A Definitive Explanation of Inbound Marketing
Earlier this week, we discussed the definition of an inbound marketing campaign. Now, we want to take a step back. A step back to the basics. Sometimes the words “inbound marketing” are thrown around by marketers who don’t really understand what it means. We’re not those kind of marketers. We have a firm grasp on inbound marketing and, what’s more, we like to share what we know with you, our clients. The more we learn about inbound marketing, the better we all become at our jobs.
So then, keep reading for a definitive explanation of inbound marketing, from its origins to the best practices for implementing inbound today.
A Definitive Explanation of Inbound Marketing
History of Inbound Marketing
HubSpot, the forerunner of Inbound Marketing and the philosophy behind it, coined the term “Inbound Marketing” in 2006. HubSpot defined it as: “methodology that focuses on creating quality content that pulls people toward your company and product.” Essentially, inbound is the idea of creating quality content (and other tactics) to draw visitors to the Laureate Group website.
Inbound Marketing vs. Content Marketing
Another commonly-heard term is “content marketing.” Content marketing is a broader term, but one that champions a similar philosophy. For the purposes of continuity, this marketing plan will always refer to Inbound Marketing over Content Marketing.
Best Practices for Inbound Marketing
Inbound marketing like riding a bike. As long as you’re pedaling, you’ll keep moving forward, no matter how slowly you pedal. If you stop pedaling, however, you’ll coast for a little bit…but, inevitably, you’ll crash. An inbound marketing strategy is one that must be refined over and over again. Inbound is about implementing a plan, documenting the results and refining the strategy accordingly. There’s no magic formula in inbound, and finding success in inbound is typically a matter of trial and error. What works in inbound today might not work tomorrow, and it certainly won’t work in five years from now. It’s a challenge to stay successful in inbound marketing, but – believe us – it’s well-worth the effort.
