Data analytics is unquestionably one of the most disruptive technologies impacting the manufacturing sector. Manufacturers are projected to spend nearly $10 billion on analytics by the end of the year.
Data analytics can solve many of the biggest challenges that manufacturers face. One of the most significant benefits of leveraging analytics in manufacturing is with marketing optimization and automation.
An outsourced organization that handles specific marketing tasks of other companies is called a manufacturing marketing agency. They can operate as a marketing department, provide strategies and direction and act as a consultant to any marketing decisions being made by a company. Smart manufacturing marketing agencies understand the role that data analytics plays in their operations.
Big Data is Addressing Many of the Marketing Concerns that Manufacturers Face
Many manufacturers are trying to understand the role that data analytics plays in their operations. Before they can debate the benefits of using it in marketing, it is important to first grasp the relevance this technology has in standard manufacturing processes.
Amine Belhad and his coauthors addressed some of the issues about big data in manufacturing in their white paper Understanding Big Data Analytics for Manufacturing Processes: Insights from Literature Review and Multiple Case Studies.
It is clear that in recent years there has been exponential growth in digital technologies, computing power and the so-called Internet of Things (IoT), among other things. These technological advances provide manufacturers with the means to derive value from an increasingly large and overwhelming amount of data, with the goal of gaining a great competitive advantage. Several studies claim that Big Data has penetrated various aspects of everyday life, but it has also become vital for optimizing manufacturing processes.
Despite its clear benefits, there are considerable challenges in using data analytics in manufacturing processes. In some contexts, the massive use of information obtained from computers controlling processes and information systems means that the databases of these processes are of unimaginable size. It is increasingly common to find IoT devices, sensors that measure variables in a production process, etc., which will mean that in the future the data obtained from an intelligent manufacturing process will expand dramatically.
However, despite the enthusiasm and growing interest in big data, research on the real capabilities of data analytics technology in manufacturing processes is still relatively new. In fact, companies that are willing to use big data in their processes usually find it difficult to understand the concept.
On the other hand, some academics point out that big data is still in a primitive stage, which limits the effectiveness of this technology. Therefore, it is important for industrial engineering professionals to specialize in various areas of processes, quality, operations research and logistics, among others, take on the task of deepening the existing studies on Big Data associated with manufacturing and manufacturing processes, taking into account case studies in companies that use Big Data to improve their own processes. It is important to highlight several objectives in this context.
The role of data analytics in manufacturing marketing processes is even more unclear. Fortunately, new research is helping researchers better understand the benefits of using big data in manufacturing marketing.
What Are the Benefits of Using Data Analytics for Marketing in the Manufacturing Sector?
Some important benefits of using a manufacturing marketing agency that understands the benefits of data analytics are mentioned below.
- ● Target Audience
The primary customers of a manufacturing marketing agency are wholesalers, retailers, supply chain manufacturers, and other business-end owners. Data analytics technology helps manufacturers thoroughly research their customers and find the best audience to target.
- ● Customer requirements
Potential clients look for a win-win deal in which they can easily supply their customers and create a hefty profit simultaneously. Data analytics helps manufacturers evaluate customer reviews online and perform reputation management practices to better understand their customers.
- ● Professions involved
You will be working with purchasing agents, managers, accounting and finance teams, and other field specialists. Artificial intelligence is also a big challenge to compete with.
- ● Priorities
Every customer in the market looks for a marketing agency that has the ideal price, credit, how much help they will provide, and reputation. Data analytics helps manufacturers identify correlations between various factors and their performance goals, so they can see where their resources should be allocated.
All of the points as mentioned earlier must be prioritized by a manufacturing marketing agency.
Possible Challenges of a Manufacturing Marketing Agency that Data Analytics Can Address
A manufacturing marketing agency can face some trivial issues and problems, which can often be difficult but not unsolvable. Data analytics can solve many of their most pressing problems, such as:
- Specific requirements
Depending on the niche, marketing agencies often need more traffic.
- Long term sales
In comparison to a B2C marketing agency, a manufacturing marketing agency or a B2B marketing agency has a longer sale cycle in which benefits emerge gradually. This can cause trust issues between a company and a B2B marketing agency.
- Marketing difficult Products
Taking on a company or business which has pricey objects can cause issues in the marketing department. Such high-priced products are harder to market and, as a result, sell, causing distrust and problems between a marketing agency and its client.
Setting up a Marketing Agency
Some essential things everyone must consider while creating their own manufacturing marketing agency are:
- Getting experienced staff and gaining proper knowledge beforehand
- Serve your clients with dedication and commitment.
- Be good at the thing you offer expertise in and show it in some way or form.
- Be distinguishable from other companies, as there are hundreds of marketing agencies.
Best ways to integrate data analytics into a manufacturing marketing strategy
Setting up a manufacturing marketing agency can be difficult; therefore, you must look at possible strategies that can help it grow rapidly, such as leveraging data analytics strategically. You can use the following strategies to integrate data analytics technology into your business model.
1. Publish content frequently
Content is the main power engine of a manufacturing marketing agency. The more content is published on your website, the more it will attract people, so it is necessary that the content on your site is engaging and well-written. It is recommended to have different topics posted on your website so that online traffic can be diverted toward your website.
2. Email Marketing
Manufacturing marketing is always going to be beneficial when used in the long run, so email marketing can be the right strategy to get the word out.
3. Google ads
Even after hiring an SEO expert, your agency’s success is not guaranteed. Google is the most commonly used search engine, so properly and intelligently investing in Google ads can be profitable.
4. Optimize your website
Making a colorful, engaging, and user-friendly website is important to attract and hook customers. This is especially important for emerging marketing agencies as they must go all in to get traffic and potential customers.
5. Integration of social media
Social media marketing can be the best way to promote products, as popular sites such as Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube has millions of active users. Proper utilization of social media can be the key to success.
Data Analytics Technology is Vital for Marketing in the Manufacturing Sector
Agencies take some time to establish so it is pertinent to remain patient and loyal to your goal during the phase of setting up your own marketing agency. Data analytics technology can help manufacturers reach these goals, but they need the right agency to support them.
Benefits of starting a marketing agency that uses data analytics
Anyone specializing in marketing must join or start a marketing agency to fully utilize their skills, as there is more freedom and opportunity while working for a dedicated marketing firm rather than joining a marketing team of some other company. According to a report, the digital marketing and advertising industry is worth 332.5 billion and is expected to grow rapidly. Data analytics will make it easier for manufacturers to market strategically.
If you are thinking of starting your marketing agency, you may face some difficulties or have queries on how to operate and initiate it properly.