Interestingly, our experiences in the rapidly evolving marketing automation category were quite common, especially in one area: A year ago, most of the client engagements for both our firms were what my consultant friend called “rescues” – that is, companies who purchased marketing automation software, jumped immediately into tactical campaign mode, and then needed help six or nine months later when they realized they were achieving only a fraction of the platform’s potential. And that fact, I would propose, is a good sign for a maturing market. emphasis mine). No, not necessarily. MORE >>

Email software should provide high deliverability as well as campaign reporting. Providers include HubSpot, Marketo, Silverpop, Eloqua and Manticore. The Internet has changed the way companies communicate. And this means that digital communications have become a high priority to marketers. Below are a list of technologies and capabilities that are important tools for today's inbound marketer. Email marketing - email is still a critical tool in the lead generation arsenal. Solutions vary greatly in price and capability. This means using website analytics. MORE >>

During Marketo’s Social Rockstar Tour presentation, they presented two alternatives to content in inbound marketing. Example 3: Linux Open source software has developed its own community. Content Social Media buffer content marketing inbound marketing marketo pingdomInbound marketing is all about your content, right? If you use the components of inbound marketing I have shared or the common definition centered on content, social and search, content is at the core. Content is definitely one path, and the path most companies traditionally take. Sign up here. MORE >>

My new obsession with Twitter (follow me as @draab) has led to several messages from people who seemed to have trouble choosing between Eloqua and Marketo. This is a bit perplexing, since those products are at the opposite ends of the spectrum: Marketo being relatively low cost / limited functionality / easier to learn, and Eloqua being higher cost / richer functionality / takes more training. Marketo is certainly a fine product, but marketers should still look around before picking it by default. It shouldn't be hard to figure out which one suits you better. Just kidding.or MORE >>

However, I decided their software is best described as ‘clunky” (For instance, I always hated the term “Email Blasts” but that is what is says on their menu.) Since we hosted their online show, Mad Marketing TV, sponsored by Act-On Software , we had solid relationships there. As much as we love these firms, software from great companies like Marketo and Eloqua are not affordable for us.). Act-On Software plugs in nicely to external websites. Act-On Software is much more capable and elegant than Genoo. But no more. Thank you all. MORE >>