Marketers Ruin Everything

Let's face it, marketers – we've got a bit of a reputation for ruining things. Remember the golden age of email, when that inbox notification meant a personal message, not another discount code? Or the thrill of a new text, back before it became a constant barrage of marketing pitches? Social media wasn't always an algorithm-driven ad machine, and blogs offered genuine insights before morphing into clickbait jungles. Now, even WhatsApp feels less like connecting with friends and more like a brand bullhorn.

It's easy to fall into the trap of "sell, sell, sell" – after all, that's the name of the game, right? But Seth Godin, marketing guru, reminds us: "Build trust and earn attention. The entity that gets the most trust will get the most customers."

Here's the truth bomb: people aren't looking for products shoved down their throats. They crave value, connection, and a story that resonates. So, how do we break the cycle and become the marketers who don't ruin everything?

• Segment Your Users and Understand Their Needs.

  A one-size-fits-all marketing approach is a recipe for disaster.  Take the time to understand your audience. Segment them based on demographics, interests, and behaviour. Tailor your messages to their specific needs and pain points. What motivates someone at the top of the sales funnel will be different from someone who's ready to buy.

  

  Courtesy: setup.us

• Communicate Only When You Have Value to Add, and Do So in a Way That Earns Attention

  Imagine you're at a party. You wouldn't barge into a conversation someone's already having, right?  The same goes for marketing. Stop interrupting people with irrelevant ads.

  Instead, focus on offering something valuable in every interaction. Don't just blast out messages –  frame your communication as an invitation to a dialogue, a chance to learn something new or gain a fresh perspective. Share valuable insights, answer their burning questions, and solve their problems. By consistently providing genuine value, you'll build trust and naturally earn their attention.

  Marketing used to be a one-way street. Now, it's about building genuine connections.  Engage with your audience on social media (without being spammy!), respond to comments, and answer questions. Show them you care about more than just a sale.

• Content is King, But Quality is Queen.

  There's a reason content marketing is a buzzword. But bombarding your audience with a million mediocre blog posts won't win their hearts (or wallets). Invest in creating high-quality content that educates, entertains, or inspires.

  Nobody likes feeling deceived. Be upfront and honest about your brand, your products, and your marketing tactics. If you make a mistake, own it. Authenticity goes a long way in building trust with your audience.

The Most Effective Technique of them All? Building a Product Worth Talking About!

Marketers aren't in the job of finding stupid people to sell stupid stuff. Our most effective technique is to be the ear to our users and their mouthpiece to the team. We  project their needs and problems and work with the product or service team to  actually give them a solution. By focusing on creating a product or service that solves real problems and offers value, we naturally gain promoters and build trust.

Remember, Marketing is About Adding Value

As marketers, we have a powerful tool at our disposal: the ability to connect with people on a human level. Let's use that power for good, not just to push products. By focusing on genuine connections, valuable content, and building trust, we can become the marketers who don't ruin everything – be the marketer who leaves a positive impact, not just an empty inbox.