Mark Schaefer and Dennis Yu explore human-centered marketing in the digital landscape. They discuss the importance of understanding customer preferences, prioritizing customer care, and leveraging technology. They also explore verticalizing and horizontalizing in marketing, the challenges of honesty, building a community, and communicating value.
Customer-focused marketing is essential regardless of the latest technology or AI trends.
Businesses should focus on specific markets or communities to create a sense of belonging and foster strong community connections.
Deep dives
Stop doing what customers hate, focus on what they love
In the podcast episode, the speakers discuss the importance of understanding what customers love and avoiding practices that customers hate. They provide an example of Marriott's soap dispensers, which made it difficult for customers to identify different products. The speakers emphasize that being customer-focused is essential, regardless of the latest technology or AI trends.
Technology should benefit customers without being invasive
The podcast highlights the need for technology to be used in a way that enhances customer experience without causing frustration. They mention Apple as an example of a company that makes technology user-friendly, even for non-technical users like toddlers. The speakers caution against technology getting in the way and emphasize that customers want results, not just the tools or gadgets.
Choose a market space and nurture a community
The speakers suggest that instead of trying to appeal to everyone, businesses should focus on specific markets or communities. They mention an agency that caters exclusively to funeral directors, demonstrating the value of verticalization. They also discuss the importance of creating a sense of belonging for customers to foster strong community connections.
Earn the invitation, don't interrupt
The podcast emphasizes the significance of earning customer engagement rather than interrupting their experiences. The speakers advocate for inbound marketing and the idea that doing a great job will naturally attract customers. They discuss the drawbacks of automated and impersonal outreach tactics, highlighting the importance of genuine connections and meaningful interactions.
As marketers sort through the new bag of AI magic tricks, it's important to stay centered on real value and the human connection at the center of marketing. In this episode, Mark Schaefer and Dennis Yu take a fresh look at the Human-Centered Marketing Manifesto and debate its relevance in the new digital landscape
Mark Schaefer is a strategy consultant, college educator, keynote speaker, and the author of 10 books including "KNOWN," “Belonging to the Brand,” and "Marketing Rebellion." His annual marketing retreat is The Uprising.
For more of Mark’s insights every week, subcribe to his award-winning blog.
Dennis Yu is on a mission to create a million jobs by training up international workers to serve American companies. Former search engine engineer who has spent a billion dollars on ads. Best-selling author and speaker.
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