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7 Steps to Creating a Successful Small Business Marketing Plan
by Robert Moment
More Business Skills Articles
Published on this site: August 6th, 2007 - See
more articles from this month
Small business marketing is all about determining the needs
of your target market and then providing solutions to meet
those needs. These 7 steps are aimed at entrepreneurs
starting a small business and those who want to create a
successful small business marketing plan for an existing
business.
Most small business promotions focus on how great their
products and services are. Instead, you should educate your
target market consistently and start building a
relationship that will establish your credibility and
trust. It is important to develop a marketing mindset. "Think Marketing" your products and services all of the
time. It is very important to consistently market your
products and services. Don't fall into the trap of stop and
go marketing. Some small business owners only market when
sales are down.
You can't have a successful small business without having a
successful small business marketing plan. Effective small
business marketing is the way to growth and profits. If
you're a small business owner or you want to know how to
start a small business in the future, this simple 7-step
plan will help you understand your business and your target
market.
How to Start a Small Business Marketing Plan: 7 Steps Begin
the process by answering these questions:
- Who: Who specifically is your target market? Who is
your ideal client? What research can you do to find out
more about your target market?
- What: What products and services do your ideal clients
want and need? What does your product and service do for
your ideal client? What problems does your product solve
for your customer? What are the solutions that your ideal
client is looking for? What is your area of specialty that
will differentiate you in the marketplace? What are the
industry trends? What type of message will your ideal
client likely respond to? What are you ultimately selling?
For example: Are you selling eye glasses or are you selling
vision? What is your unique mix of products and services?
What is your pricing strategy?
- Where: Where is your ideal client? Where is your
customer located geographically? Where will you position
yourself so they can easily find you? Where are the best
places to get your marketing message to them? Will you
speak to groups, hold seminars, or write a blog,
newsletters or articles?
- When: How frequently does your target market need to
hear your marketing message? When are they most likely to
buy your products and services?
- Why: Why are you in business? Why do customers or
clients buy from you? Why should they choose your product
or service over your competition?
- How: How does your customer buy your product or
service? How are you going to reach potential buyers for
your services and products? How will you communicate your
marketing message? How will you provide customers or
clients with the information they need to make their buying
decision?
- Marketing Mindset: Practice mastering a Marketing
Mindset and you will be on the path to a profitable small
business.
With these 7 steps, you can take action towards starting a
small business marketing plan that targets new customers."Marketing is about testing and evaluating your return on
investment. But it's primarily about helping people get
what they want." Master these small business marketing
steps and you will be on the path to more profit and
success as a business owner.
Robert Moment: Is an innovative small business coach and
author. Robert specializes in teaching entrepreneurs how to
start a small business that profits and grow. Visit http://www.howtostartyoursmallbusiness.com and sign-up for
the Free Small Business Coaching 7 Day e-course.
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