Your Startup Needed Marketing Automation Yesterday

Business that haven’t implemented any kind of marketing automation probably haven’t done so because they associate it with the words “really expensive.” Surely a startup running on a shoestring budget couldn’t possibly afford such a complex, automated software solution?

Actually…that isn’t the case at all. In fact, that way of thinking is just wrong. And unprofitable.

Here are 5 reasons startups and small companies should start using marketing automation as soon as possible.

1. It’s tailored and affordable

HubSpot, the most popular marketing automation tool for small companies, starts at $200/month for 100 contacts, $800/month for 1,000 contacts, and $2,400/month for 10,000 contacts. That’s only $2,400/year, $9,600/year, or $28,800/year for up to 10,000 contacts. Is that more affordable than hiring a second marketer? Yes.

• HubSpot is the leading marketing automation platform for very small companies; Marketo is used most commonly by mid-size businesses; and Eloqua is the most popular choice for large enterprises. (PepperGlobal, 2014)

2. It helps you market like a big business

In fact, a marketing automation solution is way better than hiring a second marketer. It’s like hiring a whole second team.

• Marketing automation users report 3x more leads passed to sales after one month. (Marketo, 2013)

• Businesses that use marketing automation to nurture prospects experience a 451% increase in qualified leads. (The Annuitas Group, 2013)

3. It helps you run a lean startup

And because it’s like having a marketing department at your fingertips, it’s actually far more than just affordable. It’s one of the best early and long-term investments you can make for your company. Implemented properly, marketing automation doesn’t just help you make money. It also helps you save a ton of money.

• Companies that excel at lead nurturing generate 50% more sales-ready leads at 33% lower cost. (Forrester Research, 2013)

4. More metrics equal more funding

And one thing every startup can use is more money. So if you’re looking for another round of investing, the metrics that any marketing solution software provides are absolutely invaluable to your presentation.

5. There’s never a wrong time to start

Actually, that’s not entirely true. If you’re at the “no investors, just me and my co-founder” stage, then marketing automation may not be right for you. At that point it’s a potential distraction and definitely a drain on your resources.

But as soon as you close any seed money, and certainly as soon as you have revenue, it’s time for a marketing automation solution.

Ultimately, it’s on you. If you put in the effort to learn about the right solution for your business and implement it properly, you’ll get more and better quality leads. If you don’t and just hope it’ll solve all your problems, none of your problems will get solved.

In that regard, marketing automation software is a lot like going to the gym and getting in shape. If you keep at it, you’ll look great and you’ll hear about it. But if you chug soda and eat pizza like pancakes, you’ll still be as out of shape as the day you walked into Planet Fitness for the first time.

Do you have any other reasons startups should or shouldn’t be using marketing automation? If so, please comment below!