Marketing Automation Implementation for Your Retail Business

First off, kudos to you on your decision towards marketing automation implementation for your retail business.

I’m really eager to see you drive up to 14.5% increase in sales productivity and a 12.2% reduction in marketing overhead. Wondering from where I got those numbers? Well, research suggests so!

What’s more, studies have also revealed that 80% of those who implemented marketing automation have seen an increase in their leads. Additionally, 77% of marketing automation users have seen an increase in their conversions.

And friend, you are just a few steps away from embracing these benefits for your retail business.

Without further ado, let’s get started with marketing automation implementation for your retail business.

Table of Contents

Before implementing a marketing automation software, define what you want to achieve. Also, put on paper the pain points that you would want your marketing automation software to solve for your retail store.

From what I’ve seen, retailer X might be using different tools for different use cases. So, typically, these folks would want to replace existing tools under a single hub. And indeed, that’s where marketing automation implementation comes in for them.

And the best marketing automation tech suite should serve as an all-in-one solution. This should position you to consolidate your tools with marketing automation implementation and also cushion the expense of the software for budgeting.

Once you have identified your requirements and have set a budget, it’s time to explore the best marketing automation software out there.

I’ll be honest. The marketing automation industry is becoming crowded with every passing day. So, it’s really hard to evaluate a potential vendor. However, while embarking on the marketing automation implementation journey, there are five primary criteria that you must consider.

Let’s look at them below.

1. Technology

Marketing automation platforms can have a similar set of tools. As a retailer, you should look for an extensive dashboard, customer profile module, a marketing module, and a loyalty program module.

Your marketing module should have a journey builder, segmentation feature, campaign builder, referral marketing, and landing page builder. Then, your loyalty program module should help you configure your program and rewards structure.

Now, when you look for a marketing automation platform that meets your requirements, be sure you aren’t paying for a slew unnecessary features.

2. Usability

Ease of use is a critical selection factor. So, go for a platform that has an intuitive interface, one that will make it easy to do the things you want to do.

While every marketing automation platform has its unique way of doing things, you might want to get a tool that requires the least amount of learning and training.

3. Integration

Your marketing automation platform should not only replace existing tools but also have the capability to integrate with a variety of third-party systems.

So, consider what integrations are important for your retail marketing and sales team. Then select the solution that has the best integration with the needed systems.

4. Assistance

It is absolutely paramount to choose a platform with the greatest support. Ensure that your potential vendor stands with your entire marketing automation journey.

Irrespective of whether you are an SMB or an enterprise, your vendor must offer the same level of customer support and service. So, look out for G2 reviews before you make a decision.

5. Pricing

Always, get your potential vendor to be transparent about the pricing model. Now, X software’s price could be considerably less than software Y. But when you add up the mandatory cost for marketing automation implementation and training, besides the add-ons, the price can go up considerably.

My point of advice would be that you consider all the involved costs and the terms of the contract.

Just like how you have a plan for your marketing activities, you need a plan for your marketing automation implementation.

I’ll give you a head start with which you could build upon.

So, firstly, identify the project admin, user, and the governing rules. Then, collaborate with your marketing and sales team to determine how the platform would integrate with other systems.

I’m sure you already have an email automation platform. So, you would have to migrate the contacts, opt-outs, and the hard bounce list from your current email platform. You would also have to integrate your lead magnet forms, contact and subscription forms.

And that’s not it.

But your marketing automation implementation partner would definitely come up with a checklist or a guide to help out in your planning.

Do you need more insights into marketing automation implementation? Get in touch with us!

We have helped big retailers in the likes of Salman Stores, Aster Pharmacies, Al-Ghurair Retail, Al-Safeer, Mitra 10, and many others, ace marketing automation implementation.

Simply fill out this form below and our team would reach out to you to guide you with marketing automation implementation.