You’ve probably heard the term cross media being tossed around in your marketing meetings, but what is it exactly and how do you even begin? A cross media campaign uses targeted communication and delivers it across various multi-media channels. This can include everything from print and email to SMS text messaging. Every business, big or small, can utilize cross media campaigns to boost their client communication. In fact, you are probably using aspects of cross media in your 1 to 1 marketing without even noticing. A printed postcard containing a QR Code that directs customers to your webpage is a simple form of cross media marketing.

There is no one algorithm used to execute a cross media campaign successfully, but there are some great fundamental tips to help you with your marketing goals. These 8 tips have helped us at DOME create great marketing campaigns for our clients, and can help you get your campaign heading in the right direction.

Tip #1: Prepare your strategy

Your strategy is not just the technology or data. It also includes who are you try to target, what media outlets you want to use, and what goals you are trying to achieve from your campaign.

Tip#2: Know your client base

Your company is unique and so are your clients. They may respond to certain forms of media differently depending on their demographic. Understanding whether your clients respond better to print, email, PURLs and/or SMS messaging, will provide a higher ROI.

Tip#3: Track all your channels

Watch the response rates of each of your channels to get an idea of the best ways to reach your clients. You may find that more clients responded to your campaign from their mobile phone. On your next campaign you’ll want to make sure you include a well-developed mobile aspect.

Tip#4: Integration

Cross media marketing is most effective if all of the channels are integrated together. They should always reinforce the other channels in the campaign. Use common branding and similar messaging to tie all the components together.

Tip#5: Print!

Of course a printing company would love to tell you this, but it is true! Variable printing creates a more personalized direct mail piece and will improve your results.

Tip#6: Watch all metrics

Look at all of the metrics not just the response rate. Yes, it is fantastic to have great response to your campaign, but understanding the best time to contact clients, or where they are located will provide more variable metrics to your data. And you can use this information to refine your next campaign.

Tip #7: Make it easy to share

If you have a fantastic message, allow your client to share your content. The more viral your message goes, the more your business will thrive.

Tip#8: Always ask for feedback

A very important tip that often gets overlooked. Clients can provide you with the best feedback and help you create a better marketing environment for your business. Allowing your clients to fill out a survey can help you focus your attention and create a dialogue with your clients.

In a world where clients are looking for a more 1 on 1 approach and want to feel like they are important, cross media can provide be a very effective marketing tool. It’s funny how a simple direct mail piece that is personalized with the clients name and some personal information can have a greater impact than just a simple run of the mill piece. Cross media is your greatest friend for marketing.