounter, contributing to a more predictable and stress-free financial experience. Whereas hourly billing can often come with hidden costs that you’re not aware of until they appear on your invoice. With project fees, you won’t have to worry about unexpected expenses that impact your budget.
6. Predictability
Predictability is paramount for effective budgeting and planning. By agreeing to a project fee, you gain a clear understanding of the financial commitment required for your marketing and automation initiatives. This predictability empowers you to allocate resources appropriately, knowing that your project won’t deviate from the pre-established budget. This financial stability fosters a sense of trust and partnership between you and the Automation Agency.
By agreeing to a project fee, you’ll get a predictable cost that’s easy to budget for and plan around. This means you can plan for your marketing and automation needs with confidence, without worrying about unexpected expenses.
7. Results-Oriented
Our philosophy centers around delivering outcomes that truly impact your business. Project fees align perfectly with this philosophy, as they shift the focus from mere task completion to measurable results. Our collaboration revolves around achieving quantifiable benefits for your business. Every effort we invest is geared towards producing value that goes beyond the project itself, making project fees an investment in your business’s growth and success.
Ultimately, we believe that project fees are in the best interest of the client because they focus on results. We’re not just completing tasks for the sake of completing tasks – we’re working to deliver measurable results that will help provide real value to your business.
Conclusion:
At Automation Agency, our steadfast belief in the superiority of project fees stems from the myriad of advantages they extend to our clients. By offering upfront clarity, unwavering quality, flexibility, efficiency, and cost transparency, we create an environment of trust and collaboration.
We’re dedicated to proving that the value of your investment isn’t just in our services but also in the confidence, assurance, and results that come with project-based pricing.
If you’re ready to experience the transformative benefits of project fees first hand then keep reading to learn more.
There are two main ways in which service companies can charge their clients.
(1) is Time Based fees. (2) is Project fees.
There are arguments on both sides.
At the Automation Agency we have tried both, and by far the best results for both parties is Project Fees. It may be just our experience of trying both, but we believe the client gets a way better result using project fee philosophy and if the client gets a better result we trust that we will too.
And so what does project fees or fixed fees charging mean?
The agency must fix and agree a price for their work upfront to deliver an entire project. If the project runs over then it is the agency that pays the price for being inefficient not the client.
That’s a massive advantage to the client.
If we say we will build a client a full sales automation system to help them attract a lot more clients then that is exactly what we must build for the client. We can’t cut any corners, we must deliver.
For the client it means:
Faster – we are incentivized to deliver the project as quickly as we can and so we always work faster, the client gets the system working for them sooner.
Time based fees encourage service providers to keep projects running for as long as they can, while we deliver projects in four to six weeks we had experiences of people coming to us stating that it has taken an agency over six months to deliver projects. Clients pay for something, they want it installed as quickly as they can.
Quality – not only do we deliver faster but we must deliver the highest quality, because we are incentivized to be more efficient in our work. When we are not it is our agency that pays the cost or inefficiency, not the client. It means the Automation Agency employs the very best people in the industry, because we want them working quickly, being efficient and also doing the job right. It means you, the customer, get the very best.
We love building automation systems for businesses, it helps make them more money because they are more efficient and it helps them grow because they are able to attract a lot more clientele to their business. We have now proudly built systems for over 5,000 businesses running the philosophy of delivering to you the highest quality in the quickest time possible.
What is the difference between CRM and Marketing automation? Many of us can interpret that both are similar tools that help us to grow our business. But trust me, both are different and have different properties of their own.
Think about which software you need when you want to build customer relationships, manage sales pipeline and improve customer service? You go to CRM software. But when it comes to saving time, sending emails, improving marketing efficiency, and generating more leads you go to Marketing Automation software.
What is Marketing Automation?
Marketing automation is a strategic approach that enables businesses and organizations of all kinds to reach and engage with their target audiences more effectively. Essentially, marketing automation refers to software and tools that automate certain marketing tasks, such as email campaigns, social media posts, and ad placements. By using marketing automation, businesses can save time, resources, and ultimately, money. This is particularly important for small businesses or those with limited marketing budgets, who need to maximize their efforts to achieve their goals.
Even in industries unrelated to marketing, such as home renovation or interior design, automation can prove useful. For example, if you are a contractor or designer focusing on walk-in shower ideas for small bathrooms, you can use automation to reach potential customers with targeted messages and offers. This not only streamlines your outreach efforts but also ensures that your message reaches the right people at the right time. Ultimately, marketing automation is all about improving efficiency and generating better results, no matter what industry you’re in.
What Is Customer Relationship Management (CRM)?
Customer Relationship Management, or CRM, is a business strategy that focuses on strengthening interactions between a company and its customers, with the ultimate goal of improving customer loyalty and profitability. CRM is more than a software tool; it is an approach to customer engagement that requires a deep understanding of customer needs and behaviors. CRM incorporates marketing automation, sales force automation, and customer service automation into a single system for managing customer interactions across all touchpoints.
By utilizing CRM principles, companies can enhance customer satisfaction, increase sales revenue, and gain valuable insights into customer behavior that inform better business decisions. A successful CRM strategy requires a holistic approach, incorporating people, processes, and technology in a seamless system that prioritizes customers and their needs.
In what way do CRMs and Marketing Automation collaborate?
CRM and Marketing Automation can be combined together which will create a powerful customer relationship management system. Though both are different, they are also dependent on each other in a business organization. By combining CRM and MA software, businesses can track customer interactions from their first knowledge of the existence of your business to the time when they make a purchase.
This can help a business to build stronger relationships with their customers and manage marketing campaigns efficiently and seamlessly.
Keap serves as an integrated CRM and Marketing Automation Software solution, consolidating key tools for efficient business management. Designed to facilitate contact management, lead nurturing, and marketing campaign automation, Keap offers a comprehensive platform. Businesses can leverage its functionality to enhance workflow, improve customer engagement, and implement targeted marketing strategies. Whether for small enterprises or larger corporations, Keap provides a reliable means of achieving a unified approach to CRM and marketing.
Here are some examples which shows how CRM and MA software, when combined, help the business:
Lead Scoring and Qualification:
Imagine a world where your marketing efforts are finely tuned to prioritize leads that have the highest potential for conversion. With MA software, you can assign scores to leads based on their interactions and behaviors, automatically updating your CRM system when they reach a predefined score. This enables your sales team to focus their efforts on leads that are more likely to convert, maximizing their efficiency and ultimately driving more revenue.
Automated Email Campaigns:
Gone are the days of generic email blasts that fail to resonate with your audience. With MA software, you can automate email campaigns that are tailored to specific customer segments. By leveraging the valuable customer information stored in your CRM system, you can ensure that each email feels personal and relevant to the recipient. This coordinated approach nurtures leads, strengthens customer relationships, and boosts your overall engagement.
Sales and Marketing Alignment:
Imagine a seamless collaboration between your sales and marketing teams, where real-time updates on lead interactions and campaign performance are readily available. Integration between your CRM and MA software makes this a reality. By empowering your sales team with timely and relevant information, you can optimize their strategies and ensure that your sales and marketing efforts are aligned towards achieving your business goals.
Customer Journey Tracking:
Understanding and managing the entire customer journey is crucial for building strong relationships and driving long-term loyalty. By combining the power of CRM and MA software, you gain a comprehensive view of each customer’s journey, from the initial touchpoints to post-purchase interactions. This depth of understanding enables you to deliver tailored experiences that resonate with your customers at every stage, ultimately fostering deeper connections and driving growth.
Closed-Loop Reporting:
As a savvy marketer, you know the importance of data-driven decision making. MA software provides detailed analytics on campaign performance, giving you insights into which strategies are driving results and which ones need adjustment. When integrated with your CRM system, this information becomes invaluable for assessing the effectiveness of your marketing efforts and understanding how they contribute to your sales and revenue growth.
Customer Segmentation and Personalization:
One-size-fits-all marketing is a thing of the past. Leverage the power of your CRM data with MA software to create highly targeted and personalized marketing campaigns. By dividing your customer base into distinct segments, you can deliver communication that is tailored to the specific needs and preferences of each group. This level of personalization ensures that your messages are relevant, resonating with your customers and driving better engagement.
Cross-Channel Integration:
In our interconnected world, a consistent and cohesive customer experience across channels is vital. Whether it’s social media, email, or other marketing channels, integration between your CRM and MA software enables a unified approach. This ensures that your messaging remains consistent and that your customers have a seamless experience, regardless of the channel they engage with. With this level of integration, you can strengthen your brand identity and create a memorable experience that keeps your customers coming back for more.
Summing Up: The Key Takeaways on Integrating CRM and Marketing Automation for Sales Success
Occasionally, a perception exists that a CRM system and marketing automation software operate in isolation with minimal overlap, with the CRM primarily focused on sales, and marketing automation exclusively dedicated to marketing functions.
Despite distinct differences between the two, they both contribute significantly to customer relationship management and the broader sales process. The crucial aspect is gaining a comprehensive understanding of the functionalities inherent in both a CRM system and marketing automation system, recognizing how they synergize to form a unified sales funnel spanning the entire customer journey.
By comprehending these applications and their convergence, you empower your sales team for optimal success while mitigating potential friction points in the customer interaction process. This strategic approach ensures a seamless and integrated workflow, fostering a more efficient and effective overall sales experience.
Founded by Jason Benedict and Therese Benedict, Automation Agency is a certified KEAP Partner. Specializing in marketing automation and client success, this agency offers extensive expertise to businesses aiming to maximize KEAP’s capabilities. Their dedication to assisting clients in streamlining processes, enhancing efficiency, and accomplishing marketing goals establishes Automation Agency as a reliable resource for those seeking to elevate their marketing and sales strategies through the capabilities of KEAP.
Contact the Automation Agency today to learn more about how KEAP can help your business grow! Request a FREE 14-Day Trial of Keap.
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Unlock the full potential of your business growth with the game-changing advantages of Marketing Automation. Ready to elevate your marketing strategies to new heights? If you’re nodding in agreement, you’re not alone. The real dilemma, however, surfaces when choosing the perfect marketing automation platform. Picture this: a sea of over 100 software solutions, all promising similar benefits. The daunting question emerges – how do you sift through the options and pinpoint the one that aligns seamlessly with your unique business requirements? It’s time to unravel the mystery of selecting the ideal marketing automation companion.
Why Use Marketing Automation Software?
In the dynamic landscape of modern business, utilising Marketing Automation Software has become a strategic choice and a necessity for sustained growth and a competitive edge.
Imagine having the power to streamline repetitive tasks, nurture leads seamlessly, and deliver personalized content to your audience at scale – all while gaining valuable insights into your marketing efforts.
Marketing Automation Software empowers businesses to automate routine processes, from email campaigns to social media posts, allowing teams to focus on high-impact tasks that require human creativity and strategic thinking. It’s the catalyst for efficiency, ensuring timely and targeted interactions with your audience, ultimately fostering stronger relationships and driving conversions. With the ability to analyze and interpret data in real time, these platforms enable data-driven decision-making, optimizing marketing strategies for maximum impact.
In essence, Marketing Automation Software isn’t just a tool; it’s the engine that propels your marketing efforts into the future, enhancing productivity, personalisation, and overall success.
Things To Consider In Your Hunt For The Perfect Marketing Automation Platform
Considering some things can make your shortlisting process easy. The following are the things you should consider while choosing Marketing Automation Software:
1. What features are most important to you?
You would rather choose a platform that meets your needs. So you should first find out what features you want for your business and which platform can provide you with those features.
Determine which features are most important and non-negotiable for your business and which features can be useful. Following are the features and attributes that you should consider:
Ease of implementation
Customizability
Affordable and Flexible Pricing
Analytics and Reporting
AI Assistance
Low Learning Curve
Range of integrations
ability to scale as your business grows
Additionally, when you start your research, you will learn each software’s disadvantages. Determine whether those limitations affect your goals or you can ignore them. Also, have communication with the software’s developers or support team and know if they are going to consider those limitations.
2. Is it affordable?
The key consideration when seeking the ideal software for your needs should be affordability. For many small and new businesses, budget constraints make it challenging to invest in expensive marketing automation platforms. Begin by calculating your budget and then research platforms that offer all the desired features at an affordable price.
3. Is It Customizable?
Each marketing automation platform provides templates for creating workflows and some degree of customization. Verify the level of customizability and assess whether you can seamlessly integrate data sources, marketing channels, and analytics tools that are integral to your operations. It’s beneficial to create sample workflows and attempt to edit templates within the software to analyze how effectively you can tailor them to meet your specific needs.
4. Does it have reliable customer support?
Absolutely, seeking assistance when you encounter challenges is crucial. Picture yourself stuck in a workflow, unsure about a specific action, and your only recourse is to reach out for support. Consider reaching out to the support team before making a purchase. Check if they offer live chat support, ask questions about pricing plans and features, and observe how they respond to assess the level of assistance you can expect.
5. Does it integrate well with your tools?
You likely already have some tools in your CRM arsenal, such as forms, analytics tools, social media marketing channels, and data sources. It’s essential to review the software and confirm whether the software can integrate with multiple marketing tools and channels, especially the ones you already own. This step can help minimize the risk of incurring additional expenses and ensure a smoother integration process.
Which are the best marketing automation tools?
To simplify your search for the perfect marketing automation tool, we’ve compiled a list of sought-after software options that are not only affordable but also user-friendly and help small businesses grow faster.
1. Keap
Best for: small business CRM and marketing automation.
Keap is an integrated business management platform designed for small businesses, offering CRM, marketing automation, sales, and e-commerce functionalities. It streamlines customer interactions, automates marketing campaigns, and facilitates sales processes, providing an all-in-one solution to help businesses grow and manage their operations efficiently.
Automation agency is a Keap Certified partner and provides services to small businesses to grow their business with freedom. Reach out to us right now to take your business to the next level.
2. Hubspot
Best for: inbound marketing, sales, and customer service solutions.
HubSpot is a comprehensive platform that combines inbound marketing, sales, and customer support to assist companies in bringing in, interacting with, and satisfying their customers. Known for its user-friendly interface, HubSpot offers tools for content creation, lead generation, customer relationship management (CRM), and analytics, enabling seamless integration of marketing and sales efforts.
3. ActiveCampaign
Best for: email marketing automation and customer relationship management (CRM).
ActiveCampaign is a comprehensive customer experience automation platform that empowers businesses with tools for email marketing, automation, sales automation, and customer relationship management (CRM). It enables businesses to create targeted campaigns, automate customer interactions, and manage relationships throughout the customer lifecycle, fostering personalized and effective communication.
4. Mail Chimp
Best for: email marketing and newsletter campaigns
Mailchimp is an email marketing platform that allows businesses and individuals to create, send, and track email campaigns. Known for its user-friendly interface and automation features, Mailchimp helps users engage with their audience, build customer relationships, and analyze campaign performance.
Want to know more about how Keap can help your business grow?
Drop us your questions and also read our client spotlight series and witness their journey of growth with Automation Agency:
Hiring A Fractional CMO: Your Path To Increased Revenue, Maximizing Profits & Driving Efficiency
In the realm of executive search talent, a transformative trend is rapidly taking shape: the ascent of the Fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). This innovative solution is becoming increasingly popular among both high-growth companies and well-established organizations. They are choosing a fractional CMO when the prospect of hiring a full-time C-Suite marketing leader isn’t the optimal fit, proves to be cost-prohibitive, or appears too risky.
Hiring C-Level Expertise Without the Full-Time Commitment
Hiring a fractional CMO empower businesses with access to C-level expertise, offering strategic guidance and leadership, without incurring the financial commitment of a full-time executive. As businesses evolve and seek to distinguish themselves from their competitors, comprehending the intricacies of how fractional CMOs operate and the manifold benefits they bring becomes indispensable.
Why Fractional CMOs Matter
In an ever-evolving business landscape, staying ahead is imperative. Fractional CMOs not only provide an affordable and flexible alternative but also represent a key to unlocking invaluable marketing insights and strategies to drive growth. Embracing this trend can be the game-changer your organization needs to thrive in the modern marketplace.
What is a Fractional CMO?
A Fractional CMO is a highly skilled and experienced marketing executive who works with your organization on a part-time or project basis. They provide the strategic leadership and guidance required to maximize your marketing efforts.
Services Fractional CMO’s Provide
1. Marketing Strategy Development
Our Fractional CMOs create comprehensive marketing strategies tailored to your business objectives, ensuring every effort aligns with your goals.
2. Team Leadership & Management
We guide your marketing team, enhancing their capabilities, and streamlining their operations to achieve better results
3. Campaign Planning & Execution
From concept to execution, we plan, execute, and optimize your marketing campaigns for maximum impact.
4. Data-Driven Insights
Leveraging data analytics, we provide in-depth insights to optimize your marketing efforts and increase ROI.
5. Brand Development
We help you craft a unique and compelling brand story that resonates with your target audience.
6. Market Research
Understanding your market is key. Our Fractional CMOs conduct thorough research to uncover new opportunities and customer insights.
7. ROI Tracking & Reporting
We keep you informed about the performance of your marketing initiatives, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Why Choose a Fractional CMO?
Cost-Effective: Get high-level expertise without the expense of a full-time CMO.
– Flexibility: Scale up or down based on your needs and budget.
– Industry Insights: Benefit from diverse industry experience and knowledge.
– Strategic Focus: Our Fractional CMOs are dedicated to your success.
– Measurable Results: We focus on delivering results that matter.
Introducing Our Fractional CMO Services
Are you ready to take your marketing efforts to the next level? Our Fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) services are the solution you’ve been searching for. With our experienced marketing professionals, you can benefit from top-level strategic expertise without the high cost of a full-time CMO.
Ready to Elevate Your Strategic Marketing Game?
Contact us today to learn more about our Fractional CMO services and how we can drive your marketing success. Let’s work together to take your brand to new heights.
The Quiz was designed for business owners and managers who want to create growth in their businesses. C3 helps you work out a direction – where to put your resources, where to focus your marketing efforts to get the best returns for your business.
C3 is a Quiz. It is designed to help provoke thought and turn that into action.
You are asked to complete 16 questions relating to the marketing and brand of your business. You are provided with analysis of:
Where you see the problems in your growth
Where you see your team’s skills
What this tells you about your priorities for growth.
To maximize the value of the results requires detailed analysis and conversation to open all the possibilities as they apply to your business and industry.
With that in mind we offer you support with a coaching call for 30 mins to talk through your results, and there are detailed videos on our website to support your analysis.
At the end of the day, it is a Quiz, have fun and we hope you enjoy the experience we have created for you.By completing the C3 Quiz it will help you determine what skills you are seeking in a Fractional CMO. If your results indicate you are more COLLECT Dominant then you need somebody with stronger Marketing/Brand skills, if your results indicate you are more CONVERT Dominant – you need someone with a stronger Technology and Sales background, if your results indicate you are more CREATE Dominant then you need someone with strong Production skills and client focused skills.
Marketing is a critical aspect of your company or business, serving as a medium to connect with potential customers, create awareness, and generate new leads. In marketing, many tasks are repetitive. You need to develop new strategies and maintain connections with leads and customers. It is indeed a time-consuming process, isn’t it? Additionally, you require extra manpower to manage your marketing campaigns, resulting in increased expenses for your business.
Marketing automation is, in fact, a technology that automates marketing processes and multifunctional campaigns across multiple channels. That’s a relief right? Now you can manage your marketing campaigns automatically without the need for extra manpower!
How exactly does marketing automation work?
At first glance, marketing automation may sound like it is primarily used for automating email marketing, but it actually does more than just automating emails. Let’s take a look at the ways in which marketing automation helps us streamline the process and save time:
Lead generation and nurturing
Email Marketing
Social media management
Customer relationship management (CRM)
Analytics and Reporting
Personalization
Segmentation
Scalability
What benefits may Marketing Automation provide for your company?
To keep your customers and prospects engaged, numerous repetitive tasks are necessary, such as email marketing, social media uploads, and many others. Marketing automation helps streamline this process. It’s not just about saving time but also addressing the following aspects that are beneficial for your business:
Personalized customer experience:
Marketing automation tailors messages to individual preferences, creating a uniquely personalized customer journey. Personalization deepens customer connections, increasing engagement and the likelihood of conversion.
Enhanced efficiency and creativity:
Automation streamlines marketing tasks, freeing up time for your team to brainstorm innovative strategies and content. Efficiency boosts creativity, allowing you to focus on crafting more compelling and engaging campaigns.
Improved customer retention:
Marketing automation nurtures existing customers with relevant content, fostering loyalty and repeat business. By tracking customer behavior and preferences, automation helps you anticipate their needs and proactively address them.
Prompt customer service:
Automation ensures rapid response to customer inquiries, providing a seamless and satisfying experience. Immediate customer service not only resolves issues quickly but also leaves a positive impression on your audience.
How to choose a Marketing Automation Software?
Now, how can you identify whether this marketing automation software is the best or if another one is better? There are some key features of automation software. If the software provides these features, then you are good to go.
Builder for Landing Pages and Campaigns:
The Landing Page and Campaign Builder makes it easy to create attractive marketing materials, helping you connect with more customers and improve your results. It’s a handy tool to boost your marketing efforts.
CRM Integration:
CRM integrations help by connecting customer information with your business processes, making things smoother and focusing more on customers.
Reports and Statistics:
The feature of Reports and Statistics provides valuable insights, enabling data-driven decisions and improving overall performance in any business or organization. With this you can also keep a track of your achievements and areas of improvement.
Personalize communications with all of your contacts:
This feature enables you to create tailored messages for every contact, fostering stronger and more meaningful relationships with your audience.
Nurture leads without putting in extra effort:
This feature allows you to effortlessly nurture leads, saving time and resources while maintaining strong customer relationships.
Generate leads with lead capture forms and landing pages:
This feature allows businesses to effortlessly expand their customer base by capturing leads through user-friendly forms and engaging landing pages, boosting their marketing efforts and potential for growth.
Target customers with the highest purchasing potential and boost conversions:
This feature allows you to pinpoint customers with the greatest purchasing potential, resulting in significant conversion rate improvements.
When it comes to small businesses, KEAP (Infusionsoft) emerges as a valuable solution worth considering. Its user-friendly interface, powerful automation tools, and comprehensive CRM capabilities make it a practical choice for entrepreneurs seeking to streamline their sales and marketing efforts. With features like email marketing and e-commerce integration, Keap can help small businesses better connect with their target audience and improve their conversion rates.
Automation Agency, Co-founded by Jason Benedict and Therese Benedict, is a KEAP Certified Partner. With a strong focus on marketing automation and client success, this agency brings a wealth of expertise to businesses seeking to harness the full potential of KEAP’s capabilities. Their commitment to helping clients streamline processes, boost efficiency, and achieve marketing goals makes Automation Agency a trusted resource for those looking to elevate their marketing and sales strategies through the power of KEAP.
(Chandler, Ariz. – May 16, 2023) – Automation Agency, a leading digital marketing agency and Keap Certified Partner, has been awarded 2022 “KKOP Partner of the Year” for their exceptional Keap coaching, training, and onboarding services. The award recognizes Automation Agency’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and leadership in helping small businesses leverage the power of sales and marketing automation with Keap. Keap is an all-in-one CRM, automation software, and sales solution for small businesses to grow revenue and save time.
“We are thrilled to receive this prestigious award from Keap again,” said Jason Benedict, Co-Founder of Automation Agency. “We have built an amazing team over the last ten years that is highly skilled and dedicated to delivering world-class coaching, training, and onboarding to Keap users,” said Therese Benedict, Co-Founder of Automation Agency.
Viewed as a trusted advisor in the world of sales and marketing automation, the Automation Agency – husband & wife team, Jason & Therese Benedict, have built an unwavering reputation for delivering consistent results. In 2017, they were the first Keap Certified Partner to ever receive the prestigious “KKOP Partner of the Year” award. And now, they are the only Keap Certified Partner to have achieved that same honor twice.
“This recognition is a testament to our relentless innovation, hard work, and dedication to the overall success of small businesses. It reinforces the Automation Agency’s commitment to providing our customers with innovative marketing solutions they can trust,” added Jason Benedict.
The Automation Agency is incredibly skilled at developing go-to-market strategies, flowchart and funnel diagram mapping, and developing Keap marketing automation campaigns that increase sales growth, margin growth, and value growth for small businesses.
Through a combination of hands-on training and on-demand support, Automation Agency has successfully onboarded, coached, and trained more than 5,000 small business owners, resulting in significant growth and success. The company has been instrumental in helping Keap users maximize the potential of the Keap CRM through targeted and personalized training sessions that adapt to varying skill levels.
“Jason & Therese Benedict are more than just the Co-Founders of the Automation Agency, they are true partners to Avalon Pharmacy and are deeply committed to our continued growth and success,” said Amit Kakar, PharmD. Owner of Avalon Pharmacy.
“We’ve been working with the Automation Agency for three years now and have learned so much about marketing automation and how to effectively engage with our patients. In return, its created consistent growth and freedom to focus on my other passions in life,” added Kakar.
About Automation Agency The Automation Agency is an award-winning marketing agency that helps small businesses to collect more leads, convert more clients, and create more fans by leveraging the power of their proven and tested C3 Growth Framework. It was founded by husband-and-wife team Jason & Therese Benedict. For more information about the Automation Agency’s services or to speak with a Keap Marketing Automation Expert about how they can help your business grow, call or text 602.900.9345 or visit their website at https://automation.agency/.
For many entrepreneurs, marketing automation is the key to unlocking major growth opportunities in their business. When approached strategically, automation gives business owners more control and efficiency in their operations, allowing them to focus on what really matters: growing their business. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to use automation and why it’s an essential tool for success. If you are a busy business owner who dreams of significantly growing your company, keep reading to discover all of the amazing benefits you can achieve from working with automation!
Marketing automation has quickly become the most important tool for small business owners in almost every vertical. It’s a great way to save time and effort while simultaneously gaining valuable insight into the likes and interests of both customers and prospects. With marketing automation, you can achieve clear and measurable results with simple sales and marketing campaigns that include personalized follow up emails, happy birthday campaigns, re-engagement campaigns, lead generation, social media posts, and much more.
In a recent interview, Automation AgencyCo-Founder, Jason Benedict, talks about how marketing automation has transformed the lives of the thousands of business owners that he has worked with. “Marketing automation is literally the backbone of our business. We coach, train, and onboard about a hundred small businesses every month using a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) platform called Keap. Automation Agency is Keap Certified Partner, which means that everyone on our team is an expert at using and implementing the marketing automation software. We are automation evangelists; We absolutely love it! We use it very successfully in our own business. We eat, sleep, drink and breathe automation, but without losing the personal human element and relationship with each prospect and client!”
The Automation Agency teaches their clients their C3 Growth Framework, a proven and tested process that helps business owners to consistently grow sales by focusing on three main growth engines: collecting leads, converting clients, and creating fans. The C3 Growth Framework, developed by Jason & Therese Benedict, ensures that businesses are able to create a frictionless and personalized experience for customers so they keep coming back again and again! To help businesses identify their biggest challenges, gaps, and opportunities for growth the Automation Agency has created a free assessment tool called the C3 Quiz
Founded in 2014, the Automation Agency has experienced exponential growth in the last three years as companies have invested more and more into their digital strategies since the pandemic. Their well-rounded team of experts specializes in all things digital marketing: email acquisition, cold list marketing, email marketing, lead generation, copywriting, reputation management, social media marketing, integrations, website development, and much more! Their true passion is tying it all together with automation.
Utilizing automation to unlock growth in your businesses will ensure that you connect with your contacts during the most important touchpoints in the customer journey. This includes following up with current clients, reaching out to prospects, gathering information, and patching up any gaps you may have in the sales process.
The Automation Agency begins this process by launching a deep dive into businesses and mapping out their customer journeys. We call this first step a Flowchart or a Funnel Diagram. The Flowchart is a visual representation of how your company wants to take its customers through one of the categories in the C3 Framework (collecting leads, converting clients, or creating fans). Mapping out the full process and doing a series of discovery meetings makes sure to identify and fix any gaps that may be holding a business back from achieving more growth.
The Automation Agency Team loves getting to know new business owners and learning about their processes, all while creating an unforgettable impact. From providing professional copywriting to finding the perfect timing to send automated messages, to utilizing SMS or voicemail drops – they have it all covered!
One of the Automation Agency’s most popular solutions for busy entrepreneurs is their innovative LinkedIn automation solution. It empowers business owners to save time and get the most out of their online presence. Through the revolutionary BEEP Method (Build, Engage, Educate & Promote), this powerful tool enables company leaders to connect with their target audience in an effective, yet personal way. Thus, freeing up resources for activities like engaging current customers or hosting webinars.
Automation is one of the most useful tools at any business’s disposal today, but many business owners don’t realize just how much they could be benefiting from its use. From providing better customer service at scale and tracking ROI across multiple channels, automating certain processes can help your business save time and money, all while delivering top-notch results. If you’re looking for ways to increase efficiency without sacrificing quality or accuracy, then automation is definitely worth exploring!
Keeping track of the latest developments in an ever-changing technological world is challenging. One thing has become increasingly clear — businesses need to standardize their technology stack. It means having a specific set of technologies used across the board to unify processes and simplify operations.
Standardizing your technology stack brings several benefits, including cost savings and increased efficiency. Let’s look at the 13 reasons businesses should standardize their technology stack in 2023.
1. Having A Standardized Technology Stack Is Critical To Growth
It becomes difficult to scale up without an organized system for managing your technology. Imagine being in a situation where you can increase your workforce and your base of operations. However, you experience multiple delays because you cannot create the same platform for the other location.
There are no common apps, software, or hardware used. Your company has been surviving, but there’s no standard to follow. You limit yourselves and must create this organization first, delaying your expansion and a profitable year ahead.
A standardized tech stack will allow you to identify what you need to update or replace. You can do so without disrupting operations or creating unnecessary costs. Imagine having a set platform for cloud solutions or communication apps. You only need to add more or upgrade to the next level of service to accommodate the scaling.
When you haven’t prepared it yet, you’ll spend a lot of time looking for applications and might settle on something beyond your budget. It can even be small inefficiencies, but they add up and make it difficult for you to grow.
It all begins with what you have now. Organize everything you need to keep your business running. Take note of all the applications and platforms to see if it’s possible to scale up with them down the line. When you find they are incapable, you can address them now instead of stopping your momentum in the future. Make sure everything has a paper trail for easier reference.
2. Eliminates Technology Crossover & Redundancy
When different departments are using varying software solutions, it risks redundancy. It usually happens when there’s no set standard and a communication gap between these areas.
Your marketing company may use a different project management tool than your developers. When they need to work together, it creates confusion, and departments begin arguing about which tools to use.
It also creates an environment where people are trying to look for the information they need. However, they have to communicate with the other department. It can also cause delays as there is no standard platform for all the work.
Another scenario is when both departments did not communicate their software needs. This leads the company to pay for two subscriptions of a single service. One account is enough to accommodate all, but there’s no standard, and the company spends more for both to have the same set of tools. It’s redundant and only affects your efficiency. You want to have a standard set of tools for all departments. This reduces the chance of data overlap and unnecessary costs. Not only that, but you’ll also experience a more efficient and productive work environment.
Solve the technology crossover by addressing them now before they become an issue. Talk to all your teams and learn what platforms they use and what can benefit your company. From there, help the other departments transition into a single set of tools to use company-wide. They’ll thank you later when work is easier with the same programs and platforms.
3. Reduces Technology Costs
Standardizing your technology stack can save you money in the long run by avoiding costly customizations. It also keeps you from buying multiple versions of the same software solution for different departments or users.
Instead of dealing with technology issues as they come, you address them as a company-wide application instead. For example, if the company needs a tool, you can ask the heads of each department if they need any specific add-ons or if there’s any software they prefer.
You’ll get input from each part of the organization, narrowing the costs and helping you identify what features you need. You’ll be able to save money by choosing the right software that hits all the boxes and then only paying one cost for everything.
Standardization makes it easy to manage spending because you know what tech solutions your company uses. That goes for every department across your organization at any given time. It will be less stressful to budget everything as a whole instead of smaller individual pieces.
On the other side of this issue, a company with a standardized technology stack may suffer from overspending on one platform. You only get software for one department, but another needs it too. They cannot borrow the other accounts, so you have to pay for another subscription. The costs double instead of only slightly increasing from your initial spending.
With standardization, you know what your company needs and can evaluate when something is no longer necessary. For example, one of your tools gains another feature once unique to another app. The other app becomes redundant, and you can remove it from the company, removing unnecessary spending.
4. Less Staff Training
When you implement a standardized technology stack, every company member accesses the same tools. This goes for software and hardware too. With it, you’ll only need one set of training manuals to teach everyone to use technology adopted by your organization. You’ll save time and money by having a single training session from a central point everyone learns from.
Staff can also help and support each other because they use the same tools. When you need to improve through training, you only need one cost to help your entire organization. You’ll also gain valuable insight as there are likely people in your company with the expertise to use these tools. They’ll also act as help for those onboarding, making transitions easier.
There will also be only one point of reference for any issues with the software. Compare it to a company that uses software that fulfills the same thing. Having two different software means you’ll train each group separately to become experts on their respective tools. Not only that, but it will be difficult for them to collaborate because each tool’s features may be different.
Not to mention there are also compatibility issues. Some tools do not work well with others, leading you to start from scratch to replicate the same results. You can easily avoid this with a technological standard that applies to all. It does not matter if one tool is better than the other. What matters is that everyone understands and uses the same ones.
5. Increases Efficiency & Understanding
With a standardized tech stack, your team can become more efficient because there is only one system for them to learn. This is better than grasping multiple systems that require extra time and energy. It may be a challenge to find ways to make them work together. With everyone in the same direction, it’s easier to support one another and transition to different projects using the same tools.
A standardized tech stack will also help understanding grow between each department. Collaboration is much better when everyone can understand the things they’re using. Everyone will be on board when one references something they did for the project.
It also makes transitions, transfers, and new hires easier. Imagine having everyone able to answer questions and teach people who are still trying to get the hang of operations. It’s a much better scenario than waiting for a few experts who are the only ones equipped for the job. Minimizing the amount of technology used also lessens the burden on your staff, especially those who need to work on several things.
As a result, you’ll get a less complex system, simplifying operations in each department. You streamline everything and have everyone working together within one system. This goes the same for hardware, software, policies, and equipment. It will take some time to apply, but the increase you get will affect you for far longer than it takes to set things up.
6. Easier Software Management
A standardized tech stack gives you complete control over aspects of your software management process. Without it, you’ll worry about software compatibility issues with different systems. Not only that, but the same software may even have different versions, which affects the overall workflow. Suddenly, one software has a feature that the others don’t, requiring you to adjust to unnecessary costs.
With a standard, you don’t have to worry about these things. Everything works seamlessly with a unified technology stack in place. Using it will improve your software in many ways:
Have a single software used for specific tasks in the workplace. You’ll have one for documentation, projects, time management, work, and more. In some cases, one software can handle multiple functions: like Keap, a client retention management software that also includes powerful sales and marketing automation solutions.
Have a set policy that updates all software use at regular intervals. It ensures everyone is on the same page and one gets left behind on software changes.
The ability to get multiple licenses at a lower cost with bundling instead of buying software one by one. The more you’ll buy, the higher your bargaining power with a vendor.
It’s easy to budget software needs and check if some departments are lacking specific software.
Onboarding new staff members is also faster because you already know the technology they’ll use. It’s also easier to train them in something that’s your company’s expertise.
7. Requires Less Technical Support On Disperse Systems
You eliminate potential issues by having one unified system rather than disparate systems. Most problems stem from incompatibilities between platforms or issues due to version differentiations. With a single tech stack, you reduce the need for technical support in these areas. It allows you to prepare everything, improving the chances of everything working together.
The uniformity works by decreasing the need for people and guidelines to follow. Everything works as it should for your company.
For example, when your support team uses a single tool, they can easily access it to find solutions. A simple search using the same platform will reveal to them guidelines on how to handle tickets. You give them direction and support without unnecessarily overstretching your resources. They won’t have to grasp at straws when a challenging issue arises because they’ll have a standard.
Over time, your team will learn shortcuts that will make things more efficient with how they handle work. They may have already encountered the issue before or can smoothly navigate the tools to find a solution.
Of course, there will be some situations where it will still be challenging, even if they have standards. It exists to help minimize these scenarios to ensure that your company is operating at its best.
8. Consistent Reporting & Data Analysis
Having a unified platform makes it easy to report and analyze because you can easily compare them across the board. Not only that, but a standard creates a baseline that provides more accuracy toward the results. You’ll know when a marketing strategy isn’t performing as expected or notice if there’s a new trend developing in a specific niche.
All of this operates in a centralized database that you can access, and will contain information from all your departments. You’ll know what to improve, eliminate, change, or add. The best part about accurate data is that it gives you a clearer picture. Many studies prove that data analysis can lead to better business decisions.
As such, all your decisions will be based on statistical facts rather than a gut feeling or second-guess. You don’t have to try and go into your company blind, hoping that the following application you create works. You’ll see if your actions impact the results because you have information gathered to back you up.
Without a standardized tech stack, things will end up as a mess. Even if you have similar categories to measure, it will be hard to determine the best solution because of inaccuracies. There is no baseline, meaning higher performance in one department may not reflect the entire picture. It’s performing better because you see data skewed, favoring one software over the other.
9. Promotes Information Sharing
With all team members working on the same platform, it is easier and faster to share. You’ll be able to do it efficiently. In any sharing scenario, it’s easier for someone to open up and give their ideas when they know that all the others understand them completely. It leaves no room for doubt, and people can also use the ideas shared to add their own, improving upon them.
A standard technology stack also reduces the need for manual processes. There’s less time spent figuring out if other people are using the same software. In the worst-case scenario, you could share solutions to help the team, only to realize that they can’t because they’re using a different set of tools.
With less time spent trying to fiddle and figure things out, staff can dedicate more time to the work. They’ll know what to avoid, including the pitfalls, because other people have shared information about what went wrong with them. They’ll work faster because they see how others do it using the same platform, applying it themselves. The team can also transition faster and support each other when needed, with minimal distractions.
A single platform is also a lot more secure. There is a higher risk of managing information between different platforms. It might lead to sudden corruption, or one of the other platforms may be more vulnerable.
10. Minimizes Downtime
Everyone is ready to start the day. They boot up their systems only to realize that many don’t have the latest update available. They spend half the day updating their programs, and the company cannot proceed with any project while waiting.
With a standardized tech stack, all system and software updates happen on schedule. It also happens to everyone, and no one gets left behind. Because of this, there will be fewer issues of downtime due to problems with updates or outages.
Another issue that can cause downtime is compatibility issues. Everything seems to be working well so far, only for the team to discover that several applications cannot read or open the file. They have to spend time remaking the entire thing, troubleshooting, or even downloading software that does not work. All of these could’ve been avoided with standardization.
Downtime is a serious threat and one that many companies dread happening. A delay in one area can cascade into problems for the entire company. It can cause delays which affect productivity and profitability. Time is money, and a standardized tech stack will help you save both. The only challenging part is the start, as you transition everything and make the policies to keep things running smoothly.
In cases where downtime is unavoidable in a standardized environment, you can evaluate what went wrong. From there, you can apply whatever necessary solution the company comes up with to ensure that it doesn’t happen again.
11. Improved Customer Service
A uniform platform streamlines operations across all departments, meaning people respond faster. Your customer service team will stay on top of inquiries and can access data that your platform tracks. When the company doesn’t have these standards, they will spend time communicating with other platforms and teams. The information should be easy to access. Recent trends show us that customer service helps improve brand trust and loyalty.
Put yourself in the shoes of the customer. Without standardization, you’ll likely get calls or support chats that take too long. You already spend minutes in line and get service that will take a few hours to complete. There will also be cases where you’ll get transferred to another service, and the call drops because of compatibility issues. It is frustrating and will only sour your impression of the company you’re contacting.
A standardized tech stack addresses the concerns, improving your business in customer service. Customers always receive the best possible experience, no matter who they’re talking to in your organization. It’s vital for your customer service team to always remain on the same page. They can do that if they’re running with the same guidelines, software, and hardware.
12. Less Time Managing Vendors
Third-party vendors are essential to most businesses. You have to rely on them because they provide the resources, expertise, and skills your company may lack. There are also times when you have to work using their services and products, all while saving you money. The issue isn’t with the vendors themselves, but what happens when you’re managing multiple of them at once?
Having an unorganized tech stack will cause headaches and also lead you to compromise on subpar tech. You’re trying to keep everyone appeased, but it’s hard to keep a record of everything because they’re on separate platforms. It’s better to have a standard and set that standard with the vendor you’re doing business with. Once they cannot comply with that standard, you’ll narrow your options and find someone better to do it.
In another scenario, standardization allows you to have a single provider that handles all of these vendors. You’ll only have one point of contact, and the provider handles everything else as it’s what they do best. You save time and money, not needing to spend resources unnecessarily. There will be no more contract negotiations and vendor disputes. You’ve directed everything into a single entity to manage.
13. Increased Profitability
A unified platform bridges all your business operations to stay interoperable. You reduce costs while maximizing productivity, translating to increased profitability over time.
You want a standardized tech stack because it helps you free up resources. You’ll be able to automate some tasks and reduce the time needed to fulfill others. You have more people to use up for other things, and it’s also easier to scale up operations. The time you save means more time is available for work.
You’ll also have a happier workforce, and good morale is a strong driver for performance. You can give people more time to rest and take a break. Standardization also gives them an idea that you’re looking into improving their experience as employees.
If there’s any argument that stands above the rest, it’s this one. Businesses are always looking to improve their bottom line. Profit is correlated to success, and the extra money you get opens more opportunities for your business to grow. People have made significant sacrifices to ensure profitability. Standardization is only a bit of a setback to set up in comparison.
Putting It All Together
Standardizing your technology stack may seem intimidating, but its benefits are undeniable. You get greater efficiency in reporting, analysis, and customer service. There is better information sharing with teams, and you’ll ultimately get better profitability. With so many benefits it provides, businesses should make this transition sooner than later!
You don’t have to start unless you want to fulfill a deadline. Standardization can begin small. Begin evaluating what your company uses and what it needs to help with operations. Talk to management teams and department heads to see things from the perspective of your workforce. You can begin drafting software, checking the budget concerning it, and implementing guidelines.
You can do it one at a time. Change your client relationship management (CRM) platform first, then apply a good project management tool. Give your team time to adjust to each one. Over time, they’ll be more receptive to changes because they experience the benefits themselves.
Not only will it help save time and money, but it also ensures you remain competitive. The digital landscape is ever-changing, and standardization helps you focus on the future.
Transitioning to a new technology stack can be daunting.
But it doesn’t have to be! The Automation Agency has the experience and expertise to help you through every step of the process – from planning to execution. We’ll make sure your new technology stack is tailored to your specific needs and that the transition is as smooth and seamless as possible.
Let us take care of everything for you so you can focus on what you do best – running your business. With our help, you’ll be up and running on your new technology stack in no time!
