Three steps to a successful marketing plan for 2020
After accumulating many years of marketing experience, I have realized that no single formula applies to all business models, but there are a few important and fundamental concepts that tend to be more or less universally applicable. Unfortunately, many companies fail to apply these concepts and, out of frustration or discouragement, end up abandoning otherwise potentially successful marketing approaches.
In this article, I’ll briefly cover three important steps that can help you and your company’s marketing team design and focus on an effective and successful marketing plan.
1. Well before January 1, sit down with your team and write down your goals and objectives for the upcoming business year. Develop a clear and concise marketing plan and define precisely what this strategy entails. In this rapidly changing business market, the approach you used last year (whether successful or not) may no longer be useful. Recently, for example, many business marketing plans have come to rely on online influencers who can bring a remarkable amount of attention and awareness to a product or service. Influencers can help you create innovative media content and dynamic consumer engagement for your business. Needless to say, social media is yet another important, relatively new (within the last two decades), and rapidly evolving marketing tool that I think most businesses should use to stay competitive.
Additionally, I recommend learning how to leverage social media platforms and using paid advertisements to drive traffic to your site. Paid ads are some of the most profitable and profitable marketing strategies I’ve used. Also, be sure to research applicable technology to automate many of your marketing systems. This can not only streamline and improve your marketing process, but also free up your employees to manage and nurture customer and supplier relationships.
2. Remember that motivation is also an important factor in developing a successful marketing plan. Be sure to roll out your plan internally and in a way that everyone is excited, motivated, and pulling in the same direction. Many business owners and employees may find marketing strategies rather boring and tedious. But if you present your marketing ideas in a positive and enthusiastic way, that vibe can go a long way in motivating not just your marketing team, but all of your business partners and employees to participate. Be careful, however, not to dictate your ideas to everyone else. Instead, involve your entire marketing team (and any other relevant owners or employees) in the strategy development process. This way, the people who will be instrumental in promoting and implementing the marketing plan can feel that they played a vital role in designing that plan.
3. In addition to planning and implementing these strategies, be sure to design an adaptable marketing plan. Naturally, circumstances will change throughout the year, and nothing is more frustrating to owners and employees than a failed plan. Also, don’t be discouraged. Redefine your strategies and refocus if necessary. While we sometimes hear about marketing approaches that propel businesses to virtual success overnight, these stories are far from the norm. In reality, marketing is a process that takes time, dedication and perseverance. Emphasize to everyone involved the importance of striving to achieve your goals and accepting a few setbacks along the way. And don’t let the naysayers discourage you. Be adaptable and never forget that marketing is a moving target that is constantly changing. Be quick and ready to move with him.
Write your plan, motivate your team and be ready to adapt. Marketing strategies are a moving target, and being able to act quickly in the face of changing trends is key to your success.
