Creating a marketing plan may seem complicated as the issues and fields of action are vast. However, it is enough to respect a few key steps, which can of course be enhanced over time, to set up an effective marketing plan to serve your strategy .
Before discussing the different points, let’s look at what a marketing plan is. The definition of a marketing plan according to Google is as follows: “ the marketing plan is a plan listing concretely the operational actions planned for a given period (one year for example). It therefore describes the target customers, the means to be implemented, the operations to be carried out, the activity figures to be achieved and the corresponding deadlines. »
Find the reasons for defining a marketing plan in our dedicated article “Why do you need a marketing plan”.
It is in the planning of precise actions associated with clear objectives according to a strict timetable that the keys to success are to be found. It is only by applying this rigorous method that significant results are obtained!
To help you in this tedious task, we detail for you below the 10 key points of an effective marketing plan , at the service of a vision, a reason for being, a promise and in projection of a goal to achieve as a company.
1. Business Purpose:
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Do the exercise of describing your business in one sentence. It’s a complex exercise for someone who has so much to say about his activity… but you’ll see, it will naturally clarify your point straight away.
2. What problem are you addressing:
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Your offer responds to a problem Austria Phone Number List encountered by your customers. Define this problem in one sentence. Then associate the solutions – among which we find those – that are available today to solve this problem.
3. Your answer to this problem / your offer:
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Explain, in one sentence, the benefit of your product. Then, support by detailing why its value is superior to others (product benefits). If you have already made sales, do not hesitate to use the keywords used in customer reviews, press articles, user testimonials…
4. Your timing:
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Why are you offering this service now and why hasn’t it been developed before? To what extent is it up to date and does it bring a new “brick” to your sector of activity?
5. Your target:
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Define your market and your customers. Too many entrepreneurs start a business by inventing their own market, without really studying the economic realities.
Who is your typical customer? Describe it.
What is his motivation to buy your product and not another?
What kind of company does he trust? (Historical, ethical, family business, etc.)
Where will he get information? (Press, social networks, search engines, close circle…)
6. Your competitors:
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There is no point in entering an already saturated market, unless you bring additional value and know how to value it.
List your direct and indirect competitors.
Analyze the differences between your offer and theirs by listing the pros and cons.
Also study the way their products are highlighted (semantic field, editorial and graphic line, key messages)
Find out where they are advertised Gulf Phone Number (press, social networks, website, newsletters, search engines, etc.).
7. Your business model:
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Explain your business model to keep in mind the mechanism for generating profits, as well as the available envelope allocated to marketing actions.
8. Your strengths:
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Tell your story, that of the founders but also of the members of your team, their skills and how they complement each other. Add to this part the tools at your disposal.
9. Your vision:
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Where do you see your business in 5 years? It is by knowing where you want to go that you can position your pawns on the chessboard!
10. Your SWOT and associated actions
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All this work will allow you to set up a SWOT, English Strengths (strengths), Weaknesses (weaknesses), Opportunities (opportunities), Threats (threats): an essential strategic tool to have a clear vision of its activity and points to to work.
An annual marketing plan is of course essential to be able to project a minimum, but you can also determine objectives by week, month and quarter.
