What is Integrated Marketing Communications and how can it create more sales?
Want to have a better understand of Integrated Communications of what it is and why it works in the way it does?
If you haven’t already been doing so, It’s time to integrated in your marketing and communications.
In this blog we look at what Integrated Communications is, what the benefits are and how it drives more sales. So, if you’re a business that is growing, and a number of different team members looking after colleague communications, community liaison, customer services, marketing, and social media – this information is for you.
Because, if you haven’t already started to think about integrating your marketing and communications, the likelihood is, you’re not utilising the power of an aligned, strategy, message and plan. Which is leaking time, money, and probably not driving as many connection points as you would like.
What is Integrated Comms?
Integrated marketing communication is based on who your audiences are, how they behave, who you are, what you offer, how you work, and how that transforms/benefits aspects of their lives.
It will dictate how and where to communicate in order to connect and engage with your people. This will help the long-term success of your business because, without people – colleagues to drive your business, or customers to buy your services, you won’t get very far.
The role of Integrated Communications is so that what you communicate and how to work together in complete harmony. Communications and marketing work better together than working apart, using one voice, all the time and every time – and believe it or not. It goes across your internal and external audiences.
It’s important that what you say you do, what your people think you do, and what your customers think you do are completely the same – that is how a brilliant reputation is built that can stand the test of time.
The right integrated communications and marketing campaign helps bring brand consistency, and with brand consistency, in time brings brand loyalty and recommendations where your customers and employees start to do your marketing for you.
Integrated marketing communications shouldn’t just been seen as a set of words or clever graphics, it should bring to life your purpose, missions and values in a way that drives action – from the inside-out.
Why use Integrated Comms?
By embracing a more connected, integrated marketing and communications strategy and plan, not only will your messages connect more powerfully with your audiences, you will save time and money in the operations of it. Your team set up will have a robust framework to use so that:
-
There will be less time dealing with approvals
-
Teams are given more guidance, and can create better work without additional input.
-
Disperse members have the opportunity to come together on a joint strategy and plan, and ensure that everything is connected.
-
Better, more aligned messaging with a good outreach plan will get more traction.
-
If your messages come from an authentic place with the right intent, you will create lasting relationships with your audiences that will stand the test of time, and will create more of a ripple around you.
-
It will also provide more opportunity for you to be the leaders, experts and authority in what you do
-
It will help create a better, more seamless user experience which will leave customers wanting to come back and recommend to their friends and family.
And don’t just take our word for it.
“Marketers integrating all channels are more than twice as likely to report higher marketing effectiveness vs those using fewer channels and less integration”
Source – Heinz Marketing
In summary
Integrated marketing communications is about bringing all of your puzzle pieces together – The right message, right channel, right audience and the right moment. And when that is achieved, you’ll drive more leads and ultimately more sales.
If you’re interested in learning more about how an integrated marketing and communications strategy and plan can help you, get in touch – connect@connectedcommssociety.com
