There are a lot of reasons for that you might decide to get a new car. Maybe you just got a raise. Maybe your needs have changed because your family is growing. Maybe you’re just looking to upgrade to a more efficient, comfortable way to take care of the things you do every day like commuting or running errands.
It’s not such a big stretch to look at these reasons in terms of someone shopping for a new software solution like marketing automation. Just got the welcome surprise of an increased marketing budget? (Sounds a bit like a raise). Have a growing sales team with increasingly demanding needs or more targeted marketing campaigns than you keep up with? (There’s your growing family). Just looking for a better way to take care of ongoing marketing tasks like email campaigns, landing pages and storing online files? (I think you see where this is going).
With these similarities in mind, I present you with three things to consider whether your future calls for a new car or a new marketing automation tool:
Total Value: What’s included in the base price? Does it have all of the features you think you’ll need to get the job done? Will your investment increase drastically as you start to add all the extras you want? Conversely, does it have too many features – do you really need that roof rack, those rain-sensing wipers or that fancy chrome detailing? It looks nice on the outside, but does it have the power under the hood?
Balancing Current Needs with Plans for Future Growth: If you’re a a newly married couple, you probably don’t need the minivan just yet. However, if you’re thinking you may add to your family (or business) over the next few years, you’ll want to make sure you have a product that can grow with you whether that means planning ahead now with a little room to grow or looking for a flexible plan that won’t lock you in with limited options.
Quality of the Manufacturer: You wouldn’t buy a new car without first reading some reviews or talking to your friends who drive a similar model. When purchasing a new business tool, the same rules apply. Ask around. Read up on the latest company news and also check out third-party sources like industry publications, blogs or analyst reports. Get references. Get a feel for the company’s culture and their reputation for customer service.
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