Successful marketing plans begin with 5 simple questions

Developing a strong marketing plan can be the key to your business' future success. If you're ready to improve or expand your business, here are a few questions you should consider.

1. What is your competitive advantage? 

Knowing what makes your business stand out from the competition is key to your future success. To do this, you must thoroughly investigate your competitors. Visit their locations. Experience their customer service. Know their product lines and pricing. Monitor their print, digital and social media marketing. Once you have fully evaluated your competitors, then you can focus on areas where you are superior. These areas make up your competitive advantage and should be a focus in your marketing.

2. Who is your target audience?

A successful marketing plan targets a specific audience that would benefit from your products and services. You will get better results if you target a smaller, qualified audience rather than spending time or money on a larger, irrelevant segment. Basic areas to focus on are age, sex, location, lifestyle and income. Potential and existing customers comprise your target market.

3. How can you reach your target audience?

There are many options when considering how to promote your competitive advantages to your target audience. It can be confusing, intimidating, time consuming and expensive. Newspapers, magazines, radio, TV, websites, email campaigns and social media are just a few options. Your description of your target audience will guide you in selecting the appropriate media, creating tailored content and spending your money wisely.

 4. Are you ready to get started?

Once you’ve identified your competitors, competitive advantages, target audience and methods of promotion, you’re almost ready to embark on your marketing journey. There’s one more step. Take a close look at your business –physical location, curb appeal, product display, brand consistency, customer service, website – anything your customers may experience. An evaluation of your business from the customer’s prospective can make or break any marketing plan. If it’s not your best, fix it. First impressions count!  

5. Where can you find help?

Like many small business owners, you’re an expert in your field. You’re working long hours creating, buying, selling or providing products and/or services. You’re also looking for opportunities to promote and expand your business that save time and are easy on the budget.

The good news is… help is on the way. Fusaro Consulting specializes in small business marketing and will provide you with nearly 30 years of marketing and advertising experience. Creating a detailed marketing plan, effective promotional ads, an engaging website, and exciting email and social media campaigns are just a few of the many ways Fusaro Consulting can help your business grow and thrive. Let’s get started. Contact us today! www.fusaroconsulting.com

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