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Archives for April 2019

Is Social Media an Effective Channel for Material Handling?

By Evan Lamolinara | 04/09/2019 | 8:04 AM | Categories: Current Affairs

If you're searching for new channels on which to sell your material handling company's products or services, you might be wondering if social media is worth pursuing. Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms have become increasingly popular in recent years. Most, however, are targeted at consumer use, not business use. This doesn't necessarily mean that social media is an ineffective sales channel for industrial plant automation companies, however.

LinkedIn is the Preferred ChSocial mediaannel for Material Handling Companies

According to a report by LinkedIn, 94% of material handling companies use LinkedIn to share content with their target audience. Based on these numbers, LinkedIn is the most popular channel for industrial content marketing. Of course, LinkedIn differs from other social media networks by focusing on businesses and professionals. As a result, it's particularly effective for material handling marketing and sales activities.

B2B Companies Have a Half-Dozen Social Media Profiles on Average

A separate report found that the average B2B company has a half-dozen social media profiles on average. In addition to LinkedIn, many B2B companies have a digital presence on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Each profile signals a new opportunity for a B2B company to connect with its audience, thereby driving leads and sales.

Over Half of All B2B Buyers Use Social Media to Research Products and Services

Statistics show that over half of all B2B buyers use social media to research products or services before making a purchase. Whether they are looking to buy a product or service (or both), B2B buyers often scour social media networks for information.

49% of All B2B Buyers Look at LinkedIn Profiles to Research Vendors

When speaking about LinkedIn, 49% of all material handling buyers use the social media platform to research vendors. They'll specifically check out companies' profiles on LinkedIn, using this information to determine if a company is right for their business's needs. If you haven’t completed a company profile page with product and services pages on your company’s forklift, controllers, or engineering services, get it done…now.

76% of B2B Companies Use Facebook for Content Marketing

According to the Content Marketing Institute (CMI), 76% of B2B companies use Facebook to promote and share content with their target audience. With Facebook reaching over a billion users each month, it can be a powerful platform on which to reach B2B buyers.

77% of B2B Companies Use Twitter for Content Marketing

The CMI also reported that 77% of B2B companies use Twitter to promote and share content with their target audience. This is a great way to get a quick message out using keywords (material handling, overhead conveyor, AGV) to draw attention to your products and services. This way when someone…including the press…is searching for information, you have a better chance of being in their results.

All of these platforms take time to do. Sometimes you just need help in filling the pipeline fast. Project Reports, by SalesLeads, are identified projects uncovered by our researchers. Through SalesLeads, you’ll know what the project is about, who to contact as well as their direct phone and email address.

Why You Should Target Mobile Devices When Selling Material Handling Products or Services

By Evan Lamolinara | 04/09/2019 | 7:49 AM | Categories: Current Affairs

ChartDoes your material handing sales strategy focus strictly on desktop and laptop computers? Even though many target audiences such as plant managers and facility managers are primarily checking their email via desktop, we’ll begin to see that change over the next few years. As a result, it's important to target mobile devices in your material handling sales strategy. Otherwise, you won't be able to reach as many prospects with your sales messages, resulting in fewer sales. Below are a few key reasons to target mobile devices when selling B2B products or services.

Nearly Half of the B2B Buyers Research Products Using a Mobile Device

According to Google, nearly half (49%) of all B2B buyers research products using a mobile device while at work. Of course, this shouldn't come as a surprise since smartphones and tablets are easier and more convenient to use than traditional computers. If a plant automation buyer wants to learn about one of your robotic, forklift or conveyor company's products or services, he or she can quickly search for it online using a mobile device.

Mobile Devices Account For 40% of All B2B Sales Revenue

It's estimated that mobile devices account for roughly 40% of all B2B sales revenue. Whether your B2B company sells a product, a service or both, targeting mobile devices will drive more revenue for your company.

84% of Millennial B2B Buyers Say Mobile Devices Are Critical to Their Job

As new generations enter the material handling marketplace, they will be using mobile devices to do their jobs. Another report found that 84% of millennial B2B buyers say mobile devices are critical to their job. They don't just use mobile devices for browsing social media; they use it for researching products and services before buying them.

Over Half of All Searches Are Performed on a Mobile Device

Statistics show that over half of all internet searches -- Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc. -- are performed on a mobile device. By 2020, this number is expected to grow to 70%, meaning that seven in 10 of all internet searches will involve a smartphone, tablet or other mobile devices. If your material handling company doesn't target mobile devices, it won't be able to reach these up and coming users.

80% of B2B Buyers Use Mobile Devices at Work

According to Smart Insights, approximately 80% of B2B buyers use mobile devices at work. Again, many B2B buyers use a smartphone or tablet to research products or services before buying them.

Where’s the Material Handling Market Headed?

According to Global Market Insights, the material handling equipment market will be worth over $190 billion by 2024. With the fast growing pace of automation how will your sales and marketing adjust to uncover those sales opportunities? With the fast pace of the material handling industry, SalesLeads utilizes researchers to uncover the who, when, and how much of opportunities, called Project Reports.

These Project Reports allow you to find out what the project is all about and begin the sales process immediately by calling or emailing the contacts responsible for the project. Try out the service by opening a complimentary account.

The opinions expressed herein are those solely of the participants, and do not necessarily represent the views of Agile Business Media, LLC., its properties or its employees.

About Evan Lamolinara

Evan Lamolinara

Evan Lamolinara is president of SalesLeads, Inc., a company that has been around for over 60 years, generating high quality sales leads dedicated to the sales & marketing professionals in the industrial marketplace. Mr. Lamolinara, an entrepreneur and competitor, purchased the legacy company in 2014. Since then, he's redeveloped its core software delivery platform and grew the company over 400%. Evan graduated from Mount Union College with B.A. Business Management and honed his competitive skills as a 3-year letterman on the College football team.



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