A MARKETING PLAN is a powerful strategic planning tool that all businesses should have. That said, the plan should not be an elaborate outline of unimportant factors. It can be as simple as a one page document defining who you are, what you deliver, who the targeted audience is, and the methods you have in mind to attract the attention of your clients—current and potential. If you are on the marketing plan creation phase of your development, here are some considerations that can help you to perfect it.
Slim Your Market Focus
Narrow the details of your “perfect” customers as much as possible. Let the details you’re providing be as clear as you would if you were describing the customer to a referral source. Knowing the needs of the customer and what would satisfy their desires is crucial since it will help you in coming up with plans that will help your business deliver the best services.
Position the Business
Establish what the business does best and the desires of the market. The best things could be the packaging of your products or the way you package products (see the “Pet Rock” concept). In case you can’t establish some of the things that keep your customers coming back, choose about five of your most loyal clients and find out what keeps them coming back for your service. Design a superb marketing plan that will help your business stand out from the competitors.
Create Education-Oriented Marketing Content
Revise all your marketing content, such as your website, to make it education focused. Ensure that every word that is included in your marketing material works to deliver the core messages to the target market. If you are not sure of the wording, consider looking for professional assistance.
Educate Customers
Ensure that the marketing plan you’re using is aimed at creating prospects. This can be achieved by educating the customers instead of making cold-calls for clients to purchase the products you are selling. The customers should be educated on the manner in which your service delivers value to them so that they will be willing to pay premium for the service. If people understand the value of a product or service, they are more likely to buy than if they just hear you pitch it.
Acquire the Attention of the Media
Cultivate close relationships with journalists that are involved in covering your community or industry. The relationship can be enhanced through becoming a dependable source of crucial information regarding your industry. You should also plan in advance about items that you will be promoting throughout the year or in the course of certain seasons.
