Introduction
In this episode, we welcome Marc Steinsberger, Senior Manager of Communications at Convensis, a full-service communications agency based in Germany with international branches.
Marc shares insights into Convensis’s approach to solving diverse communications challenges for clients across various industries. He discusses their strategies for client acquisition, the role of their website in lead generation, and the importance of balancing showcasing expertise with user-friendly navigation.
Marc also offers valuable tips on staying updated with industry trends, managing diverse tasks in agency work, and the significance of listening and thorough research in effective communication strategies.
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Ernesto Quezada: Pathmonk is the intelligent tool for website lead generation. With increasing online competition, over 98% of website visitors don’t convert. The ability to successfully show your value proposition and support visitors in their buying journey separates you from the competition online. Pathmonk qualifies and converts leads on your website by figuring out where they are in the buying journey and influencing them in key decision moments. With relevant micro experiences like case studies, intro videos, and much more, stay relevant to your visitors and increase conversions by 50%. Add Pathmonk to your website in seconds. Let the AI do all the work and get access to 50% more qualified leads while you keep doing marketing and sales as usual. Check us out on pathmonk.com. Welcome to today’s episode. Let’s talk about today’s guest. We have Marc from Convensis, senior manager, communications with them. How are you doing today, Marc?
Marc Steinsberger: I’m good. How are you?
Ernesto: I’m doing great, thank you so much for asking. I do appreciate you joining us today in today’s episode.
Marc: I’m also really happy to have the opportunity, and I’m excited to be here. Let’s just dive right into it.
Ernesto: Yeah, definitely. Well, let’s start off by talking about what Convensis is all about. In your own words, tell us a little bit more, Marc.
Marc: Yeah. So Convensis is ultimately a full-service communications agency. You might have picked up on the accent—we are based in Stuttgart, Germany, but we also have branches in Berlin and the US, on the East Coast. We address all communications needs from consulting to corporate communications, and all the way to digital and social communications. That’s what we do for our clients.
Ernesto: Okay. So, Marc, for our listeners who are tuned in, what would you say is the key problem you guys solve for clients?
Marc: The problems we solve are quite individual for each client. It could be a consulting issue, like a client going through rebranding, and we help them figure out how to reposition their brand and create a unique brand identity. We also help with public relations, speech writing, social media strategy, content creation, and more. We connect clients with experts in our various departments to help them navigate their communication goals, especially in a world that can sometimes be confusing.
Ernesto: Definitely, Marc. You’ve worked with clients like Amway, MDM, Ice Watch. Is there a specific vertical or ideal customer profile (ICP) you focus on?
Marc: The clients you mentioned are part of our luxury goods and fashion communications background. We had a strong foothold in the luxury and watch industry, but over the last 20 years, we’ve diversified. Now we serve industries ranging from automotive, especially in Stuttgart, to finance, medical fields, and more. This diversification has helped us grow.
Ernesto: Definitely important. So, how would someone in, say, the automotive industry usually find out about Convensis? Is there a top client acquisition channel for you guys?
Marc: It’s a mix. We get a lot of work through recommendations and word of mouth. We also do a lot of networking and are present at conventions and events. Of course, we’re active on social media. Our founder is very present and also a professor, so he’s out there. As a team, we try to be visible where potential clients are, so it’s a combination of recommendations and a general marketing approach.
Ernesto: Thank you for sharing that, Marc. So that our listeners who are tuned in can check you out, what role does the website play in client acquisition?
Marc: The website is like our front door. It gives potential clients a first impression of who we are, our services, references, and actual results we’ve achieved for clients. It’s crucial because communications work is so individual, so showing those results is important. The website also allows visitors to get in touch with us directly, like ringing the doorbell at that front door. It’s central to our customer journey, but once people “enter,” we focus on starting an interpersonal dialogue to address their unique needs.
Ernesto: Awesome, thanks for that. On that note, Marc, are there any tools, tips, or methods you’d recommend to our listeners for website lead generation?
Marc: From a content perspective, it’s important to strike a balance. You want to show what sets you apart as a service provider but also keep the website navigation straightforward. You don’t want it to be too complex for visitors. Simplicity and intuitive navigation are key. From a technical standpoint, we ensure that all our content is SEO-optimized, but for specific tools, our digital team would know better.
Ernesto: Great insights, Marc. Let’s switch gears a bit. You’re the senior manager of communications at Convensis. What are some key tasks you focus on in your day-to-day work?
Marc: Agency work is quite diverse, so no day is like the other. About 50% of the work is planable—things like writing press releases, speech writing for C-level executives, and doing research to stay on top of trends. The rest involves client meetings and overseeing the corporate communications department. It’s a mix of client-facing tasks and internal team management.
Ernesto: Sounds busy! How do you stay up to date with trends and strategies in the marketing world? Is there a preferred channel you follow?
Marc: I subscribe to a few newsletters and listen to podcasts like this one. We also do professional development as an agency, like learning about changes to LinkedIn’s algorithm. It’s important to stay curious, read up on trends, and immerse yourself in what’s happening. You never know what could become relevant—like AI, which took off much faster than many expected.
Ernesto: Great point. Let’s jump into our rapid-fire question round. Are you ready for them?
Marc: Yep, fire away!
Ernesto: First off, what was the last book you read?
Marc: 24/7 Politics—it’s about how the availability of broadcast and cable TV has shaped political narratives since the ’60s. It’s a personal interest of mine, and it’s a fascinating read.
Ernesto: Great recommendation! If there were no boundaries in technology, what’s one thing you’d want to have fixed for your role as a marketer?
Marc: I’d love a tool that predicts how social media posts will perform in algorithms across different platforms. It would save us a lot of time trying to keep up with constantly changing algorithms.
Ernesto: That would be a game-changer! What’s one repetitive task you’d love to automate?
Marc: Reporting! It’s automated to an extent with KPIs, but there’s always manual work involved, like tracking what we did for a client in a given period. If that could be fully automated, it would be a huge time saver.
Ernesto: Absolutely. Lastly, what’s one piece of advice you’d give yourself if you were restarting your journey as a marketer today?
Marc: Listening is just as important as speaking or writing. You need to really listen to your clients and understand their needs before jumping into action. It’s about being patient, curious, and open-minded.
Ernesto: Great advice! As we wrap up, if our listeners remember just one thing about Convensis, what should it be?
Marc: Guidance. Communications can be tricky to navigate, with constant changes and challenges. At Convensis, we offer guidance to help clients find the best solutions for their needs.
Ernesto: Fantastic. So, to our listeners, if you’re looking for guidance, check them out at convensis.com. Marc, thank you so much for being with us today, and thank you to our listeners for tuning in. Stay tuned for our next episode at pathmonk.com Presents. Thanks again, Marc!
Marc: Thank you.
