SAN MATEO, Calif., Feb. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Marketo, the leading provider of cloud-based marketing automation software, today debuts its 100-page Definitive Guide to Marketing Automation. The comprehensive new eBook explains what marketing automation is and why it is becoming a 'must-have technology,' and offers expert advice, tips, and worksheets for how companies of all sizes can align their people, processes, and content to achieve maximum success with the technology.

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Marketing automation is the technology that allows companies to streamline, automate, and measure marketing tasks and workflows so they can increase operational efficiency and grow revenue faster.

"Buyers today are using the abundance of online and offline information available to seize control of the purchasing process," said Jon Miller, vice president of marketing at Marketo and author of its Definitive Guide to Marketing Automation. "This requires companies to fundamentally change how they engage with prospects and customers, nurturing relationships with each one over time. This is simply not possible at scale without technology, and that's why marketing automation is becoming a 'must-have' for companies of all sizes. We created the 'Definitive Guide to Marketing Automation' to provide a single, comprehensive resource for any company that is thinking about investing in this transformational technology."

In a recent blog post, Lori Wizdo, principal analyst at Forrester Research, explained the value of the technology, as well as the process and operation challenges that companies must face to use it well. "Marketing automation can transform a company's marketing operations. These solutions deliver scalability, root out excess cost, improve marketing execution, and provide the basis for continuous incremental process improvement. Still many marketing execs hold back on investing in marketing automation. They fear the concurrent assimilation of new tactics, processes, and automation will unduly stress their marketing organization. But, the transformation is necessary, and the stress unavoidable. Marketing execs need to proactively address the 'people part' of their lead-to-revenue transformation."[1]

Marketo's Definitive Guide to Marketing Automation is designed to assuage these fears. It answers the question "what is marketing automation," shows companies how to build a business case and select the right system, and explains what investments and organizational changes are required for success. The guide is also packed with worksheets used to discern whether companies are ready for marketing automation, and how it will help increase revenue and attain business goals.

The guide has already received great reviews from leading industry influencers:

• "I don't think I've ever seen a more complete guide to marketing automation designed to help marketers make a thoughtful and strategic decision about how to sell it internally, select the capabilities right for them, and put it to work." - Ardath Albee, author of eMarketing Strategies for the Complex Sale
• "A must have resource for anyone trying to understand what marketing automation is, and how it can drive revenue in the business." - Joe Pulizzi, Content Marketing Institute
• "What can I say - cute robots, a picture of me, AND everything you could possibly want to know about marketing automation all in one place. Why would you not download this guide?" - David M. Raab, Raab Associates Inc.

To learn how to increase operational efficiencies and achieve higher revenue and faster growth; download Marketo's free Definitive Guide to Marketing Automation.

About Marketo: Marketing Software. Easy, Powerful, Complete.
Marketo uniquely provides easy-to-use, powerful and complete marketing software that propels fast-growing small companies and global enterprises alike. Marketo® marketing automation and sales effectiveness software – including the world's first integrated solution for social marketing automation – streamlines marketing processes, delivers more campaigns, generates more win-ready leads, and dramatically improves sales performance. With proven technology, comprehensive services and expert guidance, Marketo helps thousands of companies around the world turn marketing from a cost center into a revenue driver.

Known for providing breakthrough innovation and fueling explosive growth, in both 2011 and 2012 Marketo received the CRM Market Leaders Awards Winner for Marketing Solutions by CRM Magazine. Salesforce.com customers also honored the company with the AppExchange Customer Choice Awards for 2012 in the marketing category.

Marketo and the Marketo logo are trademarks of Marketo, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

[1] Dealing with the "People Part" of your Lead-To-Revenue Management Transformation, Forrester Research, Inc. blogs, October 21, 2012.

SOURCE Marketo