Know-How Exchange : E-Marketing

How is the research going? Are you also looking at other platforms?

Well, this is a large investment of time, training and money that isn't going to be decided on a forum, but here are some points to consider while making your decision.

1. All other things being equal, which company shows the greatest evidence of progressing with the constant changes in message marketing -- exploding social media platforms, incorporating video with messages, adapting quickly to new devices among which customers are constantly switching?

2. Which company has the staff to handle all of these development initiatives? And to provide support to your staff?

3. Which company is more likely to be around in five years?

4. Are you certain that you've got the right two companies on your short list? Are they the result of a search on your part, based on a list of business criteria; or are they the outgrowth of representatives calling on your business?

5. Your choice should not be made on your present needs; it should be made based on the needs you expect to have a few years into the future, when you'll actually be using the system heavily.

This may sound like odd advice but the last criteria you should apply when choosing a vendor in this category is price. The wrong services at any price makes a bad bargain. Determine which company suits your business needs best, then negotiate to get the price you need.

Hope these thoughts help you toward a decision.