The market for managed service providers (MSP) has developed into one of the most competitive sectors within the technology industry. MSPs usually start strong, relying heavily on referrals, networking and even a handful of loyal customers. But what happens when the initial enthusiasm dwindles? What happens when word of mouth isn’t enough to sustain growth and sales?
MSPs are struggling to draw new leads and break into the mid-market and enterprise sectors despite offering top-quality technical services. Marketing strategies, not technical know-how, are what drive effective growth in business. This is the reason MSP services that are specifically tailored to the specific industry you operate in can become game changers.
What makes MSP Marketing different from “Any Marketing”
MSPs are tempted to use similar marketing strategies to those used in retail, restaurants, or real estate. However, the reality is very different. Selling managed cloud, cybersecurity or IT solutions requires a totally different method. Your client base is typically comprised of decision makers who are savvy, cautious, and often overwhelmed with vendor pitches.
A marketing agency that has expertise in MSP makes all the difference. A company that is knowledgeable of the MSP market is able to understand the needs of your buyers. 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 more overhead.
The right agency will not simply throw out random posts on social media or email blasts to solve the issue. Instead, they’ll create messaging that addresses the requirements of the target audience and present you as the answer.
The Consequences of Low-Cost Advertising and White-Label Advertising
Many MSPs who are growing find themselves in the trap of outsourcing marketing to low-cost suppliers or purchasing white-label product. These seem to be economical ways of keeping marketing in motion. But the reality is: these generic approaches rarely produce meaningful results.
Blog posts that are pre-written and templates do not reflect your style of writing. They don’t showcase your knowledge. Most importantly, they don’t distinguish your MSP from hundreds of other providers that are using identical content. If your advertising is like every other company, why should your customers pick your company?
A true MSP marketing company won’t hand you cookie-cutter solutions. They’ll help you create an individual strategy for your business that is aligned with your business’s goals for growth and is designed to attract customers interested in solving your network problems.
What are the most effective MSP marketing strategies really look like?
Real MSP marketing services go far beyond a beautiful site or a few social media ads. The initial step is to know your market position and build your brand to resonate with the people you want to reach. They include well-researched content strategies SEO that is focused on the right keywords, and lead generation tactics which actually work.
But successful marketing also requires a consistent and committed approach. A single experiment won’t result in lasting growth. MSPs who are sustainable in their growth tend to approach marketing as an ongoing investment, and not as an one-time venture.
When you partner with a strategic MSP marketing agency ensures that you get more than execution. You get access to marketing expertise that can help you make better decisions and improve your messages.
Stop speculating and begin to grow
If you have a MSP that has expanded beyond the initial phase, but the growth has slowed and your marketing strategy could be the reason. The generic strategies you employ won’t enable your company to compete against established companies in key markets. By using the best MSP solutions that you can break through the clutter, reach your audience and expand your business in a logical manner.
Stop speculating now and begin growing your business with marketing that is designed by MSPs for MSPs.
