Notice that a business plan requires a marketing strategy. A marketing strategy is a set of activities that you will continue to do over time in order to reach a specific goal for your business.
You can plan your marketing strategy to determine the actions you will take regularly to grow your business. Marketing is often seen as something that happens on an irregular basis, without any plan. It’s done when it feels convenient. You might have a Twitter account or a Facebook account. You can post a Facebook post or tweet when you feel the need. With a marketing strategy, however, you can plan when and how often you will do these activities.
A marketing strategy can take your business to the next level. These are seven top tips that will help you create a marketing strategy for your business.
1. The overall goal.
Begin by determining your overall goal for a marketing campaign. Are you looking to increase traffic to your storefront or website? Are you looking to promote more programs and services? Are you looking to increase your business’s income? Are you ready to take on all these tasks?
2. Choose the time period.
These goals will be pursued over what time frame? A year-long marketing strategy will give you enough time to plan your actions. This gives you the time to be consistent in putting your business name before the public, which will only help your business.
3. The Target Market.
To effectively communicate to your target market, you need to know who they are. It is impossible to market to everyone if you don’t know your target market.
4. The Message.
Once you have identified your target market, you can craft a marketing message that draws them to your business. Your marketing campaign should have a theme or slogan that promotes your brand and puts you in a positive place in the minds of your target consumers.
5. Your Path.
Make a calendar for the year to track the key marketing activities you will be doing each day, week, and month. These activities should be consistent. You can do this by writing and publishing a weekly article, or by posting daily to your blog and other social networking sites.
6. You can list periodic activities.
Next, identify what activities you will be doing regularly. This could be once a quarter, twice a calendar year, or annually. You could do this by hosting a live event or publishing an article in a magazine or newsletter.
7. Chart Special Opportunities.
Look for opportunities that will promote your company. You might be willing to buy a booth at a women’s conference, speak at a networking group, and offer a door prize for a school fundraiser. These opportunities may only be available on certain occasions, or they could be an annual event you choose to take part in during the marketing year. These opportunities can be mapped on your marketing strategy plan.
This is an easy way to start a marketing strategy. It allows you to market in more ways than one. This also means that you need to take the time to plan your year. Marketing activities will not be a surprise to you. Your target audience will also be a part of your ongoing presence, which builds trust and helps you build your business.
