Here’s another term to add to your digital marketing lexicon: lifecycle autoamtion.
This can be one of the best goodwill generating concepts in the world of digital marketing and, when properly executed, one that nets ongoing returns.
First, what is lifecycle automation? Lifecycle automation is the process of providing your audience the kinds of communications and experiences they need, want, or like as they move from prospects to customers then, ideally, to advocates.
To be a master of customer lifecycle automation, one must possess a genuine understanding of their target audience and be ready to work toward retaining and growing customer value over the long term.
Generally, a lifecycle automation plan is a three-phase framework, Collect, Convert and Create. Each phase consists of three stages that include basic strategies and tactics that coalesce into a single, self-sustaining process. Rolling out a customer lifecycle automation plan is a lot easier when done in these phases and can be done quickly and affordably with easy-to-use automation technology from Keap.
The collect phase
The goal of the Collect Phase is to get the attention of the consumers you want to buy your products or service. The stages include Target, Attract and Capture Leads.
- Target – Targeting is when you identify specific types of individuals then address them directly with your marketing. Most common ways to target an audience are by interests, behavior, demographics, location, context, (targeting by topic on the page, which is matched with the corresponding message of your ad to reach and connect to an audience with an interest in your product or service), device, etc.
- Attract– Attract visitors to your website with great content like ebooks, infographics, research reports, webinars, social media and blog posts.
- Capture – Use a web form that includes offers, free consultations or premium content to encourage visitors to sign up for your email list.
Take Keap's Lifecycle Automation Assessment to identify growth opportunities for your business.
The convert phase
Convert is the second phase of the Lifecycle Automation model. This is your unique strategy that makes your product or service the obvious choice when those you’ve attracted are ready to buy. Convert Phase stages are Engage, Offer and Close.
- Engage – Create a consistent campaign of useful information with automated, personalized follow-up messages.
- Offer – The best way to craft an offer is to observe past customer actions and create a buying process map, then provide an irresistible offer.
- Close – Closing the sale is more than the transaction. The close involves clear communication, good presence and written documentation.
The create phase
Getting to create involves three key stages: Deliver and Wow, Offer More and Referral.
- Deliver – Fulfill your commitments on time, follow through when and where it is required. Offer to provide additional value that surprises and delights customers.
- Impress – Always be developing strategies, tactics, products, and services to help generate additional sales and recurring revenue.
- Mulitiply – Encourage referrals by creating incentives for customers and partners.
Nothing to it, right? The truth is, there are no “secrets” to creating a successful customer lifecycle automation strategy. Many small businesses have been practicing these tactics in some form for a very long time.
Are you a lifecycle automation? Do you plan your sales and marketing as a single process, or as a collection of activities?
Tracie Rollins contributed to this article.
