Marketing has come to mean different things to different people, with technology changing the options as quickly as the delivery methods. Email has been replaced by marketing automation, billboards by full-motion videos, word-of-mouth by social media, and so on. Business owners are bombarded by a new generation of experts espousing marketing strategies they don't understand or trust. As a result, many are afraid to commit to anything but the tried and true, often costing them many opportunities.
Here are five common reasons why businesses often hesitate to upgrade their marketing practices:
Resistance to Change: Similar to CRM adoption, employees and management may resist new marketing strategies due to comfort with existing methods. This resistance can stem from a fear of the unknown or a reluctance to learn new technologies.
Cost Concerns: Upgrading marketing practices often involves significant investment in new tools, training, and possibly hiring specialized staff. Many businesses, especially smaller ones, may find these costs prohibitive. Plus, people are often worried about hidden costs associated with new approaches, creating further hesitation. 
Lack of Expertise: Implementing modern marketing techniques requires a certain level of expertise. Businesses without in-house marketing experts may struggle to adopt new practices effectively and may be hesitant to invest in external consultants.
Unclear ROI: Businesses may be unsure about the return on investment (ROI) of new marketing practices. Without clear evidence that the new methods will lead to increased revenue or customer engagement, decision-makers may be reluctant to make changes.
Complexity and Integration Issues: Modern marketing often involves integrating various tools and platforms, which can be complex and time-consuming. Businesses may avoid upgrades due to concerns about the complexity of implementation and the potential for disrupting existing workflows.
Those who read our previous blog on why businesses resist implementing a CRM may recognize similarities with the list above. While business owners understand they have to spend money to make money, they also fear what they don't know. Marketing can include Marketing Automation, Webforms, Promotional Events, and Surveys, to name just a few. Partnering with the right team and product can clarify the best options for your business, help reduce the ramp-up time, and start delivering faster and bigger returns.
