In our recent "CMOs Tell All" session, we discussed a topic that every marketer, regardless of company size or budget, needs to master: the marketing tech stack.

We collectively explored how to get started with a limited budget, identified the essentials versus the nice-to-haves, and discussed how to scale your marketing technology effectively.

Here are the key insights and takeaways from our discussion.

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Getting Started with the Basics

Building a marketing tech stack can seem daunting, especially if you’re working with a smaller budget. Here are some foundational tools and strategies recommended by our marketing leaders:

• CRMs and Email Marketing Solutions: Start with the essentials. A robust CRM and an email marketing solution are crucial. HubSpot emerged as a favorite, offering comprehensive features that cover CRM, email marketing, and website management. Check out this comprehensive list of other CRM tools recommended by the Mavuus community!

• Maximizing Budget: For early-stage companies, tools like HubSpot offer startup packages with significant discounts. Remember to plan for scalability to avoid unnecessary expenses later. Training is key—make sure your team knows how to utilize these tools fully.

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Scaling and Managing Complexity

As your team grows, so does the complexity of your marketing efforts. Our group of marketers discussed when and why to bring in additional tools:

• Project Management Tools: These can be lifesavers for larger teams and more complex projects. While some find them cumbersome, others praised tools like Asana and Trello for streamlining workflows and enhancing collaboration. The consensus? You’ll know you need one when simple spreadsheets just don’t cut it anymore.

• Budget Allocation: According to Gartner, up to 25% of your marketing budget should be allocated to tech. This includes acquiring new software and maximizing the use of your current stack. Focus on infrastructure that supports your marketing efforts, whether through new tools or optimizing existing ones.

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Measuring ROI and Staying Updated

Understanding the return on your tech investments can be tricky, but it’s essential. Here’s what our marketers had to say:

• ROI and Utilization: Direct ROI can be elusive, but defining clear business requirements and measuring improvements in efficiency can help. Using test and control strategies can provide insights into the effectiveness of your tools. Avoid the trap of underutilizing your tech—make sure you're getting the most out of your investments.

• Staying Updated: Resources like Marketing Brew and Product Hunt were highly recommended to keep up with the latest trends and tools. Networking with other marketers is invaluable for continuous learning and adaptation!

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Join the Conversation!

We’re thrilled by the valuable insights that emerged from this discussion! If you’re looking to build or enhance your marketing tech stack, there’s no better place to start than with the collective wisdom of a supportive community. Let's learn, grow, and succeed together!

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Want to watch the full session? Click here to dive in!

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Join the Mavuus Community!