Team Taft Systems on Mastering Automations

May 15, 2024•5 min read

"When we talk about automation, we aren't just talking about the technical aspect of what you can have automated in your business, we are also talking about marketing automation. What worked 5-10 years ago doesn't work today."

Team Taft Systems on Mastering Automations

Last week Kerry and Adam had the pleasure of attending a conference with amazing business owners eager to learn about how to improve the success of their online, and in-person businesses, and we wanted to share some of those tips!

The Women’s Success Network, Beautiful Faces Going Places, invited our very own, Kerry Taft to present at the "Writing, Selling, and Managing Your Way to Business Success" session.

Kerry passionately shared her top tips on how to master your automations to grow your business, and how to buy back your time so you can get back to doing what you love and are best at in your business.

The Art of Intentional Business Growth through Automations

When we talk about automation, we aren't just talking about the technical aspect of what you can have automated in your business, we are also talking about marketing automation. It is important to know that marketing, or how we market, is changing. What worked 5-10 years ago doesn't always work today.

Marketing is changing and that means we also have to change the way we run our businesses. Before we may have focused on website traffic while now we focus on funnels and social media. We are much more data driven and information seeking before we decide to take action.

“Marketing automation refers to software platforms and technologies designed for businesses to more effectively market on multiple online channels and automate repetitive tasks” Wikipedia

With marketing automation we are able to grow and scale our businesses through marketing on multiple online channels and automating repetitive tasks.

Here are some examples of what marketing automation can and cannot do

Using automation to perform repetitive tasks can be a huge timesaver. The ability to "set and forget" certain aspects of the business gives us greater freedom to pursue those areas that need our attention.

Think about working ON the business rather than IN the business.

It can also lead to greater profitability in your company. Save money on labor hours by automating certain tasks such as drip campaigns, follow-up sequences and bill pay.

The right automations in your business also contribute to an increase in productivity. When all of your processes and workflows are in place, you can find opportunities for automation that allow team members the freedom to work on the important tasks that need hands-on attention.

With this increased productivity, you can ensure your business is always moving forward and nothing is being left behind.

How to Get Started with Automations

Now that we've discussed some of the benefits and tools, how can we get started? I know it can definitely seem like a daunting task but I challenge you to answer a couple of questions and all the pieces will fall into place.

The most important question here is what is your client journey?

Map out what systems you are currently using and what problems they are solving for you
What successes have you had so far?
What challenges have you experienced?
Where do you see your business going in the future?
What is your client journey?

Writing down your client journey can be one of the best things you do for your business. Knowing all the steps that a person may take leading up to becoming a client and after being a client is your roadmap on your entrepreneurial journey. It can help you make decisions and then stay on course when that shiny object syndrome or overwhelm sneaks in.

What Steps Can You Take to Ensure Your Automations Provide Beneficial Nurturing?

Use segmentation. Your system should allow you to tag your contacts so you know who is interested in what. Do not try to nurture your entire database.
Use an introduction. Make your nurturing sequences sound human-like and personable. Introduce yourself and show why your contacts should trust you
Be mindful of timing. You should be reaching out to leads immediately after they opt in and while you typically need about 7 "touch points" prior to them purchasing, do be mindful of what time your messaging goes out, especially your texts.
Get specific in your messaging. You can start off with a general message, but as you continue to nurture your leads, your messaging should become more specific to the solution you provide.
Ask for the sale. While your messaging should always provide value, you should not be afraid to ask for the sale. Sometimes people need to feel like they have 'permission' to purchase from you. Especially if they've been on your list for a while.
Know when to stop. If someone opts out. You need to remove them from the nurture sequence. However, this does not mean you need to remove them entirely from your list. Allow them to choose what type of content they want to get from you. And then honor that and you will build trust and followers who will convert into clients.

Thanks again, Beautiful Faces Going Places, team! We had a blast!