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- AQ #22: Master Modern Marketing Lingo - Part 5 : Your Guide to the Hottest Terms & Jargon❣
AQ #22: Master Modern Marketing Lingo - Part 5 : Your Guide to the Hottest Terms & Jargon❣
Fifth and final part of decoding the hottest modern marketing terms, jargons and buzzwords in this multi-part series
Ritu Jhajharia
September 13, 2023
After five amazing weeks of doing this series of decoding modern marketing buzzwords, I’m excited to bring this 5th and final part to you today.
It’s been an amazing experience and I couldn’t have imagined the love that this series received. Looks like in doing this series, I unwittingly stumbled upon something that struck a chord with so many readers all around the world.
In the upcoming editions, I’ll write about topics emerging out of your suggestions on this series. Stay tuned for that.
And looks like, I’ll need to pick this series up again in future and bring more terms and buzzwords to you, going by the messages I continue to receive.
But until then, enjoy this edition where I’ve included more terms than usual as a parting gift.
AQ Shoutout
In Part 1 of this series, we explored terms like Dark Social, Zero-click Search, Brandjacking, etc.
In Part 2, we learned about terms like Gamification, UGC Marketing, Hyper-targeting, etc.
In Part 3, we discussed interesting jargon such as Geotargeting, CRO, Ad Retargeting, etc.
In Part 4, we continued learning more modern marketing buzzwords like MarTech, ROI, Conversion Funnel, etc.
Today, in Part 5, we’ll finish this current run of exploring interesting and insightful terminology that modern marketers must know about.
Here’s a complete list (with bonus terms) of what we’ll cover in today’s edition:
Clickbait
Social Proof
Vanity Metrics
Multichannel Marketing
SERP (Search Engine Results Page)
Voice Search Optimization
Inbound Marketing
SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
Content Strategy
CTA (Call to Action)
Influencer Marketing
CRM (Customer Relationship Management)
KPI (Key Performance Indicator)
CAC (Customer Acquisition Cost)
With that, let’s bring this current series to a nice conclusion, shall we?
AQ Finds
Tool - Work faster and smarter by using TextExpander’s powerful shortcuts and abbreviations to streamline and speed up everything you type.
AI Tool - Bookmark using WhatsApp. Yes, Mem is the world's first self-organizing workspace. Capture, share, and make use of knowledge.
Market Research - With Trends.vc, save hours of market research with free 5-minute reports on emerging markets, trends and technologies, and dive into new markets and ideas with like-minded founders.
41. Clickbait
Clickbait refers to online content, typically headlines or thumbnails, that uses sensational or misleading elements to attract clicks, often at the expense of providing genuine value
In simpler words
It’s like using digital tricks or gimmicks to get people to click on something that might not be as exciting as it seems.
Example
A headline that says, "You Won't Believe What Happened Next!" without revealing the actual content which quite often doesn't fulfill that promise of excitement.
Real-Life Instance
Some news websites use clickbait headlines to drive traffic, leading to frustration for readers seeking substantive information.
This can erode trust and credibility faster than anything else.
P.S.> No specific formula, but clickbait often relies on curiosity gaps and exaggerated claims.
42. Social Proof
Social proof is a psychological phenomenon where people assume the actions of others in an attempt to reflect correct behavior in a given situation
In simpler words
It's like looking at what others are doing to decide what you should do.
Example
When you see a product with lots of positive reviews, you're more likely to trust that it's a good buy.
Real-Life Instance
TripAdvisor uses social proof by showcasing hotel ratings and reviews from other travelers to help users make decisions.
P.S.> No specific formula, but the quantity and quality of social proof (e.g., reviews, testimonials) matter.
43. Vanity Metrics
Vanity metrics are data points that look impressive on the surface but don't provide meaningful insights into business performance
In simpler words
They're like shiny objects that distract from the real story of how your marketing efforts are doing.
Example
Having a large number of social media followers doesn't necessarily mean those followers are engaged or converting into customers.
Real-Life Instance
A company may celebrate a high number of website visitors, but if those visitors don't convert, it's a vanity metric.
P.S.> No specific formula, but evaluating metrics based on their impact on business goals is crucial.
44. Multichannel Marketing
Multichannel marketing is a strategy that involves interacting with customers through multiple channels, such as email, social media, websites, and physical stores, to create a seamless and integrated customer experience
In simpler words
It's like having multiple doors to your store, so customers can come in whichever way is most convenient for them.
Example
A retail brand uses email, social media advertising, and a mobile app to engage with customers.
Real-Life Instance
Disney's multichannel marketing includes theme parks, merchandise, films, and streaming services for a holistic brand experience.
P.S.> No specific formula, but a unified customer database is crucial for successful multichannel marketing.
45. SERP (Search Engine Results Page)
A Search Engine Results Page (SERP) is the page displayed by a search engine in response to a user's query, containing a list of web pages, advertisements, and other content related to the search term
In simpler words
It's like the digital catalog that search engines provide when you type in a question or keyword.
Example
When you search for "best smartphones," the SERP shows a list of links to web pages, ads, and featured snippets related to that topic.
Real-Life Instance
Google's SERP constantly evolves, featuring knowledge panels, featured snippets, and rich results to provide users with instant answers.
P.S.> No specific formula, but SEO techniques aim to optimize a website's visibility on SERPs, and optimizing your website's content helps improve its position in SERPs.
46. Voice Search Optimization
Voice search optimization is the process of optimizing digital content to make it more accessible and relevant to voice-activated search queries performed via voice-activated devices like smartphones and smart speakers
In simpler words
Speaking to your device to find quick information relevant to you instead of typing it in a search engine every time.
Example
Asking a virtual assistant like Siri or Alexa for the weather forecast.
Real-Life Instance
As voice search becomes more prevalent, businesses are optimizing their websites and content to accommodate voice search queries.
P.S.> No specific formula, but understanding natural language queries and providing concise answers is crucial for voice search optimization.
47. Inbound Marketing
Inbound marketing is an approach focused on attracting and engaging customers through valuable content and experiences tailored to their needs
In simpler words
Pulling customers in with helpful content rather than pushing ads at them.
Example
A software company creates blog posts and videos explaining how to use their product effectively.
Real-Life Instance
HubSpot pioneered inbound marketing with its content and tools, helping businesses attract and engage customers.
P.S.> No specific formula, but creating valuable content and nurturing leads are key components.
48. SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is the practice of optimizing web content to improve its visibility in search engine results, thereby increasing organic (non-paid) website traffic
In simpler words
Enhancing your website so it ranks higher on search engines like Google, making it easier for people to find.
Example
A business may use SEO techniques to improve its website's ranking for keywords related to its products or services.
Real-Life Instance
By implementing a solid SEO strategy, Moz increased organic search traffic by 97% in just one year.
P.S.> No specific formula, but SEO involves on-page optimization, backlink building, and content quality improvements.
49. Content Strategy
Content strategy is the planning, development, and management of content to achieve specific marketing goals, such as brand awareness or lead generation
In simpler words
Creating a roadmap that guides the creation and distribution of content to achieve specific marketing objectives.
Example
A content strategy might include creating blog posts, social media updates, and videos to engage and educate the target audience.
Real-Life Instance
Red Bull's content strategy focuses on extreme sports and adventure, aligning with its brand image of energy and excitement.
P.S.> No specific formula, but content strategies require goal setting, audience research, and editorial planning.
50. CTA (Call to Action)
A Call to Action (CTA) is a prompt or directive in marketing material that encourages the audience to take a specific action, such as clicking a button, filling out a form, or making a purchase
In simpler words
A signpost that tells your audience what you want them to do next.
Example
Subscribe Now, Get Started, or Shop Now buttons in emails and on websites are common CTAs.
Real-Life Instance
Amazon strategically uses CTAs like Add to Cart and Buy Now to guide users toward making purchases.
P.S.> No specific formula, but effective CTAs use persuasive language and stand out visually.
51. Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing is a strategy that involves partnering with individuals who have a significant and engaged following (influencers) to promote a brand's products or services
In simpler words
It's like having a well-known friend recommend a product to you.
or
It's like partnering with social media stars to reach their audience and promote your brand.
Example
A fitness brand teams up with a popular Instagram fitness influencer to promote their new line of workout gear.
Real-Life Instance
Daniel Wellington's influencer marketing campaigns, featuring stylish watch enthusiasts, helped propel the brand to success.
P.S.> No specific formula, but measuring influencer marketing ROI may involve tracking engagement, conversions, and brand mentions etc.
52. CRM (Customer Relationship Management)
CRM, or Customer Relationship Management, is both a technology and strategy for managing a company's interactions with current and potential customers
In simpler words
Using software and processes to keep track of every customer interaction, making it easier to build and maintain strong relationships.
Example
A business uses CRM software to store customer contact information, track purchases, and schedule follow-up communications.
Real-Life Instance
Popular solutions like Zoho and Salesforce's CRM platform help businesses manage customer relationships and drive growth.
P.S.> No specific formula; CRM systems centralize customer data and streamline communication.
53. KPI (Key Performance Indicator)
A KPI, or Key Performance Indicator, is a measurable value that indicates how effectively a company is achieving its key business objectives
In simpler words
A scorecard that shows if your marketing and business efforts are hitting the right targets or how well they’re performing in important areas.
Example
A KPI for a social media campaign might be the number of new followers acquired.
Website traffic, conversion rate, customer acquisition cost, etc. are common marketing KPIs.
Real-Life Instance
Airbnb would use KPIs like guest bookings and host sign-ups to measure the success of its platform.
Amazon would use KPIs to monitor customer satisfaction, order accuracy, and on-time delivery to maintain its reputation for outstanding service.
P.S.> KPIs vary widely, but they are all measurable and directly related to specific business goals. KPIs should align with specific goals and be measurable over time
54. Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)
Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) is the total cost a business incurs to acquire a new customer, including marketing and sales expenses
In simpler words
Tallying up all the money spent to win over each new customer.
Example
If a company spent $5,000 on marketing and sales efforts in a month and acquired 100 new customers, the CAC would be $50.
Real-Life Instance
Uber's aggressive growth strategies led to a high CAC, as they spent significantly on incentives to attract new riders and drivers.
Formula
CAC = (Total Marketing and Sales Expenses) / (Number of New Customers Acquired)
That’s it for today.
It’s a wrap for this series, for now.
With these fresh additions to your marketing vocabulary, you're better equipped than ever to navigate the dynamic seas of modern marketing.
Stay tuned for more marketing insights, tips, and trends in the next edition of Aha! Quotient.
Until then, may your marketing strategies be as creative as your campaigns and your language simple and un-jargonized!
In the next edition - CRO (Conversion Rate Optimization)
What topics would you want to see here?
Hit reply (if you’re reading it in email) or leave a comment (if you’re reading it on the web) and tell me what topics, brands, or case studies you would want me to analyze, and I'll add them to my list of ideas. You’ll also get a shout-out.
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