Posts Tagged ‘Small Business Marketing Plan’
Small Business Marketing
This article can help any small business owner develop a strategic marketing plan to draw customers.
Marketing is a crucial part of small business success. In order for any business to survive, other people need to know that the company exists and what they can do for them. It is even more important for small business owners to make a name for themselves. Developing a good small business marketing strategy is what you need to rise above competitors. Careful research, proper introduction and good follow up are crucial to building a strong customer base.
Research Your Market
Do you have a target market in mind? Get to know the customers you want. Find out what groups your products or services will attract the most. For a small business in the community, you can visit local events to network and let people know you are there. Bring business cards or something small to hand out to people that you meet.
Find companies and agencies that need your products or services in the area. Really research your target market for an accurate assessment of the things you may be able to offer. You can send out a short poll (no longer than 10 questions). It is a quick and easy way to find out what they need.
Examining the competition closely will help to find areas of neglect your company can fill in. For example, if you own a restaurant, what special dish can you make that the competition doesn’t offer? Figure out what special niche your company fills that others do not. Studies show that specialty companies do better than those who try to do it all.
Once you have this information, you can put it to good use.
Introduce Your Business
Start out with a simple brochure or flyer. Any piece of marketing should include these basic elements:
-who you are
-what you offer
-where you are located
-how to contact you
Appeal to prospects by emphasizing those unique specialties that only your business offers. Target their specific needs in your advertising. This is where all the research comes in handy. The thing to focus on is one or two particular needs they have that you can take care of for them.
You can send a uniform flyer or brochure, or you can customize each one to maximize the appeal to each business you send the information to. As long as you have the important key elements, the rest is flexible.
Make the most of the experience you have. Don’t make anything up, but if you have a track record, people will be more likely to pay for your products and services. (ex. Serving for 25 years and counting!) Let them know of similar clients that you have had and similar work that you have done. A long time in the business is something you should take confidence in.
Other things you might include in an advertisement are:
-grand opening/reopening date
-special sales
-top selling products
-number of clients to date
-company slogan
Follow Up
One of the most neglected aspects of marketing is follow up. It is always good to have new customers, but to truly be successful, you need at least some of those people to come again. There are some very simple things that you can do to inspire repeat business.
If you get phone calls or emails, respond to them. Give a call back or a reply message to thank them again for inquiring. This is especially important if the client has purchased your product or service. Reminding them that you are still in business and appreciate them as customers will encourage loyalty. Offering coupons, discounts or a free item (ex. pen with company logo) is also a way to thank clients and encourage them to come again.
If you follow these steps to an effective marketing plan, you will see your business take off. Once you find out what works for you, do it again and again.
By Chesley Maldonado
Published: 3/7/2007
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Tags: Business Marketing Plan, Developing a Strategy, Small Business Marketing, Small Business Marketing Developing a Strategy, Small Business Marketing Plan
7 Steps to Creating a Successful Small Business Marketing Plan
Small business marketing is the key to increased profits and growth for small businesses.
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:
1) 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?
2) 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?
3) 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?
4) When — How frequently does your target market need to hear your marketing message? When are they most likely to buy your products and services?
5) 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?
6) 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?
7) 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 a small business coach and the author of “It Only Takes a Moment to Score” and the soon to be published “Invisible Profits: The Power of Exceptional Customer Service”. Robert specializes in teaching entrepreneurs how to start a small business that profits and grows. Visit http://www.howtostartyoursmallbusiness.com and sign-up for your FREE Small Business Coaching 7 day e-course titled, “Turn Passion into Profit: Small Business Startup.”
By Robert Moment
7 STEPS TO CREATING A SUCCESSFUL SMALL BUSINESS MARKETING PLAN
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Tags: Business Marketing Plan, Marketing Plan, Small Business Marketing Plan
