The managed service provider market (MSP) has become one of the most competitive markets in the tech industry. MSPs usually start strong, relying heavily on referrals, networking and even a handful of loyal customers. What happens when the initial momentum fades away? What happens when word-of-mouth isn’t enough to sustain growth and sales?
MSPs are able to provide exceptional technical solutions, they struggle to keep attracting new leads or penetrate business and mid-market segments. However, technical skills alone don’t lead to the business forward, but smart, strategic marketing does. And this is exactly why MSP marketing services tailored to your industry can be a game-changer.
Why MSP marketing isn’t “any marketing”
MSPs are often enticed to employ the same strategies for marketing as those used in retail, restaurants, or real estate. But the reality is quite different. Selling managed cloud, cybersecurity or IT services require a totally different method. Your customers are typically composed of analytical decision makers who are cautious about risk and can be overloaded by sales pitches from vendors.
It makes a big difference working with a agency with experience in MSP. The MSP marketing agency should be able communicate in your buyers and their language. They are aware of the problems that keep IT managers up at night, such as the length of downtimes, security breaches, or managing business growth without adding additional overhead.
The best agency won’t simply send out random posts on social media or emails to fix the issue. They’ll create messaging that addresses the needs of your customers and promotes your service as the solution.
The Pitfalls of Low-Cost White Label Marketing Options
Many MSPs with growth issues fall into the trap of outsourcing marketing to suppliers with low costs or purchasing white-label product. On their face, these choices seem like a sensible solution to keep marketing going. But the reality is the common approaches don’t yield meaningful outcomes.
Blog posts and templates which have already been created don’t represent the voice of your company. They don’t highlight your expertise. The most frustrating part is that they can’t distinguish your MSP from hundreds of other service providers using the same type of content. Why would prospects pick your company if they are like the rest?
The most reliable MSP marketing companies won’t give you cookie-cutter answers. A genuine MSP marketing firm will not give you cookie-cutter solutions.
What are the most effective MSP marketing strategies really look like
MSP marketing goes beyond just a beautiful website or few social media ads. Start by determining your position on the market and developing your brand that is able to resonate with your customer. They include strategies for content that are well researched and targeted with the correct keywords and lead generation methods that are effective and convert.
Effective marketing requires commitment and consistency. One-off projects will not result in sustainable growth. MSPs who have sustainable growth are those that treat marketing like an ongoing investment and not as an one-time venture.
A strategic MSP marketing agency ensures that you get more than execution. You get access to expert marketing knowledge that will you make better decisions and improve your message.
Stop speculating and begin to grow
Your marketing plan could be the culprit if your MSP has passed the startup stage, but it is experiencing stagnant growth. Standard strategies will not allow you to compete with established players in key markets. If you choose the right MSP solutions, you’ll be able to break through the clutter, connect with your target market and grow your business with confidence.
You can stop guessing now and grow your business through marketing designed by MSPs for MSPs.