The decision to rely on software support such as the Local Marketing Platform from Local Brand X and to automate the marketing process is not taken lightly in most companies. Of course, such a change and the introduction of a new system always entails many positive changes, but also one or the other hurdle. If you've been wondering for some time whether it wouldn't also be time for your company to use a marketing portal solution and support your partners in local marketing, then take a look at the five most frequently asked questions from our prospects and customers and see for yourself:
Question 1: Isn't my company too small for that? How many partners do I need?
Many of our customers are wondering whether such a system is really worthwhile or whether they no longer need partners for it? In 99% of cases, we can answer that it is already worthwhile even for smaller companies with just a handful of local partners. Even with a few partners, the manual creation of marketing materials and approval by the head office is an additional effort that can be reduced through software automation. The introduction of a marketing management solution is a unique change for you and your partners, which can save you a lot of time and money in the future. In addition, the price of the software also depends on the number of users. As a small company with a few partners, you therefore invest significantly less money than a large franchise chain or a corporation with many local locations.
Question 2: Is this financially worthwhile for me?
Definitely yes! Of course, the purchase of such software or its license is a cost that makes many customers think twice. However, the question of whether a marketing platform is useful and economical for your own company can simply be found out through process cost accounting. In doing so, you examine your own marketing processes and all associated resources, such as time and costs. These processes can then be compared with the new processes using software and the costs can be offset. For companies that have not yet used any software for marketing and partner management, such automation is definitely a way to save costs. You are also welcome to take a look at our white paper on the subject Activity-based costing on.
Question 3: Do I have to upgrade my entire IT system?
No, the local marketing platform is ideal for integration into your existing IT system. Regardless of whether you already use a media database (MAM), customer relationship management (CRM) or product information management (PIM), you can integrate all of these systems with the local marketing platform. Using the open interface concept, the individual systems are linked and data exchange can take place automatically. This allows you to access your media or add new data directly to the system. Other existing connections, such as our own service providers (e.g. printing houses), can also continue to be retained and integrated. However, if you have hardly used any systems or external service providers so far, you can rely on the integrated DAM, inventory management system or the already connected service providers from Local Brand X.
Q4: How long does it take to deploy the platform?
Once you've decided on the local marketing platform and have already tested the demo version, it's very quick. Within 48 hours, we can provide you and your partners with the basic system of the local marketing platform. Depending on how many interfaces to other systems you need, integration may take a bit longer. Individual extensions, personalized functions and additional developments are also possible to make your system even more optimal. These expansions can also take a little more time until the system is completely set up according to your personal requirements.
Question 5: How do I get my partners to use the portal and try out new advertising materials?
After you have opted for software support, most of our customers are still concerned with how to get your partner to really use the offer and purchase their advertising material via the platform. With the local marketing platform, you can provide your local partners with a wide range of marketing materials and enable cross-media local marketing. The provision as templates enables all partners to carry out new advertising measures such as websites, social media or video personalizations without any previous knowledge. Through the message functions and placements in the system, you can draw your partner's attention to exactly these advertising materials and campaigns. In order to create additional incentives, the system can also distribute advertising subsidies and offer financial support. We would be happy to assist you during the onboarding process with these topics.
Would you like to test the local marketing platform? Just schedule a demo.