“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!” ― Benjamin Franklin
Louise Matthews owner of Perceptions Marketing Solutions offers tips on marketing planning. A marketing plan will help you develop products and services in your business that meet the needs of your target market. Effective marketing helps your customers understand why your product or service is better than, or different from, the competition. A good marketing plan can help you reach your target audience, boost your customer base, and ultimately, increase profit. When you’re writing a marketing plan you need to be clear about your objectives and how you’ll achieve them. Your marketing plan should set clear, realistic and measurable objectives, including deadlines as well as provide a budget and allocate responsibilities.
A plan can consist of these elements:
- • An analysis of your current market
- • Your business objectives
- • Key strategies
- • Steps to achieving your objectives
- • Proposed budget
- • Timing
A strategic marketing plan will also help with the day-to-day running of your business. When you develop your plan, you’ll set targets and milestones which help you to:
- • Allocate resources and budget
- • Motivate your team
- • Manage performance of your staff members and marketing efforts.
Finally, your marketing plan will always be in need of revision and constant updating in order to reflect your current business objectives and as such, is an ongoing business activity. Having your plan up to date can keep you focussed on where you are heading and ensure you are ready when you need it again.
Writing an effective marketing plan takes discipline, time and focus. The process can seem challenging, but it’s also rewarding, creative and even fun! We can give you a clear process to follow as you develop your marketing plan and help you identify who your customers are, how you’ll meet their needs and how you’ll differentiate yourself from the competition.
For more information contact Perceptions Marketing Solutions see www.perceptionsuk.co.uk