Your client resists new digital marketing tactics. How can you change their mind?
Convincing clients to embrace new digital marketing strategies can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can turn skepticism into enthusiasm. Start by addressing their concerns and demonstrating tangible benefits.
What strategies have worked for you in similar situations? Share your experiences.
Your client resists new digital marketing tactics. How can you change their mind?
Convincing clients to embrace new digital marketing strategies can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can turn skepticism into enthusiasm. Start by addressing their concerns and demonstrating tangible benefits.
What strategies have worked for you in similar situations? Share your experiences.
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Educate the client on the benefits of modern digital tactics using relevant data and industry examples. Highlight the potential ROI and show how the tactics align with their objectives. Offering a trial or phased approach allows the client to see results without full commitment, building trust in the process.
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It seems like there is always a new digital technology to leverage. Over the years, I've helped several companies evolve and loved turning them from skeptics to evangelists. To start, I find its usually best to look for common ground. Remind them about a target customer's journey and how what your proposing can reach them at a needed point(s) with meaningful data. Also, remind them of the first time they were targeted by new marketing tactic (i.e. video, social, chat, etc) and how it made them feel. Usually, they were likely to pay more attention to it. If done well, this new tactic will likely have better results due to the novelty effect. Lastly, be sure you're tracking results, ROI, and creating real insights to prove the value.
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From transforming traditional clients into digital champions with 592% revenue growth: Resistance-to-Results Framework: -Start with small, low-risk pilot tests (gained trust with 28% quick wins) -Show competitors' digital success metrics -Present clear ROI forecasts vs. current methods -Build case studies from similar industries -Offer phased implementation plans Reality: Our hesitant B2B client resisted LinkedIn strategy until a 2-week test brought 50+ qualified leads. Data beats doubt. Pro tip: Begin with their comfort zone, then expand. We turned a skeptic into a champion after proving 47% lead quality improvement.
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I’d begin by understanding their concerns, whether due to lack of knowledge, past experiences, or fear of change. I’d then highlight the benefits of digital marketing, emphasizing measurable results, such as targeted ads, better ROI, and improved customer engagement. Using data and case studies, I’d show how similar businesses have succeeded with these tactics. To ease their resistance, I’d recommend starting with a small pilot project to test the approach with minimal risk. I’d also educate them on the simplicity and adaptability of digital strategies, and how they complement traditional methods. Finally, involving them in the process would help build confidence and openness to new tactics.
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In my experience with A/E/C firms, resistance often stems from two areas: lack of familiarity and fear of resource misalignment. Here’s my approach: ✅ Map the Strategy to Their Goals: Show how digital efforts directly tie to their business priorities. ✅ Align Digital Tactics with Thought Leadership: Position content marketing or SEO as opportunities to demonstrate technical knowledge and provide value to clients and elevate the firm’s reputation. ✅ Pilot Campaigns with Metrics: Start small with measurable initiatives to build trust and confidence. ✅ Show Competitor Activity: Highlight how competitors are succeeding with similar strategies to underscore the risk of inaction. How do you approach hesitant clients? Let’s share ideas!
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I'd show them the numbers! Highlight quick wins from similar campaigns, keep it simple, and focus on how it’ll make their lives 'easier'. Sometimes a small success story is all it takes to shift their mindset!
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Listen to their concerns, what is it specifically that worries them about using new tactics. It's important to know this to understand the right approach. Make sure these concerns are addressed when proposing your strategy, show empathy. Reassure with case studies, using tangible real-life examples of success. Suggest a step by step approach using short-term testing to start, and set regular reviews where you can share results so clients know they will not be left in the dark.
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When a client resists new digital marketing tactics, - I focus on education and clear ROI benefits. - I start by presenting relevant case studies and industry data showing how these strategies drive measurable results, tailored to their industry. - For example, if a client is hesitant about social media ads, I might share how similar brands boosted engagement and conversions using targeted ads. - I also propose a small pilot project, allowing them to see results firsthand without heavy investment. - Building trust through data and a gradual approach can effectively shift their perspective toward embracing innovation. #Marketing #Management #DigitalMarketing #ClientEngagement #MarketingStrategy #ROI
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- Lead with data, not tactics: Before proposing new strategies, analyze their existing data to identify genuine opportunities. By examining current performance metrics first, you can pinpoint exactly where optimizations will have the biggest impact. This data-first approach helps transform skeptics into advocates by showing them where they're leaving money on the table. - Connect to goals: Show how each tactic addresses specific funnel inefficiencies and aligns with business objectives. - Leverage cross-industry insights: Study and share relevant success stories from similar industries. This helps clients see proven applications of new tactics while giving them confidence that the strategies can work in their specific context.
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