Frank Cea

MARKETING CLIENTS AND AGENCIES CAN LEARN A LOT ABOUT SCOPES-OF-WORK (SOWs) AND FEES FROM AUTO MECHANICS. Here’s an example from “real life” that we all know … Whether for a simple tune-up or to fix a specific problem, we all ask for an estimate and that estimate typically includes fees for time, parts, and labor. That is: 1) “Time” for diagnostic research and recommendations; 2) “Parts” to fix or improve the status quo (with mark-up), and 3) Highly skilled “Labor” to actually get the job done. That is an auto mechanic’s scope-of-work. And if we don’t like the SOW and estimate, we can always shop around for a cheaper (though not necessarily better) deal somewhere else. And then there is the issue of unforeseen events not anticipated in the original estimate, where a simple tune-up suddenly turns into a major valve job replacement or new transmission. That is, an expanded SOW and what I call “mission creep”, which translates to more time, parts, and labor. Yet for some reason, paid advertisers expect agencies to now offer “fixed-priced” menus of services, irrespective of the aforementioned SOW considerations – especially “Labor”, i.e., highly skilled manhours. And if you don’t buy my auto mechanic illustration, just ask your doctor, dentist, lawyer, or financial advisor, because (quality and outcomes notwithstanding) they operate under the same SOW model as auto mechanics. Time + Parts + Labor = Cost. It’s axiomatically true in every business! But if you want the cheapest “vendor”, you can easily find one, because they’re “a dime a dozen” these days. while 65-80% of agency costs go to manpower, where we don't just make "widgets".  😎

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Car dealership folks… This is the GA4 report where the magic happens👇 …the Conversions report ("Key Events") It funnels all your website marketing efforts straight down to the money markers. Here, You're not messing around with frivolous Top Viewports or Device Categories. Nope. This report cuts right to the actionable stuff that puts butts in seats and signatures on contracts. ...and understanding it is what separates the cookie-cutter marketers from the real deal sales drivers. So, pay attention and start digging into those key events (formerly conversions). #Cardealerships #GA4 #Conversionreports #Googleadsforcardealerships

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In the fast-evolving landscape of Southeast manufacturing, adopting modern marketing strategies is crucial to stand out in the competitive market. Here are three proven strategies to enhance visibility and attract B2B buyers: 1️⃣ **Leverage Local SEO**: Ensure your business ranks at the top of search results for local businesses seeking your products/services. This is vital for manufacturers targeting nearby partners or suppliers. 2️⃣ **Showcase Expertise Through Content**: Create blog posts, videos, or case studies that demonstrate your unique capabilities and industry knowledge. Providing evidence of expertise is key for potential buyers. 3️⃣ **Utilize LinkedIn for Lead Generation**: Engage with decision-makers on LinkedIn by optimizing your profile and running targeted ads. This platform offers a direct connection with clients seeking your solutions. If your manufacturing business is not achieving the desired online results, exploring new strategies could be beneficial. I specialize in assisting manufacturers like you in achieving growth through customized digital marketing approaches. #ManufacturingMarketing #SoutheastManufacturers #DigitalMarketing

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🚀✨ Dive into the future of B2B manufacturing marketing with Ballistic Arts ' latest guide! 🏭 📈 Learn why content marketing is the game-changer you need to attract and retain B2B buyers. 🌟 Did you know? 71% of manufacturing marketers see content marketing as crucial! 💡 Don’t miss out—read our blog now to craft compelling content that drives engagement and builds industry authority. #ManufacturingMarketing #ContentStrategy #B2BMarketing #DigitalTransformation 💼 https://lnkd.in/gYj2H-sq

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If I could only look at one metric forever to evaluate my new customer acquisition, it would be this one... First Order Value/nCAC 🚨 This is a ratio, not an absolute number, expressed as a percentage. I mentioned this number in my last post about the "eCommerce scorecard." This ratio includes two metrics: 1. First Order Value Profit - Take the average first order value and subtract the costs to deliver this order to your customers. This gives you the first-order gross profit. 2. nCAC - The average amount you are paying to acquire a net new customer. By dividing the former by the latter, you get a number expressed as a percentage. When this number is over 100%, it means that your first order is not costing you a penny. It covers all costs to acquire the new customer and deliver the first order. If it's below 100%, for every dollar spent on new customer acquisition, you are losing some money... For most bootstrapped eCom brands that are in scaling mode, this number should probably always be as close to 100% as possible. This ensures you are in the perfect balance of not burning money and not leaving potential growth on the table. Have you ever heard of this KPI before? 👀 #kpis #ecommerce #newcustomer

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The distribution industry has some special challenges when it comes to digital marketing. If you work in distribution, what strategies have you found to be the most successful? Here are a few of ours: https://lnkd.in/gM-Hud2X #DistributionMarketing #BusinessSuccess

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🚀The top 3 channels to quickly accelerate cash flow Today, I want to share the three fastest sources of sales opportunities: -Current and Past Client Upgrades -Unsold Sales Opportunities -Referrals These are often overlooked goldmines. Why? Because we're too busy chasing new leads to see the potential right under our noses. Here's the truth: Your existing network is your most valuable asset. Just make sure you capitalize on these opportunities– without looking desperate or sleazy. #casflow #marketing #smallbusiness

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Episode 83:Windshield Time. Why Your Website and CTA’s Need Re-Evaluating. Why placement, tracking and verbiage matter on your VDP’s, SRP’s and everywhere else. #socalcargal #windshieldtime #automotive #digitaladvertising #digitalmarketing https://lnkd.in/ghkdw-wg

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In a recent study, the question was, "How are you using print marketing to overcome digital marketing fatigue?" ➡ 62% use personalized, targeted direct mail. DM use is on the rise —— 91% of respondents are embracing strategic integration of print and digital channels this year, with about half of those describing their print and digital marketing channels as “closely integrated and tightly coordinated.” Learn more about it in this 2min Marketing Charts read ⤵ #directmail #digitalfatigue #gundersondirect #integratedmarketing https://lnkd.in/dxUyuEqE

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Understanding your target market is fundamental to any business. Learn tips to help pinpoint your target market and engage with them effectively. https://ow.ly/Pnp450RHIPx #MarketingLogix #TargetMarketing #MarketingStrategy

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Always proud to be a solution when it comes to high quality lead gen for my clients, but it's often we forget about brand and why its ongoing presences is important for B2B marketing investment. Love this Illustrative + point from Dave Gerhardt.

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💡 Are rising disposal and removal fees cutting into your margins? If you're dealing with excess inventory and the increased fees for disposal or removal orders are a burden, it might be time to consider a smarter alternative. I recently explored a new strategy to manage inventory we no longer need and avoid hefty storage fees. It’s not a new option of course, but with today’s high costs, it’s more relevant than ever: Amazon Liquidations. Here’s how it works: 📦 Instead of paying high fees to dispose of your inventory, Amazon will sell it to a liquidator for up to 10% of the average sale price over the last 90 days. The fees are low, and you might even get a few dollars back instead of just paying for disposal. With the current environment of high storage and disposal fees, this could be the perfect solution for many products. It's definitely worth considering if you're looking to reduce costs and recoup some value from inventory you no longer need. #Ecommerce #AmazonFBA #InventoryManagement #CostSaving #Liquidation

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In a dealership account, we saw Google CPC as the top source for driving high-intent events like finance form starts and click-to-call actions. No surprise there, given the search intent behind Google Ads traffic. But here's where it gets fascinating... Let's say we see 100 "Finance Start" events from Google Ads in a given period. The natural next question is - How many of those initial forms are actually converted into completed finance applications? We can identify potential dropoff points by digging deeper into the conversion paths and funnels. Maybe the website isn't presenting a seamless experience, causing people to abandon partway through. Or perhaps the landing pages need to be optimized for higher conversions. Either way, this report = better analytics #googleads #googlecpc #digitalmarketing #googleadstips

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For professional services marketers, one of the toughest things to do is *not* follow all the advice you find from B2B product/SaaS marketers. Most of it is plain wrong for a service business. The product peeps are selling widgets. You're selling relationships that will last for years (ideally). They're obsessed with website traffic because their customers can and do buy right on their website. Buyers of professional services don't do that. The sales process is much longer. It requires building a trust-based relationship, something that doesn't happen with a website visit. They need to sell thousands and thousands of seats. You need your next five clients. But there's *so much* B2B marketing advice that comes from SaaS marketers and while it's smart for them, it's wrong for you. You're playing a different game, so don't follow their rules. *** Find this post thought-provoking? There's more where that came from - sign up for our emails at https://lnkd.in/e2-iNhcs

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Tailor your promotions to appeal to your target market’s interests and pain points. This will pique their interest and encourage them to consider your product or service as a solution. Learn more. https://ow.ly/mXW050RAPEC #marketinglogix #targetmarket #interest #marketingstrategy

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Join me for a webinar on Must-Have Marketing Strategies for Manufacturers on Jan. 15 at 11:30 EST if any of the following apply: • Are you tired of your marketing efforts falling short or you're not doing marketing? • Are you using a scatter-shot approach throwing money at a wall hoping it sticks with agencies who have not helped you grow? • Do you find yourself constantly chasing leads and struggling to increase gross profit margin? • Are you a sell-focused organization and your leads and cash flow have tapped out? • Is your CRM an Excel spreadsheet or your sales team isn’t leveraging your CRM? This is part of the monthly "The Manufacturers' Efficiency Webinar Series" with Richard Bello, Matt Wizeman and me. Please register here: https://lnkd.in/gFXD7fwR

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