Permission vs Interruption Marketing

As with most industries, technology always has been the driving force behind all major advertising industry trends. We have seen radio get over shadowed by television, television pushed aside by the internet.  Cable TV subscribers are down 55% – permanently changing our entertainment viewing habits. So why are we still placing local advertising commercials on television?

Now don’t get me wrong, there definitely are markets that are still loyal to television and consume television in a traditional linear fashion; that is watching programming and commercials without skipping, so we still understand and value television and television commercials. And for specific campaigns, television dominates. We still recommend television for the quickest cost effective means of getting a message or offer out. Got a sale this weekend? TV. Introducing a new business in town? TV. Offering a new service to your line-up? TV. Need to reach the unemployed, or stay at home moms? TV.

Of course this is what is called “Interruption Marketing”. I’m sure you remember; “We interrupt this program for an important message…”

We are now spoiled with the likes of Netflix and Amazon. We want to buy – but we don’t want to be sold, we want information on our own terms, not bombarded with it when we are trying to relax,  the consumer wants to find this information to make their own decision and make a purchase. When we go to the Internet and make a search on Google we are asking for information, we are giving permission for information to be presented before us, the consumer.  This is the path of least resistance. In every Sales 101 course we learn to left the customer talk, let the customer ask questions, this is an engaged customer. And a customer that is ready and likely to buy. The Internet gives the customer this opportunity to research and acquire the information. And if we’re prepared, the Internet delivers those ready to buy consumers to our front door. This the is the power of “Permission Marketing”.

Another advantage of Permission Marketing on the Internet is the longevity of the content. Once a television spot runs, its gone. Unless someone saves that newspaper – your ad is gone. The content posted on the Internet will always be there and available. Of course to keep that content at the top of Google’s search results page it requires some maintenance, but its never lost.

So all this is great if once you drive a potential customer to your website they are inspired enough to call you. But most website are strictly informational, and lack a powerful call to action. Yes, the internet is all about permission marketing but you still have to sell your product and encourage your customer to call. Here’s where we introduce an engagement tool to get your potential customers bite. Chat is the best way to offer your visitor a way to engage without an initial commitment. It takes a lot to get someone to call, but they will chat, and a chat can easily turn into a conversion.  But manning a chat system 24 hours a day can become expensive very quickly. An alternative we offer is an artificial intelligence chat system that does the trick without adding yet another task to the staff.  If you want to see our AI Chat in action or get more information, call us at 321-345-1733.