So, firstly, what is content marketing? Essentially, the basic definition is any marketing centered on the creation, publication, and distribution of online content for your ideal customer and targeted audience. This can include blogs, videos, photos, social media posts that your target will find valuable, informative, instructional, or entertaining. However, unlike other marketing, it is not explicit self-promotion. While the ultimate purpose is promoting your brand, or creating an interest in your product or service, this is accomplished by providing for the informational and entertainment needs of existing and prospective customers. 

Marketing automation platforms are primarily marketed to marketers.  There are, however, many benefits for your sales team as well. The infographic below highlights how marketing automation is beneficial to both sales and marketing and, in fact, helps align the two departments with common goals.

Long before the age of digital communications, associations were where like-minded individuals gathered together to share common interests.  Joining an association gave people the opportunity to engage with others in an exchange of information and the ability to become more knowledgeable about their shared subject matter.  Today information and the attainment of knowledge on any subject is easily available via the internet. It is therefore imperative that associations utilize the latest digital marketing strategies in order to retain current members and attract new ones.

Marketing automation is the hottest new tool to have in your marketing toolbox and organizations are implementing it at an ever expanding pace.  The infographic below shows exactly why organizations today need marketing automation in order to increase conversion rates and thereby increase revenue.