Market Your Business
Market Your Business
When an entrepreneur starts a business it is not the end, but merely the beginning. It took a lot of determination and stamina to get it started, but without customers there will be no revenue and no success. It is very important to incorporate a solid marketing plan into the business model. In order for marketing to be effective, it will need to generate clientele which in turn will bring in revenue. Without a marketing plan the best designed product will not sell. A good business model will have built in a marketing plan which will be designed to introduce the product or service to the potential customers and it will include ways to connect as well as build a relationship with this customer base.
Successful Marketing 101
In general, marketing means advertising and selling; but if the marketing is not effective, it will not be successful. When designing a marketing plan it is important for the entrepreneur to consider the whole picture. Take some time to look at the business as a whole and consider what the marketing goals are for the company and how will you measure whether or not it is successfully reaching your audience. Consider what type of information you want to use to generate interest in your product or service. There are 5 very important questions that can help get an entrepreneur started on a marketing plan.
· What is so unique about the product or service you are offering?
· Exactly who are you targeting as customers?
· How are your products different from those of your main competitors?
· What do you really want to say about your product to your target customers?
· What type of distribution plan do you have to get your purchased product into customer’s hands?
Answering these questions about the audience you want to reach will help you design an effective way to market them. It will help you know what types of online or offline media will be the most effective tools to use to reach them.
Incorporating Online and Offline Marketing Strategies
One of the challenges facing business marketing today is making the most use of offline and online marketing strategies. However, there are ways that both can be part of an effective marketing plan. When used together, they can be complimentary of each other. Here are a few ideas worth considering.
· Social Media Tools – It’s okay to participate in expos or tradeshows as it gives you a personal touch with possible customers and it can help get your name out there. Many businesses choose to give items such as pens or coffee mugs to booth visitors. They will bear the name and/or logo of the company. This is an important part of branding. Always include a way for customers to find you online. It may be the URL to the company blog, the company website, or the twitter or facebook ID. It is very likely that they will connect with you online when they have an interest in your product.
· URL Tracking – Many businesses still use marketing techniques like business cards or pamphlets containing pertinent information about products or services. Always make sure to put the company URL on every form of media you share. This allows for that online connection.
· QR Codes – Mobile technology is one of the fastest growing marketing tools available. A business can use QR codes to connect with customers. The barcode can be scanned by the customer who will then receive a text or a video message or it may be programmed to go to a specific website.
The Business Plan
After completing the necessary research and choosing media to use in a marketing campaign make sure it is included in the business plan. Small businesses will plan on expanding in the future and if outside business funding such as angel investors or venture capitalists are consulted they will need to see that marketing is an important part of the overall business plan.
Successful Marketing 101
In general, marketing means advertising and selling; but if the marketing is not effective, it will not be successful. When designing a marketing plan it is important for the entrepreneur to consider the whole picture. Take some time to look at the business as a whole and consider what the marketing goals are for the company and how will you measure whether or not it is successfully reaching your audience. Consider what type of information you want to use to generate interest in your product or service. There are 5 very important questions that can help get an entrepreneur started on a marketing plan.
· What is so unique about the product or service you are offering?
· Exactly who are you targeting as customers?
· How are your products different from those of your main competitors?
· What do you really want to say about your product to your target customers?
· What type of distribution plan do you have to get your purchased product into customer’s hands?
Answering these questions about the audience you want to reach will help you design an effective way to market them. It will help you know what types of online or offline media will be the most effective tools to use to reach them.
Incorporating Online and Offline Marketing Strategies
One of the challenges facing business marketing today is making the most use of offline and online marketing strategies. However, there are ways that both can be part of an effective marketing plan. When used together, they can be complimentary of each other. Here are a few ideas worth considering.
· Social Media Tools – It’s okay to participate in expos or tradeshows as it gives you a personal touch with possible customers and it can help get your name out there. Many businesses choose to give items such as pens or coffee mugs to booth visitors. They will bear the name and/or logo of the company. This is an important part of branding. Always include a way for customers to find you online. It may be the URL to the company blog, the company website, or the twitter or facebook ID. It is very likely that they will connect with you online when they have an interest in your product.
· URL Tracking – Many businesses still use marketing techniques like business cards or pamphlets containing pertinent information about products or services. Always make sure to put the company URL on every form of media you share. This allows for that online connection.
· QR Codes – Mobile technology is one of the fastest growing marketing tools available. A business can use QR codes to connect with customers. The barcode can be scanned by the customer who will then receive a text or a video message or it may be programmed to go to a specific website.
The Business Plan
After completing the necessary research and choosing media to use in a marketing campaign make sure it is included in the business plan. Small businesses will plan on expanding in the future and if outside business funding such as angel investors or venture capitalists are consulted they will need to see that marketing is an important part of the overall business plan.