Advance recruitment healthcare sales job advert

Are you keeping up with ‘new age marketing’?

Posted by & filed under General, Marketing Dorset, Online marketing.

Moving with the times – Are you keeping up?

Many companies we speak to our finding it tough to keep up with the newest and most effective marketing tools and services.  If you have been in business for more than 15 years you will have seen the marketing and advertising landscape change beyond recognition.

I asked our client Nick Langley from Advance Recruitment how things have changed in marketing since he founded the business back in 1996:Advance recruitment healthcare sales job advert

“We would post adverts in the Daily Telegraph to reach job seekers and clients, using snail mail along with cutting and pasting with scissors and glue stick was the norm, things are very different now.  The technical aspect means that it is much more effective to outsource to a team that are experts in their field and able to keep abreast of new technologies, trends and tools.”

Advance Recruitment operate in the niche Medical Sales sector – this means that finding the right demographic is essential.  Nick says “Communication is key, particularly with the changing landscape, as well as being more social and resourceful in how we market our brand”.

Nick is right, the social aspect means that brands need to be more open and ‘human’ as opposed to broadcasting their sales messages which was the case with traditional and print advertising.

If you are looking for a medical sales job or a healthcare job then please do look up Advance Recruitment, you would do well to find a more dedicated and professional team.

Like to find out more about our social and digital marketing?

 Give us a call for a no obligation chat through your requirements. 01747 830965

Zoho survey themes

Zoho Survey

Posted by & filed under Surveys, Zoho, Zoho Apps.

Zoho Survey

 

One of the newest additions to the Zoho app range is Zoho Survey.  This handy tool is the simplest and most customisable of survey tools I have ever had the pleasure of using.  From the initial set up to the reporting – it is quick, easy and clean.

Select your Zoho Survey template

 

The free version allows unlimited surveys to be created with up to 15 questions on each – more than adequate for most small businesses.  If you are likely to receive over 150 responses then the standard package at $19 per month would suit better.

If you would prefer to work from a template there are over 50 to choose from – from concept testing to Employee exit surveys.

Once you have chosen your template there are a vast number of themes and colours – select one that suits your needs.  With the paid plan you can fully customise the look and feel to match your branding.Themes from Zoho survey and Hook Solutions

If you would like your Zoho survey available to your social followers you can do that too – share on Facebook and Twitter.  Maybe your website is the ideal place to collect responses – embed the survey for the best results.

The reports are available in a range of options, from visually pleasing charts and graphs to percentages.  There are the options to filter your results and see individual answers.  The crosstab function is superb for data analysis.

When finished just share with your colleagues, print to PDF or export.

Zoho survey themes

If you would like assistance with Zoho Survey or any other Zoho apps call our Zoho consultant today 01747 830965

Looking for a mobile responsive website?

Zoho Support UK

Posted by & filed under CRM Platform, General, News, Zoho, Zoho CRM.

Zoho Support UK

Stuck with Zoho CRM, can’t figure out Zoho Campaigns, not sure how Zoho Survey even works?

We all know that using a new solution can be daunting.  Searching through the knowledge base provided can take time that eats up your day and reduces productivity.

Hook Solutions are able to offer Zoho Support in the UK to assist clients that would like access to help within their time zone.  A consultant they can call or email who can walk them through, point out the button they cannot find or just guide them through the process of setting up a Facebook tab.

  • Have assistance with the Zoho apps, from Zoho Docs to Zoho Mail.
  • Help available when you need it.
  • Knowledge volunteered – functionality you did not know was there.
  • Use us as and when needed.
  • Virtual screen shares to walk you through the solutions.

If you feel you would like a shoulder to lean on or someone to hold your hand then contact us today.

Our monthly support package allow clients the freedom to know that with new staff members or new functionality there is someone on hand – Our Zoho consultants really enjoy showing you what the solution is capable of.

Zoho Support basic is currently £25 per month or £250 annually in advance.  To discuss your requirements please call our Zoho consultant today.

01747 830965

Support for Zoho in the Uk from Hook Solutions Ltd

 

Take the strain off your team and provide them a way to maximise your ROI from Zoho CRM with Hook Solutions – Zoho UK partners.

 

 

Users full features of Zoho Campaigns

Zoho CRM vs Zoho Campaigns – Email marketing

Posted by & filed under CRM Platform, Email Marketing, News, Zoho, Zoho Apps, Zoho CRM.

Email marketing with Zoho CRM and Zoho Campaigns – What is the difference?

Both Zoho CRM and Zoho Campaigns offer the function to send out mass email, so why would Zoho produce two tools for the same purpose?

There are unique differences that make Zoho Campaigns the choice for regular email newsletters, social campaigns and clever longer term strategies as well as the tracking required by most clients to show a ROI.Features of Zoho Campaigns from Hook Solutions

Most small businesses only send a few hundred emails a month, so you may ask why you need Zoho Campaigns when the CRM allows you to send them by just creating a view, selecting all and sending your email template.

See what you can achieve in Zoho Campaigns that you cannot in Zoho CRM:

  • Tracking of clicks and opens
  • Follow up campaign to those that do not open
  • Post the campaign as a page on your Facebook, with full links and tracking
  • Post to Twitter and  LinkedIn
  • Full range of email templates ready to amend and use
  • Create drip campaigns to follow up with subscribers who click certain links – e.g. a special offer
  • Syncing with the CRM – the campaign data will show in each contacts record, and whether they clicked or opened
  • Auto unsubscribes, the CRM can be altered automatically so you do not accidentally make contact
  • New sign ups/prospects from your website or CRM can be configured to be added automatically – again saving valuable time
  • Full reporting and comparisons to evaluate your campaigns
  • Integration with Zoho Survey and Google Apps

These are the main features which provide a complete marketing tool that syncs nicely with your Zoho CRM and provides efficient email marketing along with the social media to make your efforts reach further.Users full features of Zoho Campaigns

If you would like assistance with the setup, training and implementation of Zoho Campaigns please contact Hook Solutions today.  The Dorset based Customer relationship marketing specialists.

01747 830965

Or Miranda Aldridge our Marketing Director on +44 (0)744 3902432

Dorset digital marketing from Hook Solutions.

Customer relationship management

Posted by & filed under CRM Platform, Dorset Marketing, Marketing Dorset, News, Online marketing.

The key thing about customer relationship management is to remember the word “Customer”

Your customer should be at the heart of everything you do as a company, this could be an efficient invoicing process, your monthly newsletter or your staff training.   Many people see CRM as a tool or database: yes, this is a solution assists you in managing your customers data, but it is not the complete answer.

Look at your customer’s journey: from the initial contact (your marketing); converting that lead in to a sale; managing the process of providing them with the product or service; keeping them informed; payment for the product or service; add-on sales; and further sales in the future. All of which required for feedback throughout.  These are just some of the main stages that your customer can go through.

It is important that the customer relationship management covers all areas of this process.  This could involve:

  • Sales, Marketing and PR campaigns
  • Employee training for telephone etiquette
  • Automated notifications for clients about the various stages of providing the goods or services
  • Using feedback, surveys or reviews
  • Set up of a CRM database to collect and manage the data
  • A good accounting package
  • Processes and procedures to assist staff with compliance
  • Great reporting and analytics – of all stages
  • Innovative ideas and brainstorming
  • Further staff development
  • Managing customer complaints

It can be easy for a customer to provide a bad review on line when they get lost during this process through a lack of communication or a poor product/service.  Reputation management should go hand in hand with your customer relationship management.

Keeping abreast of the quality of your service at all times allows changes to be made, mistakes to be rectified quickly and improves efficiency.

If you are looking for assistance with any part of your CRM journey then do contact us for a now obligation chat.  01747 830965

Hook Solutions are a Dorset Marketing company that partner with several CRM solution providers as well as offering a range of services that assist with customer relationship management.

Dorset marketing company Hook Solutions

Marketing Dorset

Posted by & filed under Dorset Marketing, General, Local Marketing.

You might ask why is Dorset significant to our marketing?

Marketing is a creative art and nothing breeds creativity better than a team who are surrounded by the beauty of the great Dorset landscape which means that Dorset nutures some amazing entrepreneurs.   The local people range from successful business giants who have their second homes here or have retired to the area. There are a large number of young, vibrant small businesses as well as the Dorset born and bred that have worked for generations in the family business.  This eclectic diversity  is a breeding ground for marketing magic.  As businesses have struggled to stay afloat they have had to come up with more and more genius strategies to attract clients.  Marketing is about need – understanding your customers needs.  If you are able to do that then you will be able to appeal to them at the right place  and time.

Dorset marketing company Hook Solutions

What could be better – Dorset Marketing inspired by nature.

A local antique shop is relatively unknown, even locally, being down a small road that can’t even be considered a ‘rat run’.  To let people know they are there they have painted a few old bicycles white and put signs on them.  Each morning they cycle to the main road and pop the bikes on the local sign posts, they even made me chuckle – by the small sign post they have a pink scooter: I don’t know if they ran out of bikes or just thought it would be amusing – but it did the trick.  This grabs the attention better than any other sign boards I have seen.

Another example would be a small local recruitment agency.  Everywhere I go online they are there.  No, they haven’t spent a fortune, they are just very active across the full range of marketing avenues – from the social sites to local networking events as well as for local charities.  Their ethos of being a social and approachable company is great.  If you want to speak to the Director her number is there and you can call her – she takes your call and welcomes you.  She knows that any person could be a customer in the future – so even if it is a cold call the employee may recommend her if she is polite and takes time to treat people with respect.  A great example to us all I am sure.

Marketing is not about the amount you have to spend and the people of Dorset are always an inspiration for me to draw on when working for clients locally as well as across the UK. Being able to move your mindset from selling to putting yourself in the customers shoes is the key to success in this fast paced digital world.  People have been turning their backs on some traditional marketing to put more effort into the digital revolution.  Think about where you clients/customers congregate, it may not be on the A350 driving through Dorset like our Antique shop above – it may be on LinkedIn or at a networking event.  They may be readers of a particular publication or visit a certain website.  Our job as a Dorset marketing  agency is to find out where they are and ensure that they see your message, so when they need your product or service, your company is at the forefront of their mind.

So a big thank you to Dorset for assisting with our client Marketing – it is a great place to live and work as well as a quick train journey to most major UK cities.

If you would like assistance from out Dorset inspired team then please do give us a call 01747 830965

 

Free package from Zoho CRM

Zoho CRM UK free version

Posted by & filed under CRM Platform, General, Zoho CRM.

Free package from Zoho CRMZoho CRM UK Free version – some hints and tips

Small business CRM ideas that can help you to save time and money by becoming a paper free organisation that is able to access company information and contacts when you are on the road or on holiday.

Zoho offers a free version that has key functionality, with the recent changes to their packages this now allows all users access to the mobile app for CRM.  Ideal if you need to find the address or contact details for a meeting when on the road or see which other prospects or contacts are in the area for a quick drop in meeting. There is no cost at all for up to 3 users.

Most small companies start with an Excel spreadsheet and a multitude of small apps that enable them to have access to their main business data.  CRM is the ideal solution to manage this data from the moment a prospect fills in a web form or calls you right through to follow up, months, or even years later. The Zoho CRM system even allows you to connect with social media through Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.  Being cloud based means there is maximum flexibility for home workers, freelancers and part time staff, this access would not have been possible previously.

 

Get your account now

So our top hints and tips for trying Zoho CRM:

  • Ask us for a quick demo to show you how effective Zoho can be
  • Try out the FREE version for a couple of weeks
  • Book a training session so we can provide a few tips and highlight functionality
  • Try to use it every day – anything new takes to time to become familiar with
  • Think in detail about every part of the processes you use on a day to day basis
  • Explore and call us if you need assistance
  • Use the social functions as prospects are often more receptive to communication

There are many little functions that the CRM is capable of that are often not realised by companies even when they have used Zoho for a long period. Please do get in touch, we can save you an awful lot of time by suggesting little amendments, functionality and processes that make it easier for you to perform your daily duties.Hook Solutions are Zoho CRM partners in the uk

Hook Solutions specialise in helping companies understand  Zoho CRM, particularly for clients in the UK. We can assist with processes and progress that could be made by making use of the extensive array of tools from marketing automation, social media, reporting, data segmentation and additional apps like Zoho Survey, Invoice and Campaigns.

Drop us a call to discuss – 01202 282929

Hook Solutions Director Miranda Aldridge

Hook – Our promise to you….

Posted by & filed under Business Tips, News.

At Hook we believe companies and individuals are fed up…

Hook Solutions Director Miranda Aldridge

Miranda Aldridge
Director

… with being tied into long term contracts that they cannot get out of when things don’t work out.  They have used services which have had a detrimental effect on their business. Consequently, they have lost trust in professional services that do not live up to expectations.  Our solutions are simple:

  • Use us as little or as often as you like.
  • No long term contracts.
  • Only “White hat” professional techniques.
  • We will always call you back – even on a weekend!
  • Our promise is to communicate regularly.
  • Listen to your requirements and needs.
  • Tell you if things are not working.
  • To have the utmost respect for your views and brand.
  • We will tell you if we think you are wasting your money.

This means we will not buy likes or followers, build dodgy backlinks or spam your customers with tonnes of poor quality emails.  If you are unhappy we will change things.

We will not promise to get you to the top of Google because we do not have a crystal ball, we do not know if your competitors are starting an expensive campaign or Google decide to change their way of ranking sites. These things are unfortunately beyond our control and also beyond the control of other companies that promise to have you top of the rankings!

We like our clients to stay with us because we are effective, efficient and on their side, not because their contract says they must.

We encourage our clients to try new forms of marketing on a small scale, as a demo if you like.  This enables us to measure results and only roll out on a larger scale if success looks likely – saving you time and money.

There are no quick fixes or shortcuts – good old fashioned hard work, passion and skill are all it takes to make a difference.

 

Like to join our ride?  Give us a call 01747 830965

Or take a look at the range of services we offer.

Hook Solutions survey services

A look at how surveys can assist your business

Posted by & filed under Business Tips, General, News, Online marketing, Surveys.

Surveys are a great tool to give valuable insights in to your customers thoughts

Being anonymous they allow responses that would not normally be passed on but the major stumbling block for most companies is how to convince customers to complete them.  How do you get them to not only complete the survey but complete it in an honest and constructive way?

Reputation management is key – keeping your survey in line with your brand and showing that you take notice of the survey results brings credibility.

The first step is to remember that the person filling out their responses is a person – they are likely to have a personal experience of your brand that may not be inline with the reputation that you have generally, finding out about their experience in a  few questions is not easy.  If you ask – Would you recommend us to a friend? and they answer no or maybe there must be a reason for their hesitation, if you just have a blank box saying “why not? ” it does not encourage constructive usable feedback, how about instead asking “what could we do better or differently that would make you say Yes?” – This promotes a sharing of ideas, if you adopt these ideas in the future you can point the changes to your customers to say “We listened to you and took your ideas seriously – thank you” which in turn encourages confidence in your brand and might produce a more positive flow of communication with clients. Hook Solutions survey services

You could even put a box so they can leave their email address, this would enable you to reward them, offer them incentives and highlight them as the person/company that has made a difference to you – if doing this state it above the box so it is clear.

The second step is to create questions that feel personal –  a good and bad example of the same question below:

BAD – Did we do a good job for you?

GOOD – Do you feel we completely achieved what we said we would when working with you?

Asking for how people feel, their thoughts, appealing for their perception is exactly what a reputation is – you cannot buy a reputation as it is how people perceive your brand, their personal experience, you may have a reputation that is poor and wish to improve, changing this over time is hard work, every perception matters.  The question above then leads into another question that could delve further into what has happened for them to arrive at their current perception.

Surveys are much more about psychology and less about ticking boxes, think inside your mind, what would make you more willing to answer a survey?  an incentive? recognition of your ideas? some free PR?

If you would like more details on our survey services then please call Miranda on 0744 3902432, she loves to talk surveys…..

 

Facebook roi

Marketing should be lead generating.

Posted by & filed under General, Lead generation, News, Online marketing.

Marketing should be lead generating.

Many people seem to forget the main focus of a client’s needs for a marketing campaign is the need to generate more business for the company.  It is the job of the campaign to help the company achieve their goals.

This could be a range of goals depending on the industry.

  • Sign up for a newsletter
  • Visit the company website
  • Follow the company on Facebook/Twitter
  • Sign up for a demo
  • Call the company
  • Fill out an enquiry form
  • Purchase

You might ask how “Follow on Facebook” could be a goal for lead generation?  Well if the company has discovered that of all their Facebook followers around 50% convert to clients within 3 months, when someone follows a company Facebook page they will see regular updates from the company within their personal feed each day. Overtime when the client needs your product they are much more likely to purchase from you due to the ongoing relationship that has been formed.

Although goals can vary dramatically from one business to another, they should be clear and concise so the marketing team know where to concentrate their efforts.Facebook roi

If you need help drawing up goals then look at your past clients, where did they find you? Make a point of collecting this information from all enquirers, ensure staff know the importance of asking callers where they heard about you, how they found the website – this could save you a lot of money, no wasted campaigns that do not result in clients.  You may discover that a lot of your web visitors come after seeing your advert in a specialist magazine or from a radio advert.  The more detail you can collect from past and present clients and enquirers the better informed you will be.

  • Collect as much information about your customer source as you can.
  • Collate and analyse the data.
  • Form a set of goals.
  • Instruct your marketing team.
  • Measure and analyse campaign results.
  • Put more into effective campaigns.
  • Drop ineffective campaigns but….
  • Always try new marketing ideas.