Integrating Competing Online Marketing Strategies

We keep hearing how email marketing is better than social networking marketing, or that mobile marketing is better than email marketing. There really is no need for all the competition - why compete when you can integrate?
Email has proven its immortality. It's been stated time and time again that the email era has come to an end, particularly now with the advent of social networking sites. However, for every site you sign up with, you need an email address. Furthermore, what do people typically check every morning at work? Their emails! It remains a highly effective direct marketing tool.
The ideal email marketing platform allows you to integrate your email, mobile and social marketing, through tools like email marketing templates, bulk sms marketing, and widgets linking email recipients to social networking channels like Facebook, Blogs, Twitter, LinkedIn, and MySpace. Employing all these channels for your business ensures a wider distribution to your clients. Most online consumers make use of a variety of online sites, and they all have different preferences. Research shows that most respondents (78%), found email marketing most effective. However, if this method is jointly employed with mobile and social marketing, your business is bound to flourish.
Each online medium has its advantages disadvantages for various target markets. Implementing as many as possible and leveraging their combined strengths is a sure recipe for online marketing success! Knowing your various target markets and what works best in gaining their attention is going to get your business marketing campaign far.
Cross-promotional efforts can help companies spread the word and maximize their exposure.

• Email marketing newsletters can be used to advertise new Facebook or Twitter feeds, while you can use your social profiles to gather email newsletter signups.
• Both mediums can be used to drive traffic to your website, by linking to your site or blog.
• Your email newsletter registration section should include a prompt to join your business on Twitter, Facebook etc. Similarly, you can post a newsletter subscription form on your Facebook page.
• Join industry-related LinkedIn and Facebook groups, assigning knowledgeable agents within your company to answer questions, thus positioning your business as a valuable industry resource. Make sure your representatives advertise the fact that you have a newsletter should your new connections want to receive regular information and updates.

Harnessing the combined powers of email, mobile and social will boost the efficiency of your digital marketing strategy.