Speaker 1: 0:58

Hey everyone and welcome back to the Rainmaker's Edge Perspective. We're diving into a topic that's well kind of close to home for us. Today we're talking all about marketing automation, especially for those of you out there running your own local businesses.

Speaker 2: 1:11

And it really can be a total game changer. But I know there's a lot of well, there are a lot of misconceptions floating around out there.

Speaker 1: 1:18

You're telling me. It seems like everyone's heard things like oh, it's way too expensive, or it's just too complicated for me, or even that classic automation, that's only for those big companies. But here's the thing those are just myths, and we're here today to bust those myths wide open.

Speaker 2: 1:37

Exactly. We're going to break it down and show you how automation can actually level that playing field, no matter what size your business is.

Speaker 1: 1:44

That's right, because we've seen it firsthand time and time again businesses that are using automation. They're seeing some seriously incredible results. We're talking more leads, higher conversion rates and maybe, best of all, a whole lot more time freed up.

Speaker 2: 1:59

More time to do what you do best right. Connect with your customers, build that brand and focus on the big picture.

Speaker 1: 2:04

Exactly so. Let's just jump right in and tackle the first myth head on that whole automation is only for big companies thing. It's a pretty common one, for sure. But get this Did you know that a whopping 60% of small businesses yeah, small businesses just like yours who are using automation are seeing major improvements in their marketing efficiency?

Speaker 2: 2:27

That's right, 60%. And think about it. Automation swoops in and takes care of all those little repetitive tasks that can eat up your day, you know, sending out emails, scheduling those social media posts, following up on leads.

Speaker 1: 2:38

Right, all that stuff that you know you need to do, but it just takes so much time.

Speaker 2: 2:42

Exactly. It's like suddenly having an extra set of hands without having to, you know like, actually hire anyone. And the exciting part platforms like Rainmaker, reputation, ai, crm that's what we're all about here. Right? They're making this kind of power accessible to even the smallest of budgets, so really, there are no more excuses. Automation is within reach for everyone.

Speaker 1: 3:02

Okay, that leads us perfectly into myth number two, which is this idea that automation equals impersonal, robotic communication. And I get it. Nobody wants to feel like they're talking to some kind of robot, right? But the truth is automation, when it's done right, can actually make your communication more personal way more personal.

Speaker 2: 3:23

It's all about using data, but using it to really understand your audience. So let's say you own I don't know a local bakery and you have this customer who, every single time, they just have to get your gluten-free chocolate chip cookies.

Speaker 1: 3:35

They're amazing.

Speaker 2: 3:36

The best. So with automation you can set up a system that's smart enough to automatically send them a little email when you have, say, a new gluten-free treat or maybe a special offer just for those loyal gluten-free fans.

Speaker 1: 3:49

It's about being thoughtful, yeah, you know, sending relevant messages instead of just blasting out some generic thing and hoping it sticks.

Speaker 2: 3:55

Exactly, and that's actually where platforms like Rainmaker really, really shine. They have these fantastic tools that let you segment your audience, tailor your messages and make sure that you're hitting the right people with the right information at the right time, not just a shot in the dark.

Speaker 1: 4:10

It's all about creating an experience that feels personal, making each customer feel valued.

Speaker 2: 4:15

And appreciated, which is huge for building loyalty, absolutely.

Speaker 1: 4:20

Okay, I am ready to tackle myth number three, and this is one that I'll be honest. It kind of makes me cringe a little bit. It's that whole automation is just too complicated thing, and I think this is where a lot of people get hung up. Tech can be intimidating, especially when you're already juggling a million things as a business owner.

Speaker 2: 4:39

I totally get that but honestly, it's not nearly as scary as it sounds, especially with platforms like Rainmaker that are built with user friendliness in mind. Really, they take all the complexity out of it. They do Think of it this way You're making a small investment of your time up front to learn the system, but then the payoff is massive. You're going to be freeing up hours and hours of your time each week and think about what you could do with those extra hours Growing your business, connecting with those customers, maybe even, you know, finally taking that vacation you've been dreaming of, or just catching your breath.

Speaker 1: 5:11

Yeah, it's like trading a little bit of learning time for a whole lot of freedom and efficiency down the road. And speaking of learning, rainmaker has this amazing support team, so you never feel lost or overwhelmed.

Speaker 2: 5:24

It's true. They have tutorials, webinars, a whole library of resources to walk you through everything, and their customer support is fantastic. Seriously, they're so helpful.

Speaker 1: 5:33

Okay, myth number four is the one that I think really limits people's vision of what automation can actually do, and that's the idea that automation is just about email marketing. But let's be clear here it is so much more than that. It's about connecting with your customers across all the channels they're actually using.

Speaker 2: 5:50

Yeah, whether it's email, social media, text messages, even things like voice drops, it's about meeting your customers where they are. Wherever they're having those conversations, right, you want to be part of the conversation you do, and it's not just about being on all those channels, it's about making sure you're creating a cohesive experience.

Speaker 1: 6:07

So whether someone's reading your email or scrolling through Instagram or getting a text from you, they're getting that same consistent brand message.

Speaker 2: 6:14

Yeah.

Speaker 1: 6:15

Building recognition staying top of mind.

Speaker 2: 6:17

That's it. And again, platforms like Rainmaker. They just nailed this Seamless integration across all those different channels, so you can manage everything from one central place. No more jumping around between a million different platforms and trying to keep it all straight. It's all right there.

Speaker 1: 6:33

All right, we have officially debunked four marketing automation myths. Are you ready for the fifth and final one?

Speaker 2: 6:40

Get me with it.

Speaker 1: 6:48

All right, this one's a biggie and honestly, it's something I hear all the time Automation is just way too expensive. And I get it. Budget's a real thing.

Speaker 2: 6:51

Yeah.

Speaker 1: 6:51

Especially for local businesses. But I think we need to shift our thinking here. Instead of focusing on the cost, we need to think about return on investment, because the reality is automation can actually save you money in the long run.

Speaker 2: 7:03

A hundred percent. Think about all those hours you're spending on repetitive tasks. What if you could free up all that time and focus on the things that actually bring in more revenue, like developing new products, building those relationships with key clients, maybe even expanding into a new market? That's what automation allows you to do. It's not an expense, it's an investment.

Speaker 1: 7:24

An investment in your business, your peace of mind, your sanity.

Speaker 2: 7:27

Exactly, and when you look at the numbers, it's really clear that automation pays off. I mean businesses using marketing automation are seeing an 80% increase in leads and a 77% increase in conversion rates. Those are results you can take to the bank.

Speaker 1: 7:41

They're pretty hard to argue with, right.

Speaker 2: 7:42

They are. And again, there are platforms like Rainmaker that are designed specifically to be cost effective for businesses of all sizes. They have flexible pricing plans and a whole range of features that make it easy to scale your automation efforts as your business grows.

Speaker 1: 7:55

So you can start small, pick a plan that fits your budget and start seeing results right away.

Speaker 2: 8:00

Exactly, and the great thing about Rainmaker is it can grow with you. As your business expands. You can just add more features and functionality to meet your needs. It's super flexible.

Speaker 1: 8:10

So we've officially busted all five myths, feeling empowered.

Speaker 2: 8:14

yet I hope so. I mean we've seen how automation is a powerful tool that can really level the playing field for local businesses. It can help you create more personalized experiences, simplify your workflow and ultimately boost your bottom line. It's about working smarter, not harder, and using technology to your advantage.

Speaker 1: 8:32

It's about time we move beyond those myths and start exploring the real, tangible benefits of marketing automation, because when you take away those misconceptions, what you're left with is a tool that can seriously transform your business. But before we dive into those benefits, let's take a quick break. We'll come back refreshed and ready to explore how automation can really take your local business to that next level.

Speaker 2: 8:54

Sounds good to me, We'll be right back after this short message. All right, welcome back everyone. We just spent some time busting those five common myths about marketing automation, and now it's time to get into the good stuff, the real benefits, the things that can actually make a difference in your local business.

Speaker 1: 9:12

I'm excited to dive into this because, honestly, sometimes those myths just get so much airtime that we forget to even talk about what automation can actually do for you.

Speaker 2: 9:21

Right. So first things first, let's talk about time efficiency, because I think we all know that time is precious right, especially when you're running a business. Time is your most valuable resource.

Speaker 1: 9:32

It really is, and automation.

Speaker 2: 9:33

It's like a magic wand that gives you more of it.

Speaker 1: 9:35

I take all the magic wands I can get.

Speaker 2: 9:37

Remember those repetitive tasks we were talking about earlier Sending out those emails, scheduling the social media stuff, following up with leads. Automation just takes all of that off your plate.

Speaker 1: 9:47

It's like having a clone, but without all the ethical dilemmas.

Speaker 2: 9:51

Exactly, and it frees you up to focus on the things that really move the needle for your business.

Speaker 1: 9:56

And that's not even mentioning the reduced stress right. It's about avoiding burnout, creating a work-life balance that's actually sustainable.

Speaker 2: 10:03

So important, and when you're not bogged down by all that busy work, you can channel that energy into the stuff that really matters the strategic thinking, the creative problem solving the building deeper relationships with your customers Because, honestly, when you're feeling overmommed and stressed it's hard to bring your best self to those customer interactions.

Speaker 1: 10:23

But when you have the time and space to breathe, that's when you can really shine 100% Okay.

Speaker 2: 10:29

Another key benefit of automation is drumroll, please. Improved client campaigns. We all know that data is king these days, and automation allows you to actually use that data to create campaigns that are smarter, more targeted, more effective.

Speaker 1: 10:44

It's about working smarter, not harder.

Speaker 2: 10:46

Exactly so. Let's imagine you're running a promotion for I don't know a new line of holiday cookies at your bakery. With automation, you can actually see who's opening your emails, who's clicking on the links, who's making a purchase.

Speaker 1: 10:59

You get to see what's actually working.

Speaker 2: 11:00

You do, and that means you can tweak your campaign as you go, making sure you're reaching the right people with the right message at the right time.

Speaker 1: 11:08

It's like having a marketing consultant whispering in your ear telling you exactly what to do.

Speaker 2: 11:13

I love that and platforms like Rainmaker. That's exactly what they do. They give you those in-depth analytics, but they also make it so easy to understand and actually use that data. You don't need a PhD in data science to figure it out.

Speaker 1: 11:26

Okay, I want to talk about another benefit that I think is especially relevant for local businesses, and that's scalability. We all want to grow our businesses, right?

Speaker 2: 11:34

Right.

Speaker 1: 11:35

But sometimes that growth can feel overwhelming.

Speaker 2: 11:37

Totally. You take on more clients, You're working longer hours. You just feel stretched thin.

Speaker 1: 11:41

It's like that classic feast or famine cycle that so many entrepreneurs experience Too much work or not enough. It's a roller coaster.

Speaker 2: 11:48

It really is, and that's where automation can be a lifesaver. It lets you scale your business without sacrificing quality and without burning yourself out Without losing your mind. Exactly and without burning yourself out, without losing your mind, exactly. By automating those key tasks, you can handle a larger volume of work without having to work 24-7.

Speaker 1: 12:04

It's like having a team of virtual assistants working around the clock.

Speaker 2: 12:07

I like it. Okay, let's talk about one more benefit consistent messaging. Building a strong brand is essential, right, and automation can be a huge help here. It helps you reinforce that brand identity, create a cohesive experience across all of your marketing channels.

Speaker 1: 12:23

It's about making sure your message is clear, consistent and on brand, no matter where someone's interacting with you, whether it's your website, social media, your email newsletter, you name it.

Speaker 2: 12:33

it's all about building that recognition, establishing yourself as the go-to expert in your industry platforms like rainmaker make it easy to create templates, set your brand guidelines and automate your messaging across all those different channels, so you know that your brand is always presented in the best possible light, no matter what all right.

Speaker 1: 12:51

We've covered a lot here. We've talked about time efficiency, improved client campaigns, better lead management, scalability and consistent messaging. It's clear that automation is more than just a buzzword. It's a powerful tool that can help you build a stronger, more efficient, more customer-centric business.

Speaker 2: 13:10

It really can, and we haven't even gotten into specifics about how Rainmaker can make all of this happen.

Speaker 1: 13:15

That's right. We've mentioned Rainmaker a few times, but I think it's time we really dive into how this platform can bring all of these benefits to life for local businesses like yours.

Speaker 2: 13:26

Let's get specific.

Speaker 1: 13:28

Welcome back to the Rainmaker's Edge Perspective. We've talked about all the myths surrounding marketing automation, we've explored the incredible benefits it can bring to your local business, and we've even touched on how Rainmaker, specifically, can help you leverage those benefits. But you know, let's be real for a second. No system is perfect. Automation does come with its own set of challenges, right.

Speaker 2: 13:47

Oh for sure, it's not always sunshine and rainbows.

Speaker 1: 13:50

But don't worry, we're going to tackle those challenges head on. Give you the tools and strategies you need to overcome them.

Speaker 2: 13:55

We want to make sure you're not just understanding the concept of automation, but you're actually able to implement it successfully in your business. That's the goal.

Speaker 1: 14:03

Exactly. So where do we start? I think one of the biggest hurdles people face is that initial setup phase. It can feel a little overwhelming.

Speaker 2: 14:12

It really can. It's like you know you open the box and there are all these pieces and you're like wait, where do I even begin?

Speaker 1: 14:17

Right, you're staring at workflows, integrations, email sequences sequences.

Speaker 2: 14:25

It's like trying to put together a thousand piece puzzle without the picture on the box I love that analogy.

Speaker 1: 14:28

It's so true. So what's the key?

Speaker 2: 14:29

start small yes, don't try to do everything at once.

Speaker 1: 14:33

Pick one or two tasks that are really eating up your time and focus on automating those first maybe it's those follow-up emails that you send after someone downloads something from your website, like a free guide or something.

Speaker 2: 14:43

Perfect example. It's repetitive, it takes time and, honestly, it can be kind of boring, but it's also so important for nurturing those leads and moving them closer to a sale.

Speaker 1: 14:55

Right and by automating it you free up your time. You make sure the communication is consistent and nobody falls through the cracks.

Speaker 2: 15:02

Exactly Win-win. And once you've got that first automation up and running smoothly, you can gradually add more. It's like building a house, you know Start with a solid foundation, then add the rooms one by one.

Speaker 1: 15:13

Love it. Okay, another challenge that we see a lot of businesses struggle with is what I like to call analysis paralysis. Oh yeah, I've definitely seen that Another challenge that we see a lot of businesses struggle with is what I like to call analysis paralysis.

Speaker 2: 15:22

Oh yeah.

Speaker 1: 15:22

I've definitely seen that. It's when you get so focused on tracking every single metric that you kind of lose sight of the bigger picture. You're drowning in data but you're not actually using it to make decisions.

Speaker 2: 15:33

It's so easy to fall into that trap, especially with platforms like Rainmaker that give you so much data.

Speaker 1: 15:38

Right. So how do you avoid it? Focus on the KPIs, the key performance indicators that are actually aligned with your business goals.

Speaker 2: 15:45

What are you really trying to achieve? More traffic to your website, more leads, more sales. Figure out what you're aiming for and then track the metrics that measure those goals.

Speaker 1: 15:56

And don't be afraid to experiment, see what works, adjust your approach if you need to. There's no one size fits all solution in marketing Absolutely.

Speaker 2: 16:05

Now, speaking of experimenting. This is another pitfall we see. Pretty often People set up their automation workflows and then they just kind of assume that everything will magically work perfectly forever.

Speaker 1: 16:14

The set it and forget it mentality.

Speaker 2: 16:16

Exactly. But automation is not passive. It requires ongoing monitoring. You have to optimize as you go.

Speaker 1: 16:23

Think of it like tending a garden. Right, you plant the seeds, but you don't just walk away. You have to water them, weed them, fertilize them, give them what they need to grow.

Speaker 2: 16:33

That's such a great analogy and it's the same. With automation, you got to regularly review your workflows, analyze the results, make adjustments as needed.

Speaker 1: 16:41

Keep an eye on things. Make sure it's still working.

Speaker 2: 16:43

Exactly Okay. Now that we've talked about some of the challenges, I want to shift gears a little bit and talk about the future of marketing automation, Because things are constantly evolving.

Speaker 1: 16:53

They really are. It feels like there's something new every day.

Speaker 2: 16:56

Right and some of these new trends and innovations. They have the potential to seriously change the way we connect with our customers.

Speaker 1: 17:05

Give me an example.

Speaker 2: 17:06

One thing I'm really excited about is hyper personalization.

Speaker 1: 17:10

Hyper personalization.

Speaker 2: 17:11

Yeah, we've already talked about personalization, but this takes it to a whole new level.

Speaker 1: 17:15

OK, I'm intrigued.

Speaker 2: 17:16

It's about using AI and machine learning to create experiences that are truly tailored to each individual. It's not just about using their name in an email. It's about anticipating their needs, delivering content that's so relevant it feels like it was made just for them, creating those wow moments.

Speaker 1: 17:35

It's like having a mind reader on your marketing team.

Speaker 2: 17:38

Right, and it's becoming more and more possible thanks to all these advances in technology. Platforms like Rainmaker. They're already integrating these capabilities, and we're going to see a lot more innovation in this area.

Speaker 1: 17:48

Okay, what else? What else is on the horizon?

Speaker 2: 17:50

Another trend that's really gaining momentum is the use of chatbots and conversational marketing in general.

Speaker 1: 17:56

Chatbots huh, Some people are still a little skeptical about those.

Speaker 2: 17:59

Oh, I know, but they have come a long way, seriously.

Speaker 1: 18:03

They're not those clunky robotic things they used to be.

Speaker 2: 18:05

Nope, they're getting so much more sophisticated. They can understand complex questions, provide personalized answers, they can even learn from past interactions. And, the best part, they're becoming way more human-like in the way they communicate.

Speaker 1: 18:19

So it's not just press one for this, press two for that anymore.

Speaker 2: 18:22

Exactly. They can have actual conversations, natural, flowing, engaging, and they're not just for customer service anymore. You can use them for lead generation, sales, marketing automation. It's incredible.

Speaker 1: 18:35

I love that. Think about how convenient it would be for your customers to be able to interact with your business 24-7, get instant answers to their questions, personalized support, all through this friendly little chatbot.

Speaker 2: 18:46

Right, it's like having a virtual assistant who never takes a break.

Speaker 1: 18:49

That's amazing. Okay, I think we've covered a lot of ground here today. We've talked about the challenges of marketing automation, we've explored the exciting future that's ahead of us, and really We've explored the exciting future that's ahead of us and really we've seen how this technology can transform your local business. But it's not just about the technology itself, it's not. It's about using it in a way that's authentic, in a way that's human-centered and in a way that aligns with your values 100%.

Speaker 2: 19:16

At the end of the day, marketing is about people, connecting with people.

Speaker 1: 19:19

Building those relationships, creating experiences that resonate.

Speaker 2: 19:22

Exactly.

Speaker 1: 19:23

So thank you so much for joining us on this deep dive into the world of marketing automation. We hope you've learned something new, that you're feeling inspired and empowered to take your local business to the next level.

Speaker 2: 19:34

We'll see you next time on the Rainmaker's Edge Perspective.

Speaker 1: 19:36

Until then.