Episode 574 Things Not To Do In Your Marketing
Show Summary
n an episode of The SDM Show, host Rob Cairns, CEO of Stunning Digital Marketing, offers listeners valuable advice on common pitfalls to avoid in digital marketing. He emphasizes the importance of ethical practices, such as obtaining consent before adding individuals to email lists and ensuring unsubscribe options are readily available. Cairns also cautions against aggressive direct messaging on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and X, as well as unsolicited and pushy outreach from SEO professionals or other marketers. The episode aims to help marketers improve their strategies by highlighting behaviors that are not only ineffective but can also be off-putting or even illegal.
Show Notes
Here are some key takeaways on what to avoid in your marketing efforts:
- Unsolicited Email Adds: Never add someone to your email list unless they’ve explicitly opted in or are an existing client. Not only is it bad marketing, but it can also be illegal.
- Missing Unsubscribe Buttons: Always include a clear and functional unsubscribe button on all your marketing emails. Without it, recipients may mark your emails as spam, or worse, set up rules to automatically trash your messages.
- Immediate Sales Pitches on Social Media: When connecting with people on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, or X (Twitter), avoid sending a private message immediately pitching your services. This approach is often perceived as aggressive and can turn people off.
- Misguided SEO Pitches: If you’re an SEO professional, don’t send unsolicited emails claiming you can’t find someone on Google, especially when you’ve clearly found their podcast or other online presence. This tactic comes across as fear-mongering and is ineffective.
- Pushy Follow-Ups: When reaching out to potential connections or clients, understand that if they don’t respond, they’re likely not interested. Avoid aggressive or demanding follow-up emails asking why they haven’t replied. It’s rude and unprofessional.
By avoiding these common marketing missteps, you can significantly improve your marketing effectiveness and build better relationships with your audience.
