~This blog was written by Jennifer Tomlinson, Sr. Marketing Manager, Microsoft Partner Network; please share thoughts below~
Partner friends, we know it can be challenging to find the right information from Microsoft where and when you need it. You may have even found a useful resource on one of our websites, only to never find it again. (That sometimes happens to us, too!) We've heard your feedback, and we're working hard to organize and streamline the resources we provide.
When you're looking for ways to grow your business, Microsoft has you covered. Here's a guide to easy-to-find resources you can use to build your marketing practice.
Marketing made easy
Start with the Microsoft Partner Network website. Take a minute to explore the navigation tabs and familiarize yourself with the content currently available. For example, under the Reach Customers tab you'll find a wealth of resources to help expand your customer base, generate new business, and increase revenue.
Smart Partner Marketing
Smart Partner Marketing is like your virtual Chief Marketing Officer. Now available in 12 languages, this resource allows you to benchmark your capabilities in a variety of areas and offers custom marketing advice and training you can use right away. No academic concepts here - this is real-world stuff that works. Check out our assessment to test your capabilities and be sure to access marketing training and partner success stories along your journey.
Partner Marketing Center
Think of Partner Marketing Center as the home for meaningful, customizable content you can use to put your plans into action. Marketing campaigns are organized by product, solution, and industry to help you find exactly what you need. Use the filters and categories to dial in the specifics of what you're looking for, including sales presentations, white papers, sales tools, email templates, digital web content, demos, blogs, market research - it's all there for you to get a head start on your own marketing.
Web content syndication
This resource is found within the larger Partner Marketing Center, but it's good enough to call out separately. The Microsoft Digital Commerce and Campaign Network (DCCN) provides an easy way to get content streamed to (and automatically updated on) your website, with very little maintenance and just a bit of customization from you. It's perfect for resellers (with customer content) and partners with channels like distributors (with partner content), as well as a variety of other business models. We're continuously investing in this resource, and you'll see more fresh content available here in the coming months.
Digital marketing services
Microsoft offers services at both the global and local levels for partners who need a deeper dive than what we have available on the web. One example is Digital Stride, a program that helps partners build strong, customer-centric web properties. These services are funded by you, our partners, but accept Microsoft funding such as Co-op and MDF. Check with your local subsidiary on services specific to your region.
And so much more
With our recent acquisition of LinkedIn, you can now find Sales Navigator content on the portal, too. These new resources include:
- Referrals: Build a business profile with Microsoft to help customers discover your solutions. This profile boosts your visibility with customers and helps you make valuable connections.
- Badges: Partners who announce their Microsoft partnership enjoy 20 percent higher margins than those using other technologies. If you haven't already created your brand with Microsoft, check it out.
There are so many great marketing resources available to partners on the Microsoft Partner Network website, but for those looking for that little something extra, we're sharing a short e-book that covers the basics of marketing. It can really help you get started on your journey to building a stronger marketing practice. This e-book is a valuable resource not to be missed.
Do you have any more tips you can share with the community? What are some of your best practices? Please let us know below.
