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Posts Tagged ‘marketing plan’

Marketing Plan Makeover

Monday, June 15th, 2009

splash-marketing1

Every business needs a marketing plan. Plain and simple. But, what makes a good marketing plan? What do you need to know to get your product or services in the right hands?

Here are a few quick tips to get you started on creating a marketing plan or to help you give your marketing plan a makeover.

1. Be simple.

No need to confuse everyone with an overly complex marketing plan.  Regardless of how large or small your business may be, your marketing plan should stick to the basics. Use a format that is easy to maintain and doesn’t cause any headaches.  If your Marketing Plan is simple and to the point it will make everyone’s lives easier.

2. Be specific.

To keep your marketing on point, your marketing plan needs to be as specific as possible.  Include information such as:

  • Launch Dates
  • Preparation
  • Responsible Staff
  • Type  and Frequency of Marketing

Since your Marketing Plan is essentially your “Marketing To Do List,” make sure that everything on there is prioritized and organized like you would for your personal “To Do List”

3.  Understand your audience.

Having a solid grasp on your target demographic and competition is essential when creating an effective marketing plan. Ask yourself:

  • Who will be using my product?
  • What other products are they using?
  • Where does my target consumer go to receive information?
  • When does my target consumer use my product?
  • How can I reach my target consumer?

Asking yourself these questions will help you understand how to effectively market your product and what channels of media are best for your needs.

images-114. Understand your value proposition.

Don’t take a single marketing step without ensuring that all involved completely understand your value proposition. Your value proposition is the WHY. Why does your target consumer want your product or service? Why can’t they live without it? Why should they choose your product or service over that of your competitors?

Need help figuring out what your value proposition is? Stay tuned!

How to Market for a Good Cause

Monday, March 23rd, 2009

 

cause1Clearly, partnering with a cause in any way (from in-kind sponsorship to cause marketing) is a win-win for all involved So, how do you implement this up-and-coming marketing model?  Here are a few tips about how you can market for a good cause.

1 Choose a Cause that is Relevant and Meaningful to your Business

Avon’s  choice to promote female health and combat breast cancer was an obvious one.  In choosing a cause that directly affects their target demographic, Avon was able to motivate and mobilize their consumers to buy products associated with an issue close to thei

r hearts.

 

2. Develop a detailed plan with measurable goals

The (RED) (link to (RED) blog) business model, mission, and core values were developed with a clear set of goals and evaluation tactics in mind.  By creating a solid business model with quantifiable and repeatable metrics for success, PRODUCT (RED) has been able to report results to further their credibility and support for their cause.

 

3. Integrate your Cause Marketing Efforts with Other Business Efforts

HIV/AIDS in Africa is the core of the PRODUCT (RED) business model.  Every action they undertake is for the sole purpose of promoting their cause.  While your business doesn’t have to go to these lengths, integrating your cause in other areas of business is a great way to spread the word about your brand and its socially responsible behavior.

 

4. Vary your involvement. Put your cause in a variety of places

Avon has not only created a line of Pink Ribbon branded products, but has also hosted events, opened a registry tribute, and even established a Breast Cancer Center at a leading hospital.  In placing their message in a variety of places, Avon has increased the visibility of their cause and brand, further establishing credibility and motivating future purchases. 

 

5. Be grateful to those involved.

Everyone who is involved in your cause marketing campaign truly believes in the good work that you are carrying out. Be grateful for their support since it takes a lot of effort to bring a great cause to life.