Have you ever wondered why some companies resist inbound marketing? Here are 3 possible reasons:

  1. They don’t really know what it is and are too embarrassed to admit it
  2. They want sales! And they don’t understand how content can generate actual revenue
  3. They don’t have the time or money to hire someone to oversee it in-house

Well, let me start by saying that inbound marketing is a highly-strategic methodology designed to educate and nurture prospects through their sales journey. It’s not “in your face.” Instead, it’s about providing prospects with something of value without asking for anything in return. And who doesn’t like to get something for nothing?

I’ll give you an example of how it works: In our last blog, The Easiest Way to Get in Front of Hospital Buyers, we revealed that most hospital administrators conduct research online before EVER coming in contact with a sales person. That means that they’re not sitting around waiting for your phone call. In fact, they’re probably dodging your calls until they’ve done their research. The goal of inbound marketing is to provide that research so the buyer can find you on their own.

It’s about delivering the right information at the right time in the right place.

Still aren’t convinced? Then have a look at these 5 Key Benefits of Inbound Marketing:

Benefit 1 – Simplifies the Jobs of Sales AND Marketing

With inbound, your sales and marketing teams join forces to create powerful content for prospects. Sales people are the source for key insights into what the customers need and want at different stages of their buying journey. Armed with that information, marketing can create highly-targeted content that educates the buyer, answers their questions and solves their problems. Together, sales and marketing can utilize and distribute that information to drive leads, increase conversions and nurture existing customers.

Benefit 2 – Increases Visibility and Brand Awareness

The digital world has made it possible for even the smallest brands to gain worldwide recognition. By producing content that is aligned with the the buyer’s journey, your target audience will be able to find your information as they conduct their research. If you’re not out there, they won’t find you. It’s that simple. Oh, and bonus! If they like what you’ve written, they’ll share your content with their social networks – dramatically increasing your visibility and solidifying your reputation as a credible resource.

Benefit 3 – Educates Prospects in the Digital World They Live In

Prospects are doing their research online. The latest statistic by CEB says that most B2B buyers are 57%-70% through their buying research before first contacting the seller. With a bit of research and clearly defined buyer personas, you will understand WHERE those key prospects are searching for information, and you can distribute your information strategically so they’ll be sure to see it.

“67% of the buyer’s journey is now done digitally.” @siriusdecisions

Benefit 4 – Increases Trust and Credibility

Many buyers have shunned outbound marketing. They don’t want their day to be interrupted by your call or email. They want to consume information at their own leisure. Always remember: inbound marketing is on the buyer’s terms. If you can swallow your pride, dial back your enthusiasm and target prospects in a less direct, yet more effective way, you’ll gain their trust and pop in their minds when they’re ready to make a purchase.

Benefit 5 – Generates Quality Traffic & Leads

Finally, the part you’ve been waiting for: how does inbound generate sales? Well, we’re not saying it generates sales. We’re saying it generates relationships that lead to sales. Content targeted at your key audience will drive quality traffic and leads to your website. The more frequently you produce content, the more often those prospects are likely to visit your site – and when they do, you’ll be ready for them with calls to actions, top-notch landing pages and content offers that will help them make their decision – thus, leading them down the path towards conversion.

Well, if that wasn’t a long-winded explanation of why you need an inbound marketing program in place, then I don’t know what is. But it’s important to understand that inbound marketing is one of the most effective strategies in today’s digital world – and if you’re not using it, chance are you’re missing a key opportunity to develop relationships with your prospects.

To show you that we practice what we preach, we’d like to offer you a free white paper filled with inbound marketing expert statistics and tips.