M3 Media Publishing

3Apr

When Can a Proven Thought Leadership Strategy Also Impact Your Customer Conversions?

In the realm of customer conversions, a proven thought leadership strategy holds immense potential to elevate your approach and enhance credibility. David Lomas, CEO of M3 Media Group, advocates for leveraging thought leadership articles as tools to not only add credibility but also provide valuable insights into one’s character and expertise.

“The strategic introduction of a published thought leadership article into a conversation can set the stage for meaningful interactions with prospects,” David underscored. By referencing an interview in a reputable publication, business owners can establish themselves as authorities in their field, earning the trust and respect of potential clients.

“This approach goes beyond traditional sales tactics—it’s about building rapport and establishing a foundation of trust.” – David Lomas, CEO of M3 Media Group

By sharing valuable content that addresses the prospect’s challenges, business owners can position themselves as trusted advisors rather than mere salespeople.

The impact of a proven thought leadership strategy extends beyond individual interactions—it influences the entire customer conversion process. From initial engagement to final decision-making, thought leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping perceptions and driving conversions.

In conclusion, a well-executed thought leadership strategy has the power to transform customer conversions by infusing interactions with credibility, authenticity, and value. By harnessing the influence of thought leadership, businesses can cultivate lasting relationships with their audience and drive sustainable growth.

25Oct

By David LomasIn Content Marketing, Marketing Strategy

Unlocking Sales Success: The Power of Thought Leadership in Engaging Prospects

In the fast-paced world of modern business, making a lasting impression and capturing the attention of potential clients is a challenge that every company faces. The traditional ‘sales pitch’ is losing its effectiveness, as prospects are becoming more discerning and selective about who they engage with. To succeed in this competitive landscape, businesses need to explore innovative ways to stand out, add value, and establish credibility from the very first interaction.

How do I stand out more?

This is where the “Profile Booster Package” offered by M3 Media Publishing really comes into play, revolutionising the way businesses engage with their prospects. At the heart of this strategy is the creation of insightful and compelling thought leadership articles. M3 Media Publishing’s approach involves interviewing business clients to gain a deep understanding of the challenges and pain points their customers experience. These interviews lead to the creation of three thought leadership headlines, which become the focal points of the subsequent articles.

The choice of magazines for publication covers a broad spectrum, including Business, Property & Construction, HR, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Export, Marketing, Social Impact, and an Over 50’s lifestyle magazine, ensuring the right audience is reached. The impact of this approach is profound. By providing thought-provoking and solution-oriented content, businesses can not only demonstrate their expertise but also offer something of value to their prospects. Each article is meticulously crafted, with links to the client’s LinkedIn profile, website, and a corresponding case study, creating an internet funnel to measure response—an invaluable tool in modern marketing.

How can it grow my business?

The real magic, however, happens when these articles are strategically integrated into sales conversations. Instead of the traditional sales pitch, businesses can engage prospects by sharing their thought leadership content. This approach shifts the conversation from a ‘salesy’ interaction to a meaningful discussion about the challenges and solutions presented in the article. It provides a non-intrusive way to establish credibility and demonstrate value.
The result? Prospects are more receptive, as they appreciate the thought leadership offered by the business. They are more likely to exchange contact details and set up a subsequent consultative discussion. This approach not only increases the chances of conversion but also builds trust and fosters long-lasting client relationships.

In an era where authenticity, value, and credibility matter more than ever, M3 Media Publishing’s Profile Booster Package can be a game-changer for businesses seeking to elevate their sales success. It transforms initial discussions with prospects, making them more engaging, insightful, and effective, while removing the traditional sales pitch from the equation. By offering valuable content and expertise upfront, businesses not only stand out but also win the trust of potential clients—a winning strategy for today’s competitive market.

To find out more, please get in touch by emailing david@m3publishing.co.uk.

29May

By David LomasIn Content Marketing

Could Strategic PR Bring You Bragging Rights?

How much is the traditional view of British reticence true when it comes to businesses and entrepreneurs?

For SMEs, PR can be an essential tool in how they market themselves, but not everyone is comfortable with the idea of singing their own praises.

Also, this can have its pitfalls, if a business chooses the wrong channels for the tone of voice its PR is adopting.

For example, the business-is-personal aspects of LinkedIn can make it a minefield for companies seeking to spread the news about their achievements.

What, then, are the best ways for businesses to send out positive PR messages about themselves and what they have accomplished?

Where is the Value?

For PR to work there has to be substance behind it, and a buy-in for the channels you are using.

What will make someone want to publish your story, or a journalist to use your PR as the basis for a piece about you?

As with other aspects of marketing, the content needs to work for its intended audience.

Talking up your achievements can only work if, ultimately, there is something of value there for the reader to take away

Also, what is the value of your PR to the publication, website, channel, or to the individual journalist?

They are looking for strong content to attract their audience, just as you are looking for ways to promote your brand.

Build Your Credibility

Credibility attracts and sells.

Media coverage is a means of promoting yourself as an expert and your brand as the answer to people’s needs.

Sharing your expertise boosts your profile but, more importantly, appeals to your audience

However, credibility is not easy to establish, especially through digital channels.

Nowadays, everyone appears to be an expert, from the lone blogger upwards.

You may feel you have bragging rights due to your achievements but this comes back to having something of substance to say: you must demonstrate your value.

Case studies can fulfil this need. Presented in the right way and they can combine documentary evidence with potent storytelling. Be sure to include figures to back up the facts.

Written testimonials make a powerful case for credibility, and video testimonials even more so. You can leverage these further by writing the testimonial for your clients, and asking them to take ownership of it on your behalf.

The Third Party Endorsement

If you are clever and strategic about your PR, you can have others talk about you, rather than doing the talking yourself.

Someone commenting about your brand, or highlighting your views through a credible, recognised third party channel, can add to your authority significantly

Smart PR is not about you doing the shouting, but someone else doing it on your behalf. You still retain your bragging rights, but you are exercising them in a strategic way to help market your brand.

To achieve your bragging rights, through our credible, third party channel, please contact us.

3Apr

business exhibitors affected by coronavirus

By David LomasIn Marketing Strategy

Can Business Exhibitors Survive Through Worrying Times?

The outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) is creating a dramatic domino effect that’s affecting many aspects of people’s lives and businesses.

With people being urged to undertake social distancing and to self-isolate, many significant events and gatherings across all industries are being cancelled or postponed.

In fact, data intelligence company, PredictHQ, published figures indicating that concerns around COVID-19 led to a 500% surge of cancellations and postponements of significant events in February alone.

Whilst there’s certainly been losses for events companies, what is the key to exhibitors looking ahead and preparing for the future?

“While the government are trying to safeguard industry, taking a proactive approach is imperative for any company looking to insulate itself against the potential economic downturn that looms on the horizon,” suggests David Lomas, from M3 Media Publishing.

The Value of Re-Evaluation

In a 2018 report, the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) found that most companies participating in B2B trade shows and exhibitions, allocate 40% of their marketing budget to such events.

This amount dwarfs the 8% that is spent on ‘general online marketing’.

“With such a contrast between the amounts invested in either sector, even a small adjustment between the two is likely to have a big impact on a company’s online presence,” suggests David.

“With events and personal, face-to-face meetings all but eradicated, it is crucial that businesses adopt or enhance their digital strategy for prospecting and engagement.

The Value of Digital

“Digital could be the best avenue for businesses to refocus their resources from exhibitions, trade shows and events,” says David.

“It is also a great opportunity for businesses to generally review their marketing strategies, gain a competitive edge, and ensure that every penny is being spent in the best possible way.”

“It is vital to maintain a sense of normality during these turbulent times, but anything you do to stay ahead of the curve will give you an edge over competitors that are slow to react”

David Lomas, M3 Media Publishing

Digital marketing also has some distinct advantages over other forms of communication.

“It allows you to reach people in their own homes, where it looks like many people will be forced to stay, and requires no physical interaction.”

“What’s more, is that it is easy to measure the return on investment.”

“Exhibitors have an understanding of how their actions drive success,” concludes David. “They now have an opportunity to really understand what digital marketing can do to alternatively help their company excel, either now – or in the future.”

Marketing Aspects Magazine appreciates David Lomas’ contribution.

19Mar

marketing strategy - keep calm and carry on

By David LomasIn Marketing Strategy

Could Marketing Guide You Through Turbulent Times?

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread across the UK, and the world, it is leaving a lot of people nervous about the future. The mantra continues to be to “keep calm, and carry on”.

For those of you with businesses, why is it important to keep a level head, focus on the future and ensure your business is in an appropriate position to ride out the storm?

Stormy Waters

The global economy has already taken a significant hit and there’s a good chance things will get worst before they get better.

Does this mean you should batten the hatches? Absolutely not.

Now is a great opportunity to take stock and consider your next move, while we hope for the best and prepare for the worst

One of the key areas that should be worth considering is your digital marketing strategy.

With personal face to face meetings all but eradicated, this is a chance to develop strategies to enable you to stay in front of your audience, many of whom are likely to have time on their hands through caring, social distancing and self-isolating.

One major benefit of strengthening your digital marketing activity is that it’s measurable.

Not many other forms of corporate communication can offer the same level of insights that digital marketing can

By bringing a sense of normality to your customers, clients, prospects and peers, not only could it give a competitive edge over others slower to react but also cement your position as a versatile, accessible thought leader navigating others through troubling times.

To discover more about adapting and strengthening your digital marketing options, please contact us.

16Jan

By David LomasIn Marketing Strategy

Marketing Aspects Magazine is Media Partner at MSN 2019

Marketing Show North 2019 (MSN 2019) was previously known as Prolific North Live, and is the largest marketing expo outside London, which covers the broad interests of marketing and media.

That makes it an ideal fit for M3 Media Publishing to partner with them, via our Marketing Aspects Magazine.

The Importance of Content in Marketing

We talk a lot about the importance of content, but that’s because it really does matter.

One of the topics we’ve discussed is the way that content and expos complement each other, and how digital and physical marketing activities dovetail to maximise opportunities.

MSN 2019 provides us with the opportunity to put our words into practice.

The expo provides professionals from across a range of marketing disciplines to come together. It’s also an excellent opportunity for buyers and suppliers to connect with different marketing businesses.

We aim to showcase the power of content, and the huge potential of content marketing in raising the awareness of target audiences and helping businesses engage and connect with them

In this, we have our own unique publishing platform in Marketing Aspects Magazine.

At the expo, you’ll find us in the Media Partner Zone.

About MSN 2019

Marketing Show North promises to be an unmissable opportunity for anyone connected to – or interested in – marketing and its various strands.

Expect to see key figures representing leading brands in the world of marketing. There’ll be seminars and workshops to attend, along with expert speakers and dynamic demos.

For its networking value alone, MSN 2019 is a key event in the marketing calendar, and a dynamic destination for making new contacts and meeting potential prospects and clients.

It is run by Prolific North, an independently-owned publishing and events company based in Manchester, and event specialists Don’t Panic Event Management.

Marketing Show North runs for two days, on 27 and 28 February 2019, in EventCity, next to the Trafford Centre, Manchester.

For more information about Marketing Show North 2019, or to register, please visit marketingshownorth.co.uk.

31Oct

By David LomasIn Content Marketing

What is the Lasting Impact of Differentiation?

Differentiation can give your business a competitive advantage with prospects and customers, but only if you choose the right kind of differentiation and you have the right marketing strategy to achieve it.

For many companies, their focus is on making minor adjustments to products to try and differentiate them in the marketplace. This is very much a “new and improved” approach.

However, it is unlikely to yield lasting results. In fact it can become a one-hit wonder, and end up negatively impacting how target audiences perceive your brand.

There is a way to look at differentiation differently and to use dynamic content to turn it into something with lasting impact.

Raising Awareness and Changing Perceptions

If you tell your story powerfully and differently enough, it can help to attract your target audience while building your credibility.

This is differentiation through strategic positioning, using content marketing as the means to achieve this.

Good quality, properly targeted content has the potential to engage and connect with audiences and help build and shape a brand’s personality

This is likely to have a more lasting impact than individual product differentiation because it is about your entire brand and what it represents to your audience.

What does this involve? It means shaping narratives that are appropriate to your target audience, and that identify with their issues, needs, fears and pain points.

It is crucial to creating powerful story arcs that emphasise your expertise while focusing on what your audience wants to know

It is a measured, consistent process of disseminating information about you, creating a positive impression of you that stays in the minds of your audience. It is not a hard sales message, nor is it to do with publicising your achievements.

What will differentiate you is depth. The more your audience feels it knows you, the more it will feel it can trust you, and, ultimately, buy from you.

What Could Differentiation Mean For YOU?

M3 Media Publishing hosted one of their regular, dynamic breakfast workshops in Central Manchester, which explored how differentiation can help your business to thrive.

For more information about these events, or to book your place, please watch the video below or click here.

5Oct

Marketing challenges at the Marketing Challenge event

By David LomasIn Marketing Strategy

Marketing Challenges: Should You Think Differently About Pitching?

M3 Media Publishing’s recent Marketing Challenge event, held at The St James’s Club in Manchester City Centre, focused on storytelling as a prospecting tool.

Pitching to prospects, or even starting a conversation, can be an important part of your marketing strategy, and it should involve content.

The Marketing Challenges of Storytelling

What sort of introduction should you make when meeting potential prospects?

You might provide an answer that may just be a job title or role. You may describe the nuts and bolts of what you do. Instead, you should capture concisely how you help others.

The legacy of what you do is what counts. If you have substantially made a difference to a business, or saved or made them lots of money, that will immediately get your potential prospect’s attention

How does this translate into a narrative?

It’s like constructing a plot. How many films or books have you seen where they begin with something riveting and explosive? They might even begin with a climactic event, then work back to show you how this event has come to be.

In our recent Marketing Challenge event, we encouraged our guests to look again at how they communicate on a personal level, and how to leverage storytelling to help them become pitch perfect.

What Content Marketing Means

One of the marketing challenges is that people don’t always realise that certain aspects of their communication and interaction are marketing activities.

Content marketing is not restricted to words or images, or things posted online or put into print, as it can also be about the verbal delivery of content

This is one of the ways our Marketing Challenge events set out to challenge thinking: it’s about how marketing is integral to your business objectives.

It’s not simply to do with whether you choose to spend your budget on campaigns, or enlist specialist help.

You are marketing yourself whether you intend to or not, by the very act of communicating to others about your business

That means that it makes sense to make this marketing activity count.

What marketing challenges do you face? Contact us to find out how we can help you think differently about addressing them.

Alternatively, to discover more about our Marketing Challenge events, or to book onto a future event, please click here.

24Sep

By David LomasIn Marketing Strategy

What is Challenging Your Business Prospecting Success?

Business prospecting has certain things in common with a much older form of prospecting.

The California Gold Rush began in 1848, drawing approximately 300,000 people to what became a frantic scramble for gold. For many of these prospectors, they relied on basic, labour-intensive techniques to extract gold from streams and riverbeds, such as panning.

Later, more advanced mining technology allowed people to recover the modern-day equivalent of billions of dollars of gold. However, by the end of the Gold Rush, relatively few prospectors had significant riches to show for their efforts.

In business prospecting, competing for the attention of potential prospects, it can also feel a touch primitive, involving lots of energy for little return

What if there a was a way of striking a richer seam of reward, using more sophisticated methods to attract prospects?

This is what dynamic content marketing offers.

Is There an Alternative Route to Prospecting Success?

There’s a potentially valuable online business audience looking for answers, for guidance and for things that will make their lives easier.

How would you get their attention? How do you attract, engage and connect with these valuable business leads?

Like the original Gold Rush prospectors, do you run with the crowd? Are you attending the same networking events as everyone else, or looking for the same kind of contacts, the managers and decision-makers?

What if there was an alternative route to success, a different map to lead you to the richest seams for prospecting? And what if you could use it to partially pre-qualify your prospects?

This is where using powerful content can make a difference.

Content marketing is the map to your gold seam. But there’s a twist. You supply the map to your prospects, so that instead of you spending all your time looking for them, it brings them to YOU.

Will You Take the Marketing Challenge?

What’s the best way of discovering alternative routes for business prospecting, how to use content to attract your target audience, and how to help you build useful and potentially profitable relationships?

M3 Media Publishing’s regular, dynamic Marketing Challenge events, held at The St James’s Club in Central Manchester, answer these questions and more.

The Marketing Challenge event, on 3 October 2018, focuses on how you can avoid the competition when prospecting. To attend this event, or to discover more about future events, please click below:

For an accompanying read about our previous events, please visit:

12Jul

By David LomasIn Content Marketing

Original Content – What are the Keys to its Success?

Good content is the key to better SEO rankings and successful social media marketing. You may have already heard this elsewhere. In fact, you may have heard it repeated lots of times. But what does having good content actually mean? The answer is that it needs to be original content.

The actual originality of online content is primarily about uniqueness, and this is where things get interesting.

Writing original content requires an ability to look at things with a fresh pair of eyes and, crucially, get this different viewpoint across to the reader.

Taking a Fresh Perspective

There are over 3 billion internet users worldwide and over 2 billion active users of social media. On WordPress there are 56 million blog posts published each month. How original can your content be in this context?

We know that the content we write is constantly competing for attention, so it has to stand out. But we can actually help it do this if it is about something people are already expressing an interest in.

Alot of the time, publishing original content is to do with taking a fresh perspective on existing issues. Or drawing from a variety of information sources and putting material together in ways that will highlight particular points.

We are not simply reshuffling the deck. We are identifying what your target audience is interested in, or can be attracted to, and shaping the content to fit.

Upping the Quality Factor

Making original content sound interesting is crucial. Unless you’re blessed with a topic that’s inherently attention-grabbing, talking about any subject requires a degree of inventiveness in order to make the material sing off the screen.

This is not simply some critical judgement about good writing.

Google measures the value of content by its uniqueness and quality. Quality is therefore measurable in very real terms, once published, as expressed in Google rankings.

We look to find a unique twist to a story or topic, because this is what really pays off, in terms of getting your content noticed.

Making it Shareable

What’s going to make your content spread like wildfire across your targeted social media channels? This is where our strategic thinking comes in. If your content is original, is it also timely? Does it connect with some burning issue of the day, or a particular trend?

Original content stands out and attracts interest. This determines how we write content at M3 Media Publishing.

The value of great, original content is not just in its uniqueness alone. It is also in the when and the where, and the context in which we publish it.

To find out how we can create the right content to reach your audience and build your customer base, call M3 Media Publishing on 0161 922 8571 or contact us.

Tag : M3 Media Publishing

How do I stand out more?

How can it grow my business?

Where is the Value?

Build Your Credibility

The Third Party Endorsement

The Value of Re-Evaluation

The Value of Digital

Stormy Waters

The Importance of Content in Marketing

About MSN 2019

Raising Awareness and Changing Perceptions

What Could Differentiation Mean For YOU?

The Marketing Challenges of Storytelling

What Content Marketing Means

Is There an Alternative Route to Prospecting Success?

Will You Take the Marketing Challenge?

Taking a Fresh Perspective

Upping the Quality Factor

Making it Shareable