In today's market, customers prefer to buy rather than be sold to. Traditional forms of marketing and advertising are no longer effective. Customers now go online, do research, read reviews, and make informed decisions. This shift in consumer behavior has led to the emergence of the 7-11-4 experience, which involves 7 hours of research and 11 interactions on a minimum of 4 different platforms. To incorporate this experience into your business, podcasting can be a game-changer. This blog post explores the benefits of podcasting and how it can provide the necessary content and presence on multiple channels to meet the demands of the modern customer.
In the past, the customer journey was relatively simple. Customers would visit a local store, speak with an expert, and make a purchase. However, with the rise of the internet and the abundance of information available online, customer behavior has undergone a significant shift.
Today's customers have access to a wealth of information at their fingertips. They no longer solely rely on the knowledge and expertise of in-store salespeople. Instead, they conduct thorough research, read product reviews, and often come into the store knowing more about the product than the salesperson themselves.
This shift in behavior has made traditional marketing and advertising tactics less effective. Businesses can no longer solely rely on in-store displays, catchy jingles, or persuasive sales pitches. Instead, they must adapt to the changing landscape of customer behavior and find new ways to connect with their target audience.
One of the key drivers behind the changing customer behavior is the ability to conduct online research. Before making a purchase, customers now have the luxury of learning about a product’s features, comparing prices across different retailers, and reading reviews from other customers.
This access to detailed information empowers customers to make more informed decisions. They can easily identify the best products that suit their needs and budget. As a result, they are less reliant on the expertise of salespeople and are more likely to be skeptical of exaggerated claims or biased marketing messages.
Businesses must recognize and adapt to this new reality. Instead of focusing solely on promoting their products, they must provide valuable and transparent information that helps customers make educated decisions. This could include detailed product descriptions, informative blog posts, or even video demonstrations.
Another significant factor influencing customer behavior is the reliance on online reviews. Customers now have the ability to read feedback from other people who have already purchased the product they are considering. These reviews provide authentic insights into the product's quality, performance, and overall value.
Positive reviews can significantly boost a customer's confidence in a product, while negative reviews can lead them to explore alternative options. Businesses must actively manage their online reputation by encouraging satisfied customers to leave positive reviews and addressing any issues or complaints in a timely manner.
Furthermore, businesses should recognize the power of social proof. Seeing that others have had a positive experience with a product can be a compelling reason for potential customers to make a purchase.
With customers having access to a vast amount of information, businesses can no longer rely on generic marketing messages that target the mass market. Instead, they must embrace personalized marketing to engage with customers on an individual level.
Personalized marketing involves tailoring messages and offers to specific customer segments based on their preferences, buying behavior, and demographics. Businesses can use customer data and analytics to identify patterns and trends, allowing them to create targeted marketing campaigns that resonate with their audience.
By delivering personalized content and offers, businesses can make customers feel valued and understood. This can ultimately lead to increased customer loyalty and sales.
Finally, to adapt to the changing landscape of customer behavior, businesses must create an omnichannel experience. This means providing a seamless and consistent experience across all channels, whether it be in-store, online, or through mobile devices.
Customers expect to have the option to browse products online, make a purchase in-store, and have the freedom to return items through various channels. They want a convenient and frictionless shopping experience that fits their lifestyle.
By embracing an omnichannel approach, businesses can cater to the diverse preferences of their customers. This can help build trust and ensure that customers continue to choose their brand over competitors.
The 7-11-4 customer buying cycle refers to the 7 hours of research and 11 interactions on a minimum of 4 different platforms that customers engage in before making a purchase. This experience has become the new norm in the modern digital age, and businesses need to adapt to meet customer expectations.
With the rise of the internet and social media, consumers now have access to a wealth of information at their fingertips. Before making a purchase, they spend an average of 7 hours researching different products, reading reviews, and comparing prices. This extensive research is driven by the desire to make informed decisions and get the best value for their money.
In addition to research, customers also engage in 11 interactions on different platforms during their buying journey. These interactions can take place on social media, email, live chat, phone calls, or in-person visits to a store. Each interaction provides an opportunity for businesses to engage with their customers, answer questions, and address any concerns they may have.
Businesses that understand the importance of the 7-11-4 experience can leverage it to their advantage. By providing valuable content and being present on multiple channels, they can build trust, establish credibility, and increase the likelihood of conversion. Here are some key elements of the 7-11-4 experience:
Having 7 hours of content on the internet means that businesses must provide in-depth information about their products or services. This content can be in the form of blog posts, articles, videos, infographics, or podcasts. The goal is to educate and inform potential customers, helping them make an informed decision.
By creating valuable content, businesses can position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. When customers find helpful and relevant information on a company's website or blog, they are more likely to trust that business and consider purchasing from them.
In order to feel comfortable with you and build the know, like, and trust factor necessary for them to do business with you, potential customers need to interact with you an average of 11 times. These interactions get your clients to feel like they know you. Like you are their friend.
Having sufficient content available in various formats across multiple platforms make this easy to accomplish. And it feels natural to your prospects. This is called attraction marketing.
To meet customer expectations, businesses must be present on multiple platforms. This includes social media networks like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. It also includes email marketing, live chat support, phone support, and a physical store if applicable.
Being present on multiple channels allows businesses to reach a wider audience and cater to different customer preferences. Some customers may prefer to engage on social media, while others may prefer to send an email or speak to a live representative. By providing multiple channels of communication, businesses can accommodate different customer needs and preferences.
Podcasting has emerged as a highly effective and convenient solution for content creators and businesses alike. With the ability to produce up to 7 hours of audio or video content, podcasting offers a medium that can be easily distributed across multiple channels, providing a wider reach and increased visibility.
A single video podcast episode alone can provide a significant amount of valuable content. By leveraging platforms such as YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music, podcasters can tap into existing user bases and reach a larger audience. This enables them to connect with potential listeners who prefer different platforms or mediums for consuming content.
One of the key advantages of podcasting is the ease with which each episode can be repurposed and leveraged for marketing purposes. The content covered in a podcast episode can be transformed into various marketing assets that can further expand the reach and impact of the content.
One effective way of repurposing podcast episodes is by converting them into blog articles. By transcribing the spoken content and adapting it into a written format, podcasters can create valuable blog posts that provide in-depth insights and information to readers. These blog articles can then be published on the podcaster's website or shared on other platforms to attract a wider audience and generate organic traffic.
Email newsletters are another valuable marketing asset that can be created from podcast episodes. By summarizing the key points discussed in each episode and providing links to access the full content, podcasters can engage with their email subscribers and keep them informed about the latest episodes. This not only helps in maintaining a strong connection with the audience but also drives traffic back to the podcast and encourages more listenership.
Social media posts are an essential component of any content marketing strategy, and podcasting provides ample opportunities to create engaging social media content. Short snippets or quotes from podcast episodes can be shared on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. These posts can be accompanied by eye-catching visuals and captions to grab the attention of potential listeners and encourage them to tune in to the full episode.
Furthermore, podcast episodes can be used as a source of content for creating educational or informational videos. By extracting key insights or memorable moments from each episode, podcasters can compile video clips that can be shared on platforms like YouTube. This not only helps in diversifying the content format but also attracts a different segment of the audience who prefer video-based content.
It's worth mentioning that the process of repurposing podcast episodes into marketing assets is not only efficient but also cost-effective. By utilizing content that has already been created, podcasters can save time and resources while still maximizing the impact of their content.
Podcasting provides a powerful solution for content creators and businesses seeking to reach a wider audience and extend the lifespan of their content. With the ability to produce significant amounts of content and repurpose it into various marketing assets, podcasting offers a convenient and effective way to establish presence on multiple channels and engage with a diverse range of prospects and clients.
A business podcast has the potential to make the host a key person of influence in their industry. By consistently delivering valuable content, sharing insights, and interviewing industry experts, podcasting allows hosts to establish trust, credibility, and authority. This, in turn, attracts clients and customers who perceive the host as a knowledgeable and trustworthy source of information.
Being regarded as an authority figure in any field brings numerous benefits. Not only does it enhance the host's reputation, but it also opens doors to new opportunities. By positioning themselves as leaders in their industry, hosts can attract a larger audience and gain the attention of influential individuals and organizations.
To establish authority and build trust through podcasting, it is essential to consistently deliver valuable content. The host should focus on providing insights, strategies, and practical advice that is relevant and helpful to their target audience. By addressing their pain points and providing solutions, the host becomes a valuable resource in the eyes of their listeners.
Interviews with industry experts are another powerful way to build credibility. By bringing in guests who are highly respected and knowledgeable in their respective fields, the host can tap into their expertise and offer valuable insights to their audience. These interviews add depth and variety to the podcast and demonstrate the host's commitment to delivering high-quality content.
A podcast also provides an opportunity for the host to share their own knowledge and experiences, further solidifying their authority. By showcasing their expertise and providing real-life examples of success, hosts can establish themselves as trusted advisors and thought leaders in their industry.
Consistency is key in building trust and authority through podcasting. Regularly releasing episodes on a consistent schedule demonstrates the host's commitment to their audience. It shows that they value their listeners' time and are dedicated to delivering valuable content on a reliable basis.
Building authority and trust does not happen overnight. It requires patience, dedication, and a genuine desire to help and provide value to the audience. By consistently delivering on these fronts, a business podcast can gradually establish the host as a respected and trusted authority figure.
Ultimately, a business podcast is not just a platform for sharing information and insights. It is a tool to build relationships and establish a connection with the audience. When listeners see the host as an expert and trustworthy source of information, they are more likely to become clients or customers. They feel confident in the host's recommendations and trust their advice.
A podcast offers an excellent opportunity for hosts to establish authority and build trust in their industry. By consistently delivering valuable content, sharing insights, and interviewing industry experts, hosts can position themselves as key persons of influence. This, in turn, attracts clients and customers who see them as knowledgeable and trustworthy sources of information. Building authority and trust takes time, but with dedication and a genuine desire to help the audience, a business podcast can be a powerful tool to enhance the host's reputation and attract new opportunities.
By starting a podcasting journey, businesses can tap into the power of this medium to unlock unlimited growth and success. With the ability to provide the 7-11-4 customer experience, build trust and authority, and reach a wider audience, podcasting becomes an essential tool for businesses in today's market.
In today's digital era, businesses are constantly striving for ways to stand out from the competition and attract a larger customer base. With the rise of podcasting, a new avenue for business growth and success has emerged. Podcasts have gained immense popularity in recent years, with millions of people tuning in to listen to their favorite shows on a wide range of topics. This presents a unique opportunity for businesses to leverage the power of podcasting to reach their target audience and achieve their goals.
Podcasting allows businesses to provide their audience with the 7-11-4 customer experience – where they consume 7 hours of content, through 11 interactions, across a minimum of 4 different platforms. Unlike other forms of content such as blog posts or videos that require active engagement, podcasts can be consumed while commuting, working out, or doing other activities. This convenience factor makes podcasts highly accessible and enables businesses to reach their audience at any time, increasing engagement and building a loyal following.
Furthermore, podcasts offer businesses the ability to deliver valuable and informative content in a conversational and entertaining format. By hosting engaging discussions, interviews, or presenting expert insights in an audio format, businesses can create a connection with their audience and establish themselves as industry leaders.
Podcasting allows businesses to establish trust and authority in their niche. By consistently delivering high-quality content, businesses can position themselves as experts and thought leaders in their industry. Listeners perceive podcasts as a more personal and intimate form of communication, creating a stronger bond between the host and the audience.
Moreover, featuring industry experts or thought leaders as guests on podcasts can further enhance the credibility and authority of a business. The insights and knowledge shared by these guests can provide valuable information to listeners, elevating the reputation of the host and their business.
Podcasting opens up opportunities to reach a wider audience. Unlike other forms of content that may require readers to actively search for information, podcasts can be discovered through various platforms such as iTunes, Spotify, or dedicated podcast directories. This increased discoverability allows businesses to reach new audiences who may have never come across their brand otherwise.
Additionally, podcasting enables businesses to repurpose their existing content in a new format. Transcripts of podcast episodes can be turned into blog posts, social media snippets, or even eBooks, expanding the reach and visibility of the content. This multi-channel approach increases the chances of attracting and engaging a diverse audience.
From providing the 7-11-4 customer buying experience to building trust and authority, and reaching a wider audience, podcasting offers numerous benefits for businesses aiming for growth and success. By embracing this medium and delivering valuable content to their target audience, businesses can establish themselves as industry leaders, build a loyal following, and unlock countless opportunities for growth.