As an Australian Martech consulting and implementation firm, we extend our guidance to those embarking on their journey into the realm of Salesforce Marketing Cloud. In a more conversational and friendly tone, we’d like to share some invaluable advice that will help you set sail on your Salesforce Marketing Cloud journey with confidence.
1. Mastering Data Migration
Let’s kick things off with data migration. Think of it as its own mini-adventure. Start by planning meticulously and documenting everything. Make sure everyone’s on the same page, from the financial wizards to the data aficionados. Once your data has safely landed in its new home and passed the quality assurance checks, it’s time to dive into Salesforce Marketing Cloud Configuration.
2. Lock Down Your Primary Key
If you’re looking to cosy up to Salesforce’s platform (SFDC), make sure you’ve got your primary key in hand. Usually, it’s the SalesforceID. It’s like your golden ticket to a smooth integration experience.
3. Becoming a Data Cloud Maestro
For those thinking about integrating with Salesforce Data Cloud, you’ll want a team that knows the ropes. After you’ve got Data Cloud up and running, take some time to map out your data architecture. This will ensure a seamless integration with Salesforce Marketing Cloud. Just a heads-up, Data Cloud currently plays well with Marketing Cloud Enterprise 2.0 accounts.
4. Building Your Dream Team
The folks you have on your team, whether in-house or from a trusty agency partner, are like the crew of your marketing ship. They’ll ensure that everything runs smoothly.
5. Warming Up Your IP Address
Launching a new email service, especially with something as robust as Salesforce Marketing Cloud, is no small feat. Craft a plan for IP Warming, where you gradually build your sender reputation over time.
6. Diving into the Contract
Contracts can be tricky, right? Take a good look at yours. How many super messages are you allowed? Do you have enough SAPs for all your business units? What about private domains, the number of contacts you’ve purchased, support levels, and the need for a sandbox environment? Make sure you’re clear on all the details.
7. Sandbox Adventures
Speaking of sandboxes, do you need one? And if so, should you set up a sandbox folder system with restricted access for your developers? These questions are important for a smooth Salesforce Marketing Cloud experience.
8. Exploring SFMC Studios and Integrations
Salesforce Marketing Cloud has a treasure trove of add-ons and integrations waiting for you to discover. Check out options like Analytics Studio, Google Analytics, Query Studio, Tableau, DESelect, and a whole lot more available on the SFMC AppExchange.
9. Getting to Know SFMC Lingo
Every industry has its jargon, and Salesforce Marketing Cloud is no different. Get to know terms like data extension, Content Detective, Guided send, Send classification, AMPScript, Content blocks, and other technical lingo.
10. Using SFMC Templates Like a Pro
SFMC Templates are invaluable assets for maintaining consistent branding in your emails. How many templates do you need? And is there something you love about certain emails you’ve seen out there? Take inspiration from what catches your eye.
11. Unleashing SFMC Features
Explore the capabilities of SFMC features like Journey Builder, Automation Studio, and Contact Builder. These tools can take your marketing efforts to the next level.
12. Crafting a Data Strategy
Plan your data strategy carefully. Decide where your data will reside, whether in a CRM or a data warehouse. Get buy-in from your marketing, legal, and compliance teams. Think about whether you’ll import data or integrate via APIs (REST or SOAP). And plan out your segmentation queries and preference center accordingly.
13. User Roles and Settings
Configuration settings and user roles are your best friends for a smooth Salesforce Marketing Cloud experience. Make sure everyone on your team has a clearly defined role and the right permissions.
14. Keep Good Documentation
Remember to document everything. It’s like a safety net. If someone’s out of the office, you’ve got all the info you need to keep things running smoothly.
15. Transitioning and Embracing the New
When you make the leap to Salesforce Marketing Cloud, don’t forget to say goodbye to the old platform gracefully. Synchronize data to make sure you don’t miss any unsubscribes during the switch, which usually takes about 30-60 days.
In a nutshell, these recommendations are your trusty companions on your journey into Salesforce Marketing Cloud. We’re here to help you navigate every step of the way. So go ahead and dive in – your marketing excellence adventure awaits!
