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Table of Contents
	 Executive Summary	 3
	 Key Findings	 4
	 A Look Back at 2012	 5
	 A Look Ahead at 2013	 5-6
	 Data Collection	 7
	 Data Collection Implications for Marketers	 8
	 Data Hygiene	 9
	 Data Hygiene Implications for Marketers	 10
	 Data Analysis	 11
	 Data Analysis Implications for Marketers	 12
	 Data Application	 13	
	 Data Application Implications for Marketers	 14
	 Real-Time Data	 15
	 Real-Time Data Implications for Marketers	 16
	 Conclusion - Catching Up to the Speed of Customer Data	 17	
	 Key Takeaways	 18
	 Survey Methodology	 19
	 Thank You to the Contributors	 20
	 About the Sponsors	 21
Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive
Data-Rich and Insight-Poor:
Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013
pg.2
Executive Summary
As consumers share more information than ever before on digital and
social channels, marketers are becoming data-rich and insight-poor.
The exponential growth in available customer data can be overwhelming,
and our ability to act on this information can’t seem to keep up.
While marketers have been talking about the challenges and opportunities
that come with this information explosion for years, many companies
still haven’t implemented effective data strategies. When it comes to big
data, marketers need to go back to the basics and invest in building a solid
foundation for their operations.
To discover how marketers plan to tackle big data in 2013, Infogroup
Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive surveyed more than 700 of the
top marketers in the world during the DMA2012 Annual Conference and
Forrester Research’s eBusiness Forum.
1
Here’s what we uncovered:
	 •	The impact of big data on budgets and hiring
	 •	The influence of data on marketing campaigns
		 across channels
	 •	The future role of real-time data in marketing
	 •	The biggest challenges posed by data-driven
		marketing
We found that marketers have made strides in their ability to collect
data, but they’re still learning how to analyze it. While many companies
are effectively executing data-driven campaigns in single channels –
particularly digital channels such as email – most haven’t figured out
how to apply insights at the individual consumer level across all customer
touch points and connect the dots between multiple channels.
In 2013, most marketers are ramping up spending on the people and
technology that will provide the data-driven insights they need to help
them understand their customers on a much deeper level across channels.
Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive
Data-Rich and Insight-Poor:
Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013
pg.3
Key Findings
Here’s a look at some of the key findings from the survey:
•	68 percent of marketers said they expect their data-related
	 expenditures to increase in 2013.
•	56 percent plan on hiring new employees to handle data
	 collection or analysis, with the most common position being
	 a data analyst/strategist.
•	Almost half of the respondents said analyzing or applying data
	 will be their biggest data-related challenge in 2013.
•	More than a quarter of marketers can’t remember the last time
	 they performed quality control on their customer data.
•	Almost 40 percent said they rarely or never customize their
	 messaging by channel based on insights from customer data.
•	83 percent plan to at least consider making greater use of
	 real-time data in 2013.
•	The majority of marketers use insights from customer data
to drive marketing campaigns across the single channels of:
website (83 percent), email (72 percent), and social media (59
percent).
•	Almost 80 percent plan to make greater use of customers’
	 social media data to drive marketing campaigns in other
	 channels in 2013.
Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive
Data-Rich and Insight-Poor:
Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013
pg.4
The most sophisticated marketers are already headed in this direction, building the necessary systems
and hiring the right employees and partners to start thinking holistically. These early adopters
know that infrastructure and people are the keys to a successful transition to a multichannel centric
approach that will result in better targetings, more efficient campaigns and ultimately better customer
retention and higher revenue.
The majority of marketers plan to follow these trailblazers in 2013. Almost 70 percent of those
surveyed at the DMA and Forrester conferences said they plan to increase their data-related marketing
expenditures this year, and only 3 percent said spending will decrease (Figure 1). Most marketers also
plan to create data-related positions next year, with the greatest need being in the area of analytics
and strategy.
A Look Back at 2012
Marketers woke up to the importance of data-driven campaigns in 2012. The term “big data” entered
our vocabularies – which is likely to stay – and we started scrambling to figure out how it applies to
our businesses.
While many marketers began to make greater use of data to gain insights, the progress was largely
limited to tracking customer behavior in single channels. We’re collecting and analyzing more
individual response data via email, for example, but the behavioral insights gained there typically
weren’t shaping how we communicate with the same consumers through other channels.
A Look Ahead at 2013
This year, the major shift will be toward multichannel data analysis and application, combining
individual customer data across all touch points to build more complete consumer profiles.
“	As firms move from siloed, transaction-oriented systems to
more integrated, socially aware ones, they will face challenges
related to customer data. ‘Big data’ is characterized by
increases in data volume, velocity, variety, and variability. To
improve customer engagement, companies must invest in
solutions to effectively manage big data.
”“The Big Deal About Big Data For Customer Engagement” – Forrester Research, Inc.
June 1, 2012
Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive
Data-Rich and Insight-Poor:
Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013
pg.5
The survey findings tell us that most
marketers plan to make data-driven
campaigns a priority this year, but
companies are on different places in
the learning curve. Some are working
to improve multiple areas at once,
while others are still trying to figure
out collection and cleaning. A select group
have already moved onto
high-level analysis and application.
Let’s take a look at each of these areas
and outline the implications for
marketers as data moves to the fore-
front of our industry.
Marketers tackling data on
multiple fronts at once
When respondents at the Forrester conference
were asked about how they plan to improve their
data methods, they identified analysis as the top
priority. But cleaning, collection and application
were also important, which supports the
conclusion that marketers are in various stages
of implementation and plan to attack multiple
fronts simultaneously.
Do you plan on improving your customer data
methods in 2013?
	 •	 Data analysis:	 38%
	 •	 Data cleaning:	 31%
	 •	 Data collection:	 28%
	 •	 Data application:	 25%
	 •	 No:	 12%
How do you expect your data-related marketing
expenditures to change in 2013?
Figure 1
68%
Increase
∞ 20% Increase greatly
∞ 48% Increase slightly
6%
Not determined
1%
Decrease greatly
2%
Decrease slightly
23%
Stay the same
Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive
Data-Rich and Insight-Poor:
Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013
pg.6
Data Collection:Digital channels result in information explosion
In the history of marketing before the web, the few available channels were expensive, information
couldn’t be captured efficiently or accurately, and ROI was vague. Digital technology has resulted
in a drastic increase in the number of channels where the data is far more accessible and
per-customer implementation costs are negligible.
Websites, email and social media have become the dominant channels for generating customer
data, and traditional channels such as direct mail, telemarketing and print have taken a back seat,
according to our survey (Figure 2). The reasons are simple: Digital channels make it much easier to
collect and apply customer data, quickly measure results, and lower the cost drastically.
Based on conversations with senior decision-makers and a global survey of 60 clients, a recent
Forrester report titled “The Big Deal About Big Data For Customer Engagement” concluded that
“as companies adopt new applications and approaches to cater to nontraditional touch points,
they are faced with an explosion of information. This increase in data volumes poses a new set
of challenges around information management and architecture.”
2
Implementing the right collection tools is the starting point for big data solutions. It’s also the
first place marketers should start thinking about their customers in a holistic way.
Which channel is your best source for generating
data on your customers?*
Figure 2 (*Forrester conference only)
49%
Website analytics
19%
Email interaction
12%
Social media interaction
1%
Print
3%
Display
8%
Direct mail interaction
8%
SMS/phone analytics
Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive
Data-Rich and Insight-Poor:
Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013
pg.7
Implications for Marketers
Data collection has become much easier:
Marketers have to engage with consumers in the channels where they are most actively sharing
personal information, and companies must invest in the tools necessary to capture and store
that data across all channels. For instance, email can capture inferred and declared interests at an
individual level – tracking opens and click-through rates, driving customers to landing pages with
forms, etc. – that can be stored and leveraged for analysis and targeting.
Digital channels dominate:
Digital channels currently provide the greatest ability to capture customer data and provide
insights. In particular, email platforms have automated, targeted trigger campaigns that allow for
real-time messages that can be personalized for the individual consumer. That makes email a
great starting point for marketers who are just learning how to execute data-driven campaigns.
Don’t forget about traditional channels:
While digital channels have caused offline channels, such as direct mail and telemarketing, to fall
out of favor with some marketers, they should still be part of the mix. Marketers should be
striving to combine data from all online and offline touch points to build a more complete profile
of every customer. They should also be testing different combinations of channels (email and catalog,
for example, versus social and catalog), content and frequency of communications to see what drives
the best response for each individual consumer.
 
Data-driven campaigns most popular
in digital channels
Websites, email and social media are also the most popular channels for executing
data-driven campaigns, according to the survey at the Forrester eBusiness
conference. Other channels are still in the marketing mix, but the built-in metrics and
tracking in maturing digital channels make them hard to ignore.
In which of these channels are you currently using insights from customer data to
drive marketing campaigns for your company or typical client?
•	 Website: 83 percent
•	 Email: 72 percent
•	 Social media: 59 percent
•	 Display: 47 percent
•	 Direct mail: 47 percent
•	 Print: 32 percent
•	 Telemarketing: 30 percent
•	 SMS: 17 percent
•	 None of the above: 2 percent
Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive
Data-Rich and Insight-Poor:
Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013
pg.8
Data Hygiene:
Outdated customer information can get you into trouble
While data collection has become much easier, performing quality control on that information
poses a much greater challenge. Proper maintenance requires weekly or at least monthly
updates. However, it is a pervasive problem in the industry to see large companies sitting on
years of inactive files.
Our survey found that almost half the marketers at the DMA and Forrester conferences perform
regular quality control, but 26 percent couldn’t even remember the last time they cleaned their
data (Figure 3). More than a quarter reported cleaning their data either quarterly or annually,
which is still rather infrequent.
The Forrester report “How Dirty Is Your Data” supports our findings, where competitive intelligence
professionals admit they’re storing 10-plus years of transaction detail about their customers or several
months worth of cookie data. The report states that “most of this data is, at best, worthless and, at
worst, risky to hold. Companies waste time and resources when they fail to purge data they no
longer need.”
3
We have become data hoarders – collectors who never throw anything out in order to make room
for something of more value. Our findings indicate that a large segment of marketers are making
decisions based on outdated, duplicate and junk data that could be in low-performing campaigns that
cost them customers and revenue.
24%
Weekly
23%
Monthly
26%
I can’t remember
10%
Annually
17%
Quarterly
How often do you clean your customer data?
Figure 3
Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive
Data-Rich and Insight-Poor:
Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013
pg.9
Implications for
Marketers
Mine existing data before chasing
after new customers:
Instead of spending money to target prospects
with a 1 or 2 percent response rate, many
companies would be better off cleaning their
existing databases first to mine high-value
customer segments.
Dirty data can get you into trouble:
Relying on outdated customer lists can lead
to email ISP blacklisting and privacy
complaints from consumers. This can cause
even loyal and engaged customers to miss
important messages that get blocked by spam
filters. Having an email service provider
that can build a life cycle strategy to engage,
activate or retire old records is more important
than ever.
Updating your data makes you
more relevant to customers:
Trying to build a marketing campaign
around outdated information is futile. With
clean data, marketers can make sense of
the information and come up with more
precise targeting, which then sets the stage
for analytics.
Customer privacy a top
priority in 2013
When it comes to protecting customer data
and privacy, 84 percent of the respondents
at the Forrester conference said it will be a
priority in 2013. That’s critically important
given the increasing attention being paid to
this issue by regulators. For the 16 percent
who said it isn’t a priority, we hope that
means they already have a great security
policy in place.
Do you plan on taking additional steps to
protect customer data and privacy in 2013?
•	 Yes, it’s a top priority:	 60%
•	 Yes, it’s a low priority: 	 24%
•	 No, it’s not a priority: 	 11%
•	 No, it’s not in the budget:	 5%
“	For decades, businesses have collected customer data,
ostensibly in exchange for some reciprocal value. But over the
years, their treatment of that data – from surreptitious capture
to analysis to reselling – has become too liberal. As a result,
consumers and legislators are calling for massive changes to
organizations’ data-collecting rights.
”“How Dirty Is Your Data?” Forrester Research, Inc.
April 19, 2012
Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive
Data-Rich and Insight-Poor:
Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013
pg.10
20%
Data analyst / strategist
11%
Developer / programmer
7%
Data manager
7%
Data collection
6%
Data engineer / architect
5%
Executive
44%
Don’t plan on hiring
 
Data Analysis:
Get to know your customers across multiple channels
Data collection and storage are becoming much faster and cheaper, which results in a fire hose
of data that exceeds our ability to comprehend it at the same speed. This makes an investment
in analytics a critical piece of the data puzzle.
Companies are starting to allocate more resources to building out their data capabilities, especially in
the analytics phase. Not only do marketers plan to allocate a larger portion of their budgets to data-
related expenditures in 2013, but more than half of those surveyed at the two marketing conferences
also said they plan to hire for data positions this year (Figure 4). The greatest need appears to be in the
area of analytics, with one-fifth of respondents saying they plan to hire for those positions.
There are good and essential collection and cleaning tools out there already, but it’s really the people
who make data work. Analysts are the ones who map the data back to the customers and figure
out how to use it to target the most precise segment. However, only 14 percent of marketers feel
that they have effectively integrated data analytics across channels, according to the DMA Statistical
Fact Book 2012.
4
It’s encouraging to see marketers are focusing on hiring in 2013, recognizing the role data will play in
the future by hiring analysts, as well as executives and managers, to oversee strategy.
Do you plan on hiring new employees to handle or
oversee data collection or analysis in 2013?
Figure 4
Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive
Data-Rich and Insight-Poor:
Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013
pg.11
 
Implications for Marketers
Put the right pieces in place:
For many marketers, it’s challenging even to get to the point of analysis because of disparate and
outdated systems. It’s critical to invest in infrastructure that allows for deep insights and quick
action across multiple channels.
It takes people to make sense of it all:
Data systems and tools are good at providing structure and storage, identifying trends and running
predictive models. But a human has to tell you what to do with the data and tie it back to the target
audience. For the 44 percent of marketers who aren’t hiring, we expect they either already have the
right people in place or they’ve established a partnership with a credible vendor.
Customers expect you to know them:
Consumers are overwhelmed by messages, so marketers have to become increasingly relevant and
engaging. In exchange for their personal information, they expect to receive messages that reflect
their interests. This point is proved time and time again when we look at response and engagement
rates across email campaigns that are personalized and timely based on consumers’ behavior
and interests.
Analyzing data will be the biggest challenge in 2013
When we asked DMA and Forrester attendees what they expect to be the biggest challenge
in 2013 as it relates to the use of data, analysis and application were the clear winners. At
least 20 percent of marketers cited one of those two areas as the biggest challenge.
What do you think is the biggest challenge marketers will face in 2013 as it relates to the
use of data?
•	 Analyzing data: 25 percent
•	 Applying data: 20 percent
•	 Cleaning data: 13 percent
•	 Protecting customer data and
	 privacy: 12 percent
•	 Collecting data: 11 percent
•	 Real-time data collection: 11
	percent
•	 Hiring qualified employees: 8
	percent
Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive
Data-Rich and Insight-Poor:
Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013
pg.12
 
Data Application:
Optimize your targeting and messaging across channels
The application stage is where data comes full circle. This is where the insights gleaned from analysis
get executed. Yet it’s equally important to measure results on an ongoing basis and adjust strategy
accordingly. With the right systems and people in place, the data continues to improve so
targeting and messaging become more optimized and refined over time.
Almost 40 percent of the marketers surveyed at the DMA and Forrester conferences said they rarely
or never use customer data to customize messaging by channel (Figure 5). That’s troubling because
custom channel messaging is the most basic level of segmentation – customizing campaigns for
individual consumers requires the ability to drill down even further.
15%
Always
46%
Often
8%
Never
31%
Rarely
Once a campaign is executed based on data-driven insights, the results should be constantly
measured, reported and applied. This is important not only because it results in better future
campaigns; it also measures return on investment and justifies future spending to senior executives.
Yet 57 percent of companies are not basing their marketing budgets on ROI analysis, according to
the 2012 BRITE/NYAMA Marketing in Transition Study.
5
At the same time, 70 percent said their
marketing efforts are under greater scrutiny than ever. A critical piece of the application phase is
measurement; without results, it’s difficult to continue to secure additional data-related resources.
How often do you customize your messaging for each channel
based on data insights such as demographics?
Figure 5
Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive
Data-Rich and Insight-Poor:
Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013
pg.13
Implications for Marketers
Provide a consistent, relevant customer experience:
A highly optimized data-driven campaign uses customer information from each channel to target
consumers with messages specific to their individual needs and interests. When insights are
applied across channels, each customer has a consistent experience regardless of medium.
Learn from each campaign:
Marketers should be continually analyzing and learning for the next campaign. For example, email
provides great lessons through business intelligence tools such as automated testing and real-time
campaign optimization, as well as regular trending analysis reports. At the end of any campaign, all
marketers should know their customers better and be able to target them more effectively the next
time around.
Prove ROI to justify the investment:
Not only does the application stage make future marketing campaigns better; it also provides metrics
that show executives the value of data and makes them more likely to invest in future infrastructure
improvements or hires. Digital channels such as email and websites have been very successful
in showing ROI. Marketers should be justifying investments in a similar way across all channels for
every campaign. 
Social media data becoming more important
Almost 80 percent of the respondents at the Forrester conference said they plan to make
greater use of social media data to inform campaigns in 2013, which implies that most
marketers are starting to realize the importance of integrating data insights across all
channels.
Do you plan to use customers’ social media data to drive marketing campaigns in other
channels in 2013?
•	 Yes, we plan to further integrate social data: 42 percent
•	 Yes, we plan to start integrating social data: 36 percent
•	 No, we don’t plan on integrating social data: 16 percent
•	 No, we don’t know how to integrate social data: 6 percent
Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive
Data-Rich and Insight-Poor:
Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013
pg.14
Real-Time Data:
Rethink your underlying systems and business model
By now, most marketers have picked up on the enthusiasm around real-time data. More than
half of the survey respondents at the DMA and Forrester conferences said they have already
started implementing real-time data and plan to make greater use of it in 2013 (Figure 6). Another
30 percent said they plan on using it for the first time or will start considering it.
A survey conducted by DMA found that 58 percent of marketers can neither assess nor segment
incoming customers in real time.
6
One quarter of companies can assess and segment incoming
customers instantaneously, while another 17 percent have the ability to instantaneously assess but
not segment. It’s obvious that marketers realize the importance of real-time data, but many don’t
yet have the ability to make widespread use of it.
In 2013, there will be much more focus on the role of real-time data in marketing, with many
companies conducting trials and experiments. As companies continue to build out their data
infrastructure, more marketers will be looking at how they can respond to their customers’ changing
information across multiple channels instantaneously.
 
How do you plan on using real-time data in
your 2013 marketing campaigns?
Figure 6
53%
We plan to make
greater use of it
11%
We plan on using
it for the first time
19%
We plan to start
considering it
2%
We can’t afford to
use it
4%
We don’t know
how to use it
11%
We don’t plan on
using it
Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive
Data-Rich and Insight-Poor:
Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013
pg.15
Implications for Marketers
Real-time data will force business model changes:
Most businesses will have to become more nimble and agile to work with real-time data. That
likely means significant system improvements and a shift in the underlying business model
to accommodate speed.
Figure out where it fits into the consumer buying cycle:
Many marketers aren’t exactly sure how to apply real-time data to their businesses. With so
many steps in the consumer buying cycle, the challenge becomes where to inject real-time
data to have the most impact. Again, email provides some great examples of best practices,
such as using website analytics to provide relevant and timely messaging to drive the next
possible customer action or deeper engagement.
Work toward implementing real-time data across multiple channels:
There are some easy ways to implement real-time data in individual channels, such as email
tracking and remarketing. However, the real opportunity lies in using real-time data across all
channels, ensuring a consistent message and strategy in an integrated campaign that becomes
more optimized over time. That’s the zenith of multichannel marketing – responding in
real-time to ever-changing consumer data across all customer touch points.
 
Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive
Data-Rich and Insight-Poor:
Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013
pg.16
Conclusion:
Catching Up to the Speed of Customer Data
While the growing number of digital channels has resulted in more available customer data than
ever, the sheer volume of information can leave marketers scrambling to make sense of it all.
Many companies have tools in place to collect and store customer data, but that information only
becomes useful and profitable with regular maintenance, analysis and application.
Our survey at DMA2012 and Forrester eBusiness conferences found that most marketers realize they
still have work to do, and they’re starting to invest in the processes, people and systems required to
implement an effective data strategy. It’s critical that they take a disciplined approach to building out
their capabilities in order to slowly but surely make connections between different types of data –
such as digital, transactional, postal and demographic – across multiple channels.
Marketers can get started by working with a trusted partner who understands how to implement a
data-led, analytics-driven, technology-enabled strategy. With a methodical, intentional approach to
putting the right pieces in place, big data doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive
Data-Rich and Insight-Poor:
Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013
pg.17
Key Takeaways
	 •	Invest in the right systems and people: For the 68 percent of marketers who
		 say they plan to increase their data-related expenditures in 2013, they should
		 be focusing on building an integrated, multichannel platform and hiring
	 	 experienced employees who can analyze data and apply insights.
	 •	Perform regular data maintenance: While it’s encouraging that 47 percent of
	 	 marketers clean their data weekly or monthly, it’s troubling that 26 percent said
	 	 they can’t remember the last time they performed quality control. Customers
		 expect to be targeted with relevant messages, and dirty data can get marketers
	 	 in trouble quickly.
	 •	Move beyond data collection to more sophisticated analysis: While digital
		 channels have made it easier to collect customer data, 45 percent of marketers
	 	 identified analyzing and applying data among the biggest challenges they will
		 face in 2013. Only 11 percent said data collection will be their biggest challenge.
	 	 These findings reinforce the need for investments in infrastructure and
		 employees on the analytics side.
	 •	Apply data insights across all channels: It’s time to start thinking holistically.
		 Marketers should be moving toward platforms that integrate individual
	 	 data from all sources to build more complete customer profiles.
	 •	Figure out where real-time data fits: This will be a huge area of focus in 2013,
	 	 with 83 percent of marketers saying they’re at least thinking about how to
		 use real-time data in their campaigns. In some cases, companies might have
		 to shift their underlying systems and business models to respond more
	 	 quickly to real-time information.   
	 •	Start now with digital channels and existing data: Many digital channels have
		 already matured and can be easily implemented to drive multichannel
	 	 communication strategies. Marketers shouldn’t wait until the perfect solution is
	 	 in place – or else they’ll wait forever. They should start now by building cross-
	 	 channel test plans and utilizing tools such as multi-variant email testing, which
	 	 provide real-time automated optimization, and leveraging existing data to
		 learn even more about their customers.
Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive
Data-Rich and Insight-Poor:
Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013
pg.18
Survey Methodology
Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive surveyed 701 marketers attending the
DMA2012 and Forrester Research conferences in 2012. The survey was administered
in person using handheld devices. DMA2012 took place from Oct. 13-18 in Las Vegas, Nev. The
Forrester Research conference, Seizing Opportunity From Digital Disruption: A Forum For
eBusiness & Channel Strategy Professionals, took place Oct. 25-26 in Chicago.
Footnotes
1	 Seizing Opportunity From Digital Disruption: A Forum For eBusiness & Channel Strategy Professionals, Oct. 25-26, 2012
2	 Forrester Research, Inc., “The Big Deal About Big Data For Customer Engagement,” June 1, 2012
3	 Forrester Research, Inc., “How Dirty Is Your Data?,” April 19, 2012
4	 DMA, “Statistical Fact Book 2012: The Definitive Source for Direct Marketing Benchmarks,” February 2012
5	 Columbia Business School and New York American Marketing Association, “Marketing ROI in the Era of Big Data: The 2012 BRITE/
	 NYAMA Marketing in Transition Study,” 2012
6	 DMA, “Statistical Fact Book 2012: The Definitive Source for Direct Marketing Benchmarks,” February 2012
Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive
Data-Rich and Insight-Poor:
Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013
pg.19
Rohit Chowdhury,
Vice President of Content Acquisition, Infogroup
Rohit Chowdhury spearheads Infogroup’s data content acquisition team, managing content
acquisition strategy, selecting vendors and creating strategic alliances. He is located at Infogroup’s
headquarters, Papillion, Nebraska. Rohit has over 10 years of working with data, sourcing, processes
and operations. Prior to this role, he was Director of Database Operations where he managed vendor
selection, and test pilots for consumer-related projects resulting in much higher quality content.
Before becoming Director of Database Operations, he was Manager for Internet Marketing at
Infogroup, developing and launching SEM advertising programs, email marketing campaigns and
researching and recommending re-designs for the website.
Lynn Dusek,
Vice President of Customer Strategy, Yesmail Interactive
Lynn Dusek leads Yesmail’s Customer Strategy group of highly experienced marketing consultants.
The Customer Strategy Team’s focus is to create marketing strategies and solutions that drive
deeper brand engagement and rich customer experiences by connecting data insights, creative and
consumer interactions. During her tenure at Yesmail Interactive, she has created industry-recognized
marketing programs, provided thought leadership on topics such as CRM and data analytics and
been a key driver in the evolution of the Yesmail Professional Services Team. She has over 15 years of
marketing experience in working with top global brands such as IBM, Intel, Coca-Cola and Microsoft.
Thank you to the contributors
We would like to thank Rohit Chowdhury for his data-related contribution and for the title of this
report as well as Lynn Dusek for her digital-related contribution.
Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive
Data-Rich and Insight-Poor:
Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013
pg.20
Infogroup Targeting Solutions helps companies
increase sales and customer loyalty through
analytically driven consumer and business data
and database marketing solutions. With exclusive
access to the Data Axle™, we build multichannel
solutions using contextually relevant information
on 235MM individuals and 24MM businesses.
For more information on Infogroup Targeting
Data-Driven Services and Solutions,
please call 1.866.872.1313,
or email us at ITSinfo@infogroup.com
or visit www.infogrouptargeting.com.
Infogroup enables its clients –from local
businesses to the Fortune 100 – to increase sales
and customer loyalty through its high-value
data and innovative multichannel digital and
offline targeted marketing solutions.
Our proprietary Data Axle™ of contextually
relevant real-time information on more than 235
million individuals and 24 million businesses is
at the core of what we do.
For more information visit www.infogroup.com.
Both Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive are Infogroup Companies.
We power intelligent customer interactions. We
give you the insights to recognize and understand
your customer to deliver contextually relevant
digital communications- while respecting their
preferences and privacy. We help marketers
evolve their customer relationships through
intelligent interactions via technology, insights
and services in a near real-time multichannel
environment. We help you compete in the age of
the customer.
For more information, call 1-877-YESMAIL
or visit www.yesmail.com.
About the Sponsors
Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive

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  • 1.
  • 2. Table of Contents Executive Summary 3 Key Findings 4 A Look Back at 2012 5 A Look Ahead at 2013 5-6 Data Collection 7 Data Collection Implications for Marketers 8 Data Hygiene 9 Data Hygiene Implications for Marketers 10 Data Analysis 11 Data Analysis Implications for Marketers 12 Data Application 13 Data Application Implications for Marketers 14 Real-Time Data 15 Real-Time Data Implications for Marketers 16 Conclusion - Catching Up to the Speed of Customer Data 17 Key Takeaways 18 Survey Methodology 19 Thank You to the Contributors 20 About the Sponsors 21 Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive Data-Rich and Insight-Poor: Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013 pg.2
  • 3. Executive Summary As consumers share more information than ever before on digital and social channels, marketers are becoming data-rich and insight-poor. The exponential growth in available customer data can be overwhelming, and our ability to act on this information can’t seem to keep up. While marketers have been talking about the challenges and opportunities that come with this information explosion for years, many companies still haven’t implemented effective data strategies. When it comes to big data, marketers need to go back to the basics and invest in building a solid foundation for their operations. To discover how marketers plan to tackle big data in 2013, Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive surveyed more than 700 of the top marketers in the world during the DMA2012 Annual Conference and Forrester Research’s eBusiness Forum. 1 Here’s what we uncovered: • The impact of big data on budgets and hiring • The influence of data on marketing campaigns across channels • The future role of real-time data in marketing • The biggest challenges posed by data-driven marketing We found that marketers have made strides in their ability to collect data, but they’re still learning how to analyze it. While many companies are effectively executing data-driven campaigns in single channels – particularly digital channels such as email – most haven’t figured out how to apply insights at the individual consumer level across all customer touch points and connect the dots between multiple channels. In 2013, most marketers are ramping up spending on the people and technology that will provide the data-driven insights they need to help them understand their customers on a much deeper level across channels. Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive Data-Rich and Insight-Poor: Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013 pg.3
  • 4. Key Findings Here’s a look at some of the key findings from the survey: • 68 percent of marketers said they expect their data-related expenditures to increase in 2013. • 56 percent plan on hiring new employees to handle data collection or analysis, with the most common position being a data analyst/strategist. • Almost half of the respondents said analyzing or applying data will be their biggest data-related challenge in 2013. • More than a quarter of marketers can’t remember the last time they performed quality control on their customer data. • Almost 40 percent said they rarely or never customize their messaging by channel based on insights from customer data. • 83 percent plan to at least consider making greater use of real-time data in 2013. • The majority of marketers use insights from customer data to drive marketing campaigns across the single channels of: website (83 percent), email (72 percent), and social media (59 percent). • Almost 80 percent plan to make greater use of customers’ social media data to drive marketing campaigns in other channels in 2013. Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive Data-Rich and Insight-Poor: Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013 pg.4
  • 5. The most sophisticated marketers are already headed in this direction, building the necessary systems and hiring the right employees and partners to start thinking holistically. These early adopters know that infrastructure and people are the keys to a successful transition to a multichannel centric approach that will result in better targetings, more efficient campaigns and ultimately better customer retention and higher revenue. The majority of marketers plan to follow these trailblazers in 2013. Almost 70 percent of those surveyed at the DMA and Forrester conferences said they plan to increase their data-related marketing expenditures this year, and only 3 percent said spending will decrease (Figure 1). Most marketers also plan to create data-related positions next year, with the greatest need being in the area of analytics and strategy. A Look Back at 2012 Marketers woke up to the importance of data-driven campaigns in 2012. The term “big data” entered our vocabularies – which is likely to stay – and we started scrambling to figure out how it applies to our businesses. While many marketers began to make greater use of data to gain insights, the progress was largely limited to tracking customer behavior in single channels. We’re collecting and analyzing more individual response data via email, for example, but the behavioral insights gained there typically weren’t shaping how we communicate with the same consumers through other channels. A Look Ahead at 2013 This year, the major shift will be toward multichannel data analysis and application, combining individual customer data across all touch points to build more complete consumer profiles. “ As firms move from siloed, transaction-oriented systems to more integrated, socially aware ones, they will face challenges related to customer data. ‘Big data’ is characterized by increases in data volume, velocity, variety, and variability. To improve customer engagement, companies must invest in solutions to effectively manage big data. ”“The Big Deal About Big Data For Customer Engagement” – Forrester Research, Inc. June 1, 2012 Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive Data-Rich and Insight-Poor: Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013 pg.5
  • 6. The survey findings tell us that most marketers plan to make data-driven campaigns a priority this year, but companies are on different places in the learning curve. Some are working to improve multiple areas at once, while others are still trying to figure out collection and cleaning. A select group have already moved onto high-level analysis and application. Let’s take a look at each of these areas and outline the implications for marketers as data moves to the fore- front of our industry. Marketers tackling data on multiple fronts at once When respondents at the Forrester conference were asked about how they plan to improve their data methods, they identified analysis as the top priority. But cleaning, collection and application were also important, which supports the conclusion that marketers are in various stages of implementation and plan to attack multiple fronts simultaneously. Do you plan on improving your customer data methods in 2013? • Data analysis: 38% • Data cleaning: 31% • Data collection: 28% • Data application: 25% • No: 12% How do you expect your data-related marketing expenditures to change in 2013? Figure 1 68% Increase ∞ 20% Increase greatly ∞ 48% Increase slightly 6% Not determined 1% Decrease greatly 2% Decrease slightly 23% Stay the same Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive Data-Rich and Insight-Poor: Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013 pg.6
  • 7. Data Collection:Digital channels result in information explosion In the history of marketing before the web, the few available channels were expensive, information couldn’t be captured efficiently or accurately, and ROI was vague. Digital technology has resulted in a drastic increase in the number of channels where the data is far more accessible and per-customer implementation costs are negligible. Websites, email and social media have become the dominant channels for generating customer data, and traditional channels such as direct mail, telemarketing and print have taken a back seat, according to our survey (Figure 2). The reasons are simple: Digital channels make it much easier to collect and apply customer data, quickly measure results, and lower the cost drastically. Based on conversations with senior decision-makers and a global survey of 60 clients, a recent Forrester report titled “The Big Deal About Big Data For Customer Engagement” concluded that “as companies adopt new applications and approaches to cater to nontraditional touch points, they are faced with an explosion of information. This increase in data volumes poses a new set of challenges around information management and architecture.” 2 Implementing the right collection tools is the starting point for big data solutions. It’s also the first place marketers should start thinking about their customers in a holistic way. Which channel is your best source for generating data on your customers?* Figure 2 (*Forrester conference only) 49% Website analytics 19% Email interaction 12% Social media interaction 1% Print 3% Display 8% Direct mail interaction 8% SMS/phone analytics Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive Data-Rich and Insight-Poor: Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013 pg.7
  • 8. Implications for Marketers Data collection has become much easier: Marketers have to engage with consumers in the channels where they are most actively sharing personal information, and companies must invest in the tools necessary to capture and store that data across all channels. For instance, email can capture inferred and declared interests at an individual level – tracking opens and click-through rates, driving customers to landing pages with forms, etc. – that can be stored and leveraged for analysis and targeting. Digital channels dominate: Digital channels currently provide the greatest ability to capture customer data and provide insights. In particular, email platforms have automated, targeted trigger campaigns that allow for real-time messages that can be personalized for the individual consumer. That makes email a great starting point for marketers who are just learning how to execute data-driven campaigns. Don’t forget about traditional channels: While digital channels have caused offline channels, such as direct mail and telemarketing, to fall out of favor with some marketers, they should still be part of the mix. Marketers should be striving to combine data from all online and offline touch points to build a more complete profile of every customer. They should also be testing different combinations of channels (email and catalog, for example, versus social and catalog), content and frequency of communications to see what drives the best response for each individual consumer.   Data-driven campaigns most popular in digital channels Websites, email and social media are also the most popular channels for executing data-driven campaigns, according to the survey at the Forrester eBusiness conference. Other channels are still in the marketing mix, but the built-in metrics and tracking in maturing digital channels make them hard to ignore. In which of these channels are you currently using insights from customer data to drive marketing campaigns for your company or typical client? • Website: 83 percent • Email: 72 percent • Social media: 59 percent • Display: 47 percent • Direct mail: 47 percent • Print: 32 percent • Telemarketing: 30 percent • SMS: 17 percent • None of the above: 2 percent Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive Data-Rich and Insight-Poor: Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013 pg.8
  • 9. Data Hygiene: Outdated customer information can get you into trouble While data collection has become much easier, performing quality control on that information poses a much greater challenge. Proper maintenance requires weekly or at least monthly updates. However, it is a pervasive problem in the industry to see large companies sitting on years of inactive files. Our survey found that almost half the marketers at the DMA and Forrester conferences perform regular quality control, but 26 percent couldn’t even remember the last time they cleaned their data (Figure 3). More than a quarter reported cleaning their data either quarterly or annually, which is still rather infrequent. The Forrester report “How Dirty Is Your Data” supports our findings, where competitive intelligence professionals admit they’re storing 10-plus years of transaction detail about their customers or several months worth of cookie data. The report states that “most of this data is, at best, worthless and, at worst, risky to hold. Companies waste time and resources when they fail to purge data they no longer need.” 3 We have become data hoarders – collectors who never throw anything out in order to make room for something of more value. Our findings indicate that a large segment of marketers are making decisions based on outdated, duplicate and junk data that could be in low-performing campaigns that cost them customers and revenue. 24% Weekly 23% Monthly 26% I can’t remember 10% Annually 17% Quarterly How often do you clean your customer data? Figure 3 Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive Data-Rich and Insight-Poor: Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013 pg.9
  • 10. Implications for Marketers Mine existing data before chasing after new customers: Instead of spending money to target prospects with a 1 or 2 percent response rate, many companies would be better off cleaning their existing databases first to mine high-value customer segments. Dirty data can get you into trouble: Relying on outdated customer lists can lead to email ISP blacklisting and privacy complaints from consumers. This can cause even loyal and engaged customers to miss important messages that get blocked by spam filters. Having an email service provider that can build a life cycle strategy to engage, activate or retire old records is more important than ever. Updating your data makes you more relevant to customers: Trying to build a marketing campaign around outdated information is futile. With clean data, marketers can make sense of the information and come up with more precise targeting, which then sets the stage for analytics. Customer privacy a top priority in 2013 When it comes to protecting customer data and privacy, 84 percent of the respondents at the Forrester conference said it will be a priority in 2013. That’s critically important given the increasing attention being paid to this issue by regulators. For the 16 percent who said it isn’t a priority, we hope that means they already have a great security policy in place. Do you plan on taking additional steps to protect customer data and privacy in 2013? • Yes, it’s a top priority: 60% • Yes, it’s a low priority: 24% • No, it’s not a priority: 11% • No, it’s not in the budget: 5% “ For decades, businesses have collected customer data, ostensibly in exchange for some reciprocal value. But over the years, their treatment of that data – from surreptitious capture to analysis to reselling – has become too liberal. As a result, consumers and legislators are calling for massive changes to organizations’ data-collecting rights. ”“How Dirty Is Your Data?” Forrester Research, Inc. April 19, 2012 Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive Data-Rich and Insight-Poor: Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013 pg.10
  • 11. 20% Data analyst / strategist 11% Developer / programmer 7% Data manager 7% Data collection 6% Data engineer / architect 5% Executive 44% Don’t plan on hiring   Data Analysis: Get to know your customers across multiple channels Data collection and storage are becoming much faster and cheaper, which results in a fire hose of data that exceeds our ability to comprehend it at the same speed. This makes an investment in analytics a critical piece of the data puzzle. Companies are starting to allocate more resources to building out their data capabilities, especially in the analytics phase. Not only do marketers plan to allocate a larger portion of their budgets to data- related expenditures in 2013, but more than half of those surveyed at the two marketing conferences also said they plan to hire for data positions this year (Figure 4). The greatest need appears to be in the area of analytics, with one-fifth of respondents saying they plan to hire for those positions. There are good and essential collection and cleaning tools out there already, but it’s really the people who make data work. Analysts are the ones who map the data back to the customers and figure out how to use it to target the most precise segment. However, only 14 percent of marketers feel that they have effectively integrated data analytics across channels, according to the DMA Statistical Fact Book 2012. 4 It’s encouraging to see marketers are focusing on hiring in 2013, recognizing the role data will play in the future by hiring analysts, as well as executives and managers, to oversee strategy. Do you plan on hiring new employees to handle or oversee data collection or analysis in 2013? Figure 4 Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive Data-Rich and Insight-Poor: Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013 pg.11
  • 12.   Implications for Marketers Put the right pieces in place: For many marketers, it’s challenging even to get to the point of analysis because of disparate and outdated systems. It’s critical to invest in infrastructure that allows for deep insights and quick action across multiple channels. It takes people to make sense of it all: Data systems and tools are good at providing structure and storage, identifying trends and running predictive models. But a human has to tell you what to do with the data and tie it back to the target audience. For the 44 percent of marketers who aren’t hiring, we expect they either already have the right people in place or they’ve established a partnership with a credible vendor. Customers expect you to know them: Consumers are overwhelmed by messages, so marketers have to become increasingly relevant and engaging. In exchange for their personal information, they expect to receive messages that reflect their interests. This point is proved time and time again when we look at response and engagement rates across email campaigns that are personalized and timely based on consumers’ behavior and interests. Analyzing data will be the biggest challenge in 2013 When we asked DMA and Forrester attendees what they expect to be the biggest challenge in 2013 as it relates to the use of data, analysis and application were the clear winners. At least 20 percent of marketers cited one of those two areas as the biggest challenge. What do you think is the biggest challenge marketers will face in 2013 as it relates to the use of data? • Analyzing data: 25 percent • Applying data: 20 percent • Cleaning data: 13 percent • Protecting customer data and privacy: 12 percent • Collecting data: 11 percent • Real-time data collection: 11 percent • Hiring qualified employees: 8 percent Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive Data-Rich and Insight-Poor: Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013 pg.12
  • 13.   Data Application: Optimize your targeting and messaging across channels The application stage is where data comes full circle. This is where the insights gleaned from analysis get executed. Yet it’s equally important to measure results on an ongoing basis and adjust strategy accordingly. With the right systems and people in place, the data continues to improve so targeting and messaging become more optimized and refined over time. Almost 40 percent of the marketers surveyed at the DMA and Forrester conferences said they rarely or never use customer data to customize messaging by channel (Figure 5). That’s troubling because custom channel messaging is the most basic level of segmentation – customizing campaigns for individual consumers requires the ability to drill down even further. 15% Always 46% Often 8% Never 31% Rarely Once a campaign is executed based on data-driven insights, the results should be constantly measured, reported and applied. This is important not only because it results in better future campaigns; it also measures return on investment and justifies future spending to senior executives. Yet 57 percent of companies are not basing their marketing budgets on ROI analysis, according to the 2012 BRITE/NYAMA Marketing in Transition Study. 5 At the same time, 70 percent said their marketing efforts are under greater scrutiny than ever. A critical piece of the application phase is measurement; without results, it’s difficult to continue to secure additional data-related resources. How often do you customize your messaging for each channel based on data insights such as demographics? Figure 5 Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive Data-Rich and Insight-Poor: Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013 pg.13
  • 14. Implications for Marketers Provide a consistent, relevant customer experience: A highly optimized data-driven campaign uses customer information from each channel to target consumers with messages specific to their individual needs and interests. When insights are applied across channels, each customer has a consistent experience regardless of medium. Learn from each campaign: Marketers should be continually analyzing and learning for the next campaign. For example, email provides great lessons through business intelligence tools such as automated testing and real-time campaign optimization, as well as regular trending analysis reports. At the end of any campaign, all marketers should know their customers better and be able to target them more effectively the next time around. Prove ROI to justify the investment: Not only does the application stage make future marketing campaigns better; it also provides metrics that show executives the value of data and makes them more likely to invest in future infrastructure improvements or hires. Digital channels such as email and websites have been very successful in showing ROI. Marketers should be justifying investments in a similar way across all channels for every campaign.  Social media data becoming more important Almost 80 percent of the respondents at the Forrester conference said they plan to make greater use of social media data to inform campaigns in 2013, which implies that most marketers are starting to realize the importance of integrating data insights across all channels. Do you plan to use customers’ social media data to drive marketing campaigns in other channels in 2013? • Yes, we plan to further integrate social data: 42 percent • Yes, we plan to start integrating social data: 36 percent • No, we don’t plan on integrating social data: 16 percent • No, we don’t know how to integrate social data: 6 percent Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive Data-Rich and Insight-Poor: Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013 pg.14
  • 15. Real-Time Data: Rethink your underlying systems and business model By now, most marketers have picked up on the enthusiasm around real-time data. More than half of the survey respondents at the DMA and Forrester conferences said they have already started implementing real-time data and plan to make greater use of it in 2013 (Figure 6). Another 30 percent said they plan on using it for the first time or will start considering it. A survey conducted by DMA found that 58 percent of marketers can neither assess nor segment incoming customers in real time. 6 One quarter of companies can assess and segment incoming customers instantaneously, while another 17 percent have the ability to instantaneously assess but not segment. It’s obvious that marketers realize the importance of real-time data, but many don’t yet have the ability to make widespread use of it. In 2013, there will be much more focus on the role of real-time data in marketing, with many companies conducting trials and experiments. As companies continue to build out their data infrastructure, more marketers will be looking at how they can respond to their customers’ changing information across multiple channels instantaneously.   How do you plan on using real-time data in your 2013 marketing campaigns? Figure 6 53% We plan to make greater use of it 11% We plan on using it for the first time 19% We plan to start considering it 2% We can’t afford to use it 4% We don’t know how to use it 11% We don’t plan on using it Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive Data-Rich and Insight-Poor: Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013 pg.15
  • 16. Implications for Marketers Real-time data will force business model changes: Most businesses will have to become more nimble and agile to work with real-time data. That likely means significant system improvements and a shift in the underlying business model to accommodate speed. Figure out where it fits into the consumer buying cycle: Many marketers aren’t exactly sure how to apply real-time data to their businesses. With so many steps in the consumer buying cycle, the challenge becomes where to inject real-time data to have the most impact. Again, email provides some great examples of best practices, such as using website analytics to provide relevant and timely messaging to drive the next possible customer action or deeper engagement. Work toward implementing real-time data across multiple channels: There are some easy ways to implement real-time data in individual channels, such as email tracking and remarketing. However, the real opportunity lies in using real-time data across all channels, ensuring a consistent message and strategy in an integrated campaign that becomes more optimized over time. That’s the zenith of multichannel marketing – responding in real-time to ever-changing consumer data across all customer touch points.   Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive Data-Rich and Insight-Poor: Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013 pg.16
  • 17. Conclusion: Catching Up to the Speed of Customer Data While the growing number of digital channels has resulted in more available customer data than ever, the sheer volume of information can leave marketers scrambling to make sense of it all. Many companies have tools in place to collect and store customer data, but that information only becomes useful and profitable with regular maintenance, analysis and application. Our survey at DMA2012 and Forrester eBusiness conferences found that most marketers realize they still have work to do, and they’re starting to invest in the processes, people and systems required to implement an effective data strategy. It’s critical that they take a disciplined approach to building out their capabilities in order to slowly but surely make connections between different types of data – such as digital, transactional, postal and demographic – across multiple channels. Marketers can get started by working with a trusted partner who understands how to implement a data-led, analytics-driven, technology-enabled strategy. With a methodical, intentional approach to putting the right pieces in place, big data doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive Data-Rich and Insight-Poor: Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013 pg.17
  • 18. Key Takeaways • Invest in the right systems and people: For the 68 percent of marketers who say they plan to increase their data-related expenditures in 2013, they should be focusing on building an integrated, multichannel platform and hiring experienced employees who can analyze data and apply insights. • Perform regular data maintenance: While it’s encouraging that 47 percent of marketers clean their data weekly or monthly, it’s troubling that 26 percent said they can’t remember the last time they performed quality control. Customers expect to be targeted with relevant messages, and dirty data can get marketers in trouble quickly. • Move beyond data collection to more sophisticated analysis: While digital channels have made it easier to collect customer data, 45 percent of marketers identified analyzing and applying data among the biggest challenges they will face in 2013. Only 11 percent said data collection will be their biggest challenge. These findings reinforce the need for investments in infrastructure and employees on the analytics side. • Apply data insights across all channels: It’s time to start thinking holistically. Marketers should be moving toward platforms that integrate individual data from all sources to build more complete customer profiles. • Figure out where real-time data fits: This will be a huge area of focus in 2013, with 83 percent of marketers saying they’re at least thinking about how to use real-time data in their campaigns. In some cases, companies might have to shift their underlying systems and business models to respond more quickly to real-time information. • Start now with digital channels and existing data: Many digital channels have already matured and can be easily implemented to drive multichannel communication strategies. Marketers shouldn’t wait until the perfect solution is in place – or else they’ll wait forever. They should start now by building cross- channel test plans and utilizing tools such as multi-variant email testing, which provide real-time automated optimization, and leveraging existing data to learn even more about their customers. Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive Data-Rich and Insight-Poor: Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013 pg.18
  • 19. Survey Methodology Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive surveyed 701 marketers attending the DMA2012 and Forrester Research conferences in 2012. The survey was administered in person using handheld devices. DMA2012 took place from Oct. 13-18 in Las Vegas, Nev. The Forrester Research conference, Seizing Opportunity From Digital Disruption: A Forum For eBusiness & Channel Strategy Professionals, took place Oct. 25-26 in Chicago. Footnotes 1 Seizing Opportunity From Digital Disruption: A Forum For eBusiness & Channel Strategy Professionals, Oct. 25-26, 2012 2 Forrester Research, Inc., “The Big Deal About Big Data For Customer Engagement,” June 1, 2012 3 Forrester Research, Inc., “How Dirty Is Your Data?,” April 19, 2012 4 DMA, “Statistical Fact Book 2012: The Definitive Source for Direct Marketing Benchmarks,” February 2012 5 Columbia Business School and New York American Marketing Association, “Marketing ROI in the Era of Big Data: The 2012 BRITE/ NYAMA Marketing in Transition Study,” 2012 6 DMA, “Statistical Fact Book 2012: The Definitive Source for Direct Marketing Benchmarks,” February 2012 Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive Data-Rich and Insight-Poor: Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013 pg.19
  • 20. Rohit Chowdhury, Vice President of Content Acquisition, Infogroup Rohit Chowdhury spearheads Infogroup’s data content acquisition team, managing content acquisition strategy, selecting vendors and creating strategic alliances. He is located at Infogroup’s headquarters, Papillion, Nebraska. Rohit has over 10 years of working with data, sourcing, processes and operations. Prior to this role, he was Director of Database Operations where he managed vendor selection, and test pilots for consumer-related projects resulting in much higher quality content. Before becoming Director of Database Operations, he was Manager for Internet Marketing at Infogroup, developing and launching SEM advertising programs, email marketing campaigns and researching and recommending re-designs for the website. Lynn Dusek, Vice President of Customer Strategy, Yesmail Interactive Lynn Dusek leads Yesmail’s Customer Strategy group of highly experienced marketing consultants. The Customer Strategy Team’s focus is to create marketing strategies and solutions that drive deeper brand engagement and rich customer experiences by connecting data insights, creative and consumer interactions. During her tenure at Yesmail Interactive, she has created industry-recognized marketing programs, provided thought leadership on topics such as CRM and data analytics and been a key driver in the evolution of the Yesmail Professional Services Team. She has over 15 years of marketing experience in working with top global brands such as IBM, Intel, Coca-Cola and Microsoft. Thank you to the contributors We would like to thank Rohit Chowdhury for his data-related contribution and for the title of this report as well as Lynn Dusek for her digital-related contribution. Sponsored by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive Data-Rich and Insight-Poor: Marketers Planning to Turn Information Into Intelligence in 2013 pg.20
  • 21. Infogroup Targeting Solutions helps companies increase sales and customer loyalty through analytically driven consumer and business data and database marketing solutions. With exclusive access to the Data Axle™, we build multichannel solutions using contextually relevant information on 235MM individuals and 24MM businesses. For more information on Infogroup Targeting Data-Driven Services and Solutions, please call 1.866.872.1313, or email us at ITSinfo@infogroup.com or visit www.infogrouptargeting.com. Infogroup enables its clients –from local businesses to the Fortune 100 – to increase sales and customer loyalty through its high-value data and innovative multichannel digital and offline targeted marketing solutions. Our proprietary Data Axle™ of contextually relevant real-time information on more than 235 million individuals and 24 million businesses is at the core of what we do. For more information visit www.infogroup.com. Both Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive are Infogroup Companies. We power intelligent customer interactions. We give you the insights to recognize and understand your customer to deliver contextually relevant digital communications- while respecting their preferences and privacy. We help marketers evolve their customer relationships through intelligent interactions via technology, insights and services in a near real-time multichannel environment. We help you compete in the age of the customer. For more information, call 1-877-YESMAIL or visit www.yesmail.com. About the Sponsors Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive