- Marketing collateral describes any sales or marketing material through which a company promotes its brand, products, or services.
- To create effective marketing collateral, it’s important to understand the audience and where they mass online to avoid wasting resources on ineffective materials. It is also important to ensure brand consistency and make data-based decisions.
- Traditional forms of marketing collateral are less effective than they once were and include direct mail, merchandise, brand magazines, and various types of display ads. Digital examples include websites, videos, case studies, industry reports, and white papers.
Aspect | Explanation |
---|---|
Definition | Marketing Collateral refers to a set of printed or digital materials that businesses use to promote their products or services and support their marketing efforts. These materials are designed to provide information, build brand identity, and persuade potential customers. |
Key Concepts | – Printed and Digital: Marketing collateral can be physical (e.g., brochures, flyers) or digital (e.g., PDFs, web content). – Information: Collateral provides details about products, services, and the company itself. – Branding: It reinforces the company’s brand image and identity. – Sales Support: It aids the sales process by providing valuable resources. |
Types | – Printed: Brochures, flyers, business cards, posters, banners, catalogs. – Digital: E-books, whitepapers, infographics, PDFs, videos, web content. – Promotional Items: Branded merchandise like pens, mugs, or T-shirts. |
Purposes | – Education: Providing detailed information about products or services. – Lead Generation: Attracting potential customers through downloads or subscriptions. – Sales Enablement: Equipping sales teams with resources to close deals. – Brand Awareness: Building and reinforcing brand identity. |
Design | Effective marketing collateral features visually appealing design, clear messaging, and consistent branding. It should be easy to read and navigate while conveying the company’s value proposition effectively. The design should match the intended audience and purpose. |
Distribution | Collateral can be distributed through various channels, including trade shows, sales meetings, email campaigns, social media, and the company’s website. The choice of distribution channel depends on the target audience and marketing goals. |
Digital Collateral | In the digital age, digital collateral plays a significant role. This includes materials such as e-books, infographics, and web content. These materials are often downloadable and can be used for lead generation and content marketing efforts. |
ROI Measurement | Evaluating the return on investment (ROI) of marketing collateral involves tracking metrics like downloads, click-through rates, conversion rates, and sales generated as a result of the collateral. This data helps in assessing the effectiveness of different collateral pieces. |
Customization | Tailoring marketing collateral to specific target audiences and buyer personas can enhance its impact. Personalized content that addresses the unique needs and pain points of customers can lead to higher engagement and conversion rates. |
Challenges | Challenges in marketing collateral include design consistency, keeping content up-to-date, and ensuring that collateral aligns with the company’s branding guidelines. Additionally, digital collateral may need to be optimized for various devices and platforms. |
Conclusion | Marketing Collateral remains a valuable tool for businesses to convey information, promote products, and support sales and marketing efforts. In an increasingly digital world, the combination of both printed and digital collateral allows companies to reach a wider audience and cater to diverse preferences. |
Understanding marketing collateral
Marketing collateral describes any sales or marketing material through which a company promotes its brand, products, or services.
Marketing collateral is certainly not a new idea and, before the internet era, referred to the sell sheets and brochures that were created to enhance and support the sales process.
Marketing collateral now encompasses any print or digital media that a company uses to promote its brand, products, and services. Like most things nowadays, marketing collateral is an evolving concept. It may be influenced by technological innovation, dynamic business environments, and trends that dictate how consumers respond to marketing messages.
Marketing collateral is a broad field that can be used to achieve a variety of ends. Most businesses still use it as a tool to spread product awareness, increase product adoption, and retain existing customers to drive loyalty. Less commonly, marketing collateral is used to promote new initiatives that boost employee morale and corporate culture. Other businesses may use certain collateral as part of a corporate rebrand.
How to create effective marketing collateral
To create effective marketing collateral, avoid the temptation to use as many materials as possible to broaden the company’s reach.
Instead, follow these best practices:
- Understand the audience – every marketing campaign starts with this point, and for good reason. Who is the target audience and what problems do they want to solve? Where do they mass or interact with like-minded individuals?
- Ensure the brand is consistent – a company’s brand should be consistent across various marketing collateral. Ensure that the same shade of blue is used in everything from a product pamphlet to an Instagram campaign. The same principles also apply to fonts, logos, and photos. Digital asset management (DAM) platforms ensure marketers have access to the same files when creating the content for new campaigns.
- Make data-informed decisions – while it’s important to determine what the target audience needs, marketers also need to understand the effectiveness of different types of marketing collateral. Tools such as Google Analytics can provide data that clarifies which collateral is worth the outlay and which should be avoided. On a more specific level, unique identifiers such as redemption codes can provide quick, actionable data with which to make decisions.
Examples of marketing collateral
Let’s conclude by taking a look at some print (traditional) and digital marketing collateral examples.
Print (traditional)
Traditional forms of collateral are not as impactful as they used to be, but can still be used to stand out from saturated web environments and attract consumer attention.
Examples include:
- Brand magazines – outdoor company REI publishes a print magazine called Uncommon Path that features stories, topics, and products relevant to outdoor enthusiasts.
- Display advertisements such as billboards, shelf signage, point-of-sale and front-end stands, and interactive product kiosks.
- Direct mail, and
- Merchandise.
Digital
Many forms of digital collateral are simply traditional forms that have been made web-friendly. Think of a print brochure turned into a pdf or a display advertisement that forms part of an AdSense campaign.
Examples include:
- Websites.
- Videos.
- Case studies.
- Blog posts.
- E-books.
- Infographics.
- Industry reports, and
- White papers.
Additional Examples
Traditional (Print) Marketing Collateral:
- Brochures:
- Tri-fold brochures: Folded into three sections, providing clear divisions for content.
- Bi-fold brochures: Folded in half, suitable for concise product/service overviews.
- Catalogs:
- Product catalogs: Include high-quality images, product descriptions, and pricing for an extensive product line.
- Service catalogs: Detail various service offerings, packages, and pricing structures.
- Flyers:
- Event flyers: Announce events, seminars, workshops, or promotions.
- Sales flyers: Highlight discounts, limited-time offers, and new arrivals.
- Business Cards:
- Double-sided cards: Utilize both sides for additional information or design elements.
- Die-cut cards: Feature unique shapes or cutouts to stand out.
- Posters:
- Promotional posters: Showcase products, services, or events with eye-catching visuals.
- Educational posters: Convey information or tips related to the industry or niche.
- Newsletters:
- Print newsletters: Mailed to subscribers or distributed at physical locations.
- Digital newsletters: Delivered via email, containing clickable links and multimedia.
- Product Samples:
- Cosmetic samples: Small samples of skincare, makeup, or fragrances.
- Food samples: Provide tastings of new food products at grocery stores.
- Press Releases:
- Press kits: Include press releases, company background information, and high-resolution images.
- Media advisories: Concise notifications for media about upcoming events or announcements.
- Annual Reports:
- Interactive annual reports: Feature clickable links, videos, and infographics for engaging content.
- Sustainability reports: Highlight the company’s environmental and social responsibility initiatives.
- Trade Show Booths:
- Banner stands: Portable displays with retractable banners for quick setup.
- Modular booths: Customizable exhibit setups with various components.
Digital Marketing Collateral:
- Social Media Posts:
- Visual content: Eye-catching images, graphics, and videos to enhance engagement.
- Carousel posts: Swipeable slideshows for storytelling or product showcases.
- Email Campaigns:
- Drip campaigns: Automated series of emails sent at specific intervals.
- Newsletter emails: Contain curated content, updates, and offers.
- Webinars:
- Live webinars: Real-time presentations with interactive Q&A sessions.
- On-demand webinars: Pre-recorded webinars accessible at any time.
- Podcasts:
- Interview podcasts: Feature industry experts and thought leaders.
- Educational podcasts: Share insights, tips, and tutorials related to the niche.
- Interactive Quizzes:
- Personality quizzes: Fun and engaging quizzes with personalized results.
- Knowledge quizzes: Test users’ expertise in a specific field.
- User-generated Content (UGC):
- Customer reviews: Display ratings and reviews on product pages.
- Social media mentions: Share user-generated content on official profiles.
- Online Contests and Giveaways:
- Photo contests: Encourage users to submit photos related to the brand or product.
- Sweepstakes: Randomly select winners from entrants for prizes.
- Social Media Stories:
- Behind-the-scenes stories: Offer a glimpse into company culture and operations.
- Interactive polls and questions: Engage users by soliciting their opinions and feedback.
- Mobile Apps:
- Branded utilities: Apps that provide tools or services relevant to the audience.
- Gamified apps: Incorporate game elements for user engagement and loyalty.
- Virtual Reality (VR) or Augmented Reality (AR) Experiences:
- AR product try-ons: Allow customers to visualize products in their real environment.
- VR tours: Virtual tours of physical locations or properties.
Key Highlights:
- Definition of Marketing Collateral: Marketing collateral encompasses all sales and marketing materials used by a company to promote its brand, products, or services, whether in print or digital form.
- Evolution of Marketing Collateral: In the past, marketing collateral mainly referred to printed materials like brochures, but it has evolved to include both print and digital media due to technological advancements and changing consumer behaviors.
- Purposes of Marketing Collateral: Marketing collateral serves various purposes, including spreading product awareness, increasing product adoption, retaining customers, boosting employee morale, and supporting corporate rebranding efforts.
- Creating Effective Marketing Collateral:
- Understand the target audience and their needs.
- Maintain brand consistency in design, color schemes, fonts, and logos.
- Use data-driven insights to assess the effectiveness of different collateral types.
- Examples of Traditional (Print) Marketing Collateral:
- Brand magazines (e.g., REI’s Uncommon Path).
- Display advertisements (billboards, shelf signage, interactive kiosks).
- Direct mail.
- Merchandise.
- Examples of Digital Marketing Collateral:
- Websites.
- Videos.
- Case studies.
- Blog posts.
- E-books.
- Infographics.
- Industry reports.
- White papers.
Related Frameworks | Description | When to Apply |
---|---|---|
Brand Style Guide | – A comprehensive document that outlines the visual and verbal elements of a brand’s identity, including logos, colors, fonts, tone of voice, and imagery guidelines. Brand Style Guides ensure consistency across all marketing collateral and communications, helping maintain brand integrity and recognition. | – When establishing or maintaining brand identity and consistency across marketing materials and communications. – Utilizing Brand Style Guides to ensure uniformity in design elements, messaging, and brand representation effectively. |
Marketing Asset Library | – A centralized repository or database that stores and organizes marketing collateral, including brochures, flyers, presentations, videos, images, and other promotional materials. Marketing Asset Libraries enable teams to easily access, share, and distribute approved assets, streamlining collaboration and ensuring brand consistency. | – When seeking to centralize and organize marketing collateral for easy access, sharing, and distribution across teams or departments. – Implementing Marketing Asset Libraries to streamline workflow, maintain version control, and ensure brand compliance effectively. |
Content Calendar | – A schedule or plan that outlines the creation, publication, and distribution of content across various channels and platforms over a specific period. Content Calendars help coordinate content production, ensure consistency, and align with marketing objectives and audience needs. | – When planning and managing the creation, publication, and distribution of marketing content across multiple channels and platforms. – Using Content Calendars to organize content production, maintain consistency, and optimize engagement effectively. |
Design Templates | – Pre-designed layouts or templates that provide a framework for creating marketing collateral such as flyers, posters, social media posts, or email newsletters. Design Templates ensure visual consistency, streamline content creation, and allow for customization to suit specific messaging or branding requirements. | – When aiming to create consistent, professional-looking marketing collateral while saving time and resources on design efforts. – Utilizing Design Templates to maintain brand consistency, streamline content creation, and expedite production effectively. |
Message Architecture | – A framework that defines the key messages, value propositions, and positioning statements used to communicate a brand’s identity, products, or services across marketing collateral. Message Architecture ensures alignment and consistency in messaging, helping convey a cohesive brand story and resonate with target audiences. | – When developing or refining messaging strategies to communicate brand identity, value propositions, and key messages across marketing collateral. – Implementing Message Architecture to align messaging with brand objectives, differentiate from competitors, and engage target audiences effectively. |
Visual Hierarchy | – The arrangement and prioritization of visual elements within marketing collateral to guide the viewer’s attention and convey key messages effectively. Visual Hierarchy uses design principles such as size, color, contrast, and placement to create focal points and direct the flow of information for better comprehension and engagement. | – When designing marketing collateral to prioritize information, highlight key messages, and guide the viewer’s attention effectively. – Applying Visual Hierarchy principles to create visually appealing and engaging marketing materials that convey messages clearly and effectively. |
Call-to-Action (CTA) Strategy | – A plan that outlines the placement, design, and messaging of calls-to-action within marketing collateral to prompt desired actions from the audience, such as clicking a link, making a purchase, or signing up for a newsletter. CTA Strategies aim to drive conversions, engagement, and lead generation by encouraging specific user actions. | – When designing marketing collateral to prompt desired actions from the audience, such as clicking a link, filling out a form, or making a purchase. – Developing CTA Strategies to optimize conversion rates, increase engagement, and achieve marketing objectives effectively. |
Content Personalization | – The practice of tailoring marketing collateral and messaging to individual preferences, interests, behaviors, or demographics to create more relevant and engaging experiences for the audience. Content Personalization uses data insights and segmentation strategies to deliver targeted content that resonates with specific audience segments. | – When aiming to enhance audience engagement, conversion rates, and customer satisfaction by delivering personalized and relevant marketing collateral. – Implementing Content Personalization strategies to leverage data insights, segment audiences, and deliver targeted content effectively. |
Multi-channel Distribution | – The distribution of marketing collateral across multiple channels and platforms, including print, digital, social media, email, and offline channels, to reach and engage with audiences through various touchpoints. Multi-channel Distribution maximizes reach, visibility, and impact by leveraging diverse communication channels and audience preferences. | – When seeking to maximize the reach and impact of marketing collateral by distributing it across multiple channels and platforms. – Employing Multi-channel Distribution strategies to engage with audiences through various touchpoints and increase brand visibility effectively. |
Performance Tracking and Analysis | – The process of monitoring, measuring, and analyzing the effectiveness of marketing collateral in achieving predefined goals, such as driving website traffic, generating leads, or increasing sales. Performance Tracking and Analysis enable marketers to assess ROI, identify optimization opportunities, and refine strategies based on data insights. | – When evaluating the impact and effectiveness of marketing collateral in achieving predefined objectives, such as driving engagement, conversions, or brand awareness. – Conducting Performance Tracking and Analysis to measure ROI, identify trends, and optimize marketing strategies effectively. |
Read Also: Marketing Strategy, Go-To-Market Strategy.
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