I have been designing an awesome info graphic that shows how marketing has changed over the past decades.  Fortunately, I found this "History of Marketing" info graphic which does a great job of telling the story.  This saved me at least a week of work!

The Bad News:  Marketing is much more complicated as the number of ways to engage customers has ballooned.  Talking at your customers is no longer effective.  They are adept at tuning out unwanted messaging.  

The Really Good News: Your ability to engage with customers is no longer a function the size of your wallet.  Inbound marketing (attracting the shoppers to you) utilizing a solid Inbound Marketing Plan utilizing SEO and Content Marketing delivers leads to your sales team.  

The Best News
Inbound marketing can be integrated across all outbound marketing campaigns (email, content syndication, events) to maximize impact of your marketing spend.  

I just viewed a fun infographic which does a great job of summarizing how  significantly the purchase process has changed for buyers/shoppers.  

Buyers sit squarely in the drivers seat of the purchase process - with  steering wheel in-hand with a foot on a pedal (brake OR accelerator).  Barraging target segments with emails, direct mail, and in-your-face online banner advertising is becoming increasingly ineffective at generating leads.  It can, however, be very effective at causing opt-outs and spam reports (prospects slamming on the break pedal). 

When prospects are ready to buy (use the accelerator)  - they will seek the information they need to make a decision.  They will download white papers, visit blogs, read expert reviews, and seek out comparison guides.  They are very likely to make their purchase decision BEFORE they every contact your sales team.  

This new way of shopping demands marketers focus on the buyer, the sales process,  and providing the types information they will need to make a purchase decision.  Marketers need to enable learning by creating good content and participating in prospect engagement and learning.  

Inbound marketing - creating relevant content  and making it available for prospects is the new marketing imperative for driving revenue.

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