Do you have a marketing plan?

Over the Summer, I have been working with business owners that have wanted to review their marketing. They have come to me for many reasons, including:

·     My marketing doesn’t work for me

·     I want to increase sales, but how

·     My website isn’t bringing in leads

Do any of these comments resonate with you? If so, then read on.

It’s always worth investing in a detailed marketing strategy when you start your business or if you are going through a key change that could impact on your sales. A full-blown marketing strategy covers many elements including research, analysis and planning. Once you have this in place it’s worth reviewing on an annual basis that you are on track with the targets you have set. If you haven’t invested in a detailed strategy, then a simple plan can still be of use.

In most cases, business owners don’t have a marketing plan that is written down that gives them structure and goals to work towards. This means that they just do ‘stuff’ when they can and haven’t thought through if it’s the right ‘stuff’ or not.

If they don’t start seeing any results quickly, they either get frustrated and stop doing anything or just do more of the same and hope that it will work out eventually.

I am sure you will agree with me that running your own business is hard work and every hour is precious. Spending time on ‘stuff’ that doesn’t get results is like burning money!

A marketing review helps you to step away from what you are doing and take stock of where you are now and where you want to get to. Having an independent marketing consultant helps you to be objective and gives some challenge to what you are doing and why. You will also get the opportunity to discuss new ideas that you may not have considered before.

When I work with clients, I facilitate a session with the business owner. If they have a team, I suggest they all attend. Having a big whiteboard to scribble on helps us all to stay focused and add ideas as we go along. Everyone feels comfortable to contribute, and it’s incredible how it helps to bring teams together and increases understanding of the targets being set.

Some key areas that we cover are:

·     What are your services and/or products?

·     Who do you want to target, ideal clients?

·     What’s your message and your USP?

·     Which marketing tools are best for YOU?

The final point is critical. If you want to use your time and resources efficiently, then you need to identify the best marketing tools that will work for your business. In particular which marketing tools will be best for engaging with your ideal clients.

Once we have identified what you need to do, we can then create an action plan that is a working document for you to use and keep updated as you implement your marketing. We also include some measures so you can assess how you are doing; this helps you evaluate whether the time spent is getting the results you need.

After the marketing review, the only challenge is with being consistent. If you decide to write a blog every week, then do it! If you plan to post on social media daily and engage with others, then do it!

If you don’t know, then your marketing plan will not work.

Do you have a marketing plan? If not share with us how you keep yourself focused on achieving your goals.

To find out more about creating a marketing plan check out my website https://shamshadwalker.co.uk/marketing/marketing-plans