Telemarketing has been introduced in the market industry more recently with telesales as one of its components.
Very few people know the differences between telesales and telemarketing. As for people who are involved in these types of activities, it is essential to understand their distinct values in the market industry. Stakeholders should also have the proper knowledge on how these two functions can be effectively applied on their telephone campaigns as they grow their business.
Telesales vs telemarketing
There is now doubt that there’s a degree of confusion between telesales and telemarketing for most people. To help you have a better grasp on these two functionalities, let us start by defining both terms:
- Telesales – refers to the selling of products and services to customers via telephone.
- Telemarketing – this practice generates leads and opportunities by providing people information about specific products and services via telephone.
Historically speaking, telesales formerly existed as independent services. Before the era of the internet and digital transformation, telesales was considered as one of the most effective ways to boost sales.
Telemarketing has been introduced in the market industry more recently with telesales as one of its components.
Roles of telesales
Telesales representatives reach out to potential and existing customers directly by phone calls. Their primary role is to persuade target customers to purchase specific products and services.
Aside from closing leads, a good telesales representative makes sure that customers are well satisfied with their services and are encouraged to do more business with them.
Telesales representatives usually have a range of responsibilities apart from direct sales, part of their roles are:
- Lead generation
- Process customers placed orders
- Conflict resolution
- Customer service
- Meet sales quotas
- Create activity reports
There are two types of telesales – inbound and outbound. Inbound sales is when telesales representatives receive calls from customers. Outbound sales on the other hand is when representatives are the ones reaching out to leads and customers to generate sales.
Roles of telemarketing
Telemarketers’ main role is to be able to create sales prospects. More so, they are also responsible for the following roles:
- Determine new potential leads for the Telesales team to close.
- Establish a more reliable source of data for the Telesales team.
- Outbound calling for market research that can also provide new leads.
- Professionally showcase business brands, products, and services to customers.
- Assess existing customers to reveal buying patterns or the possibilities for new business opportunities.
- Set appointments for customers who are interested in what the business offers.
In general, telemarketing’s goal is to create excellent sales prospects. Telesales will then convert these prospects into sales, as well as repeat buyers.
