0041 – Creating a Marketing Strategy

Idea to Open

“In this episode…”

We’re talking about how to create a marketing plan.

Teaser Bullets

• Suggestions on Marketing Plan sections
• Tips for marketing strategy
• Things your plan must address
• Talk about how to measure your plans effectiveness

• Marketing Plan Tips
  • John Boyens – https://twitter.com/JohnBoyens

    • Creating a Sales/Marketing Plan – http://johnboyens.wordpress.com/2013/07/22/creating-a-salesmarketing-plan/

      • So what are some of the key elements in a Sales/Marketing Plan? Let me suggest the following:
        • Mission/Vision Statement/Statements
        • Vertical/Target Markets
        • Client’s/Market’s Needs and/or Requirements
        • Distribution Channel Options
        • Competitive Landscape
        • Market Messaging (Internal and External)
  • Chad O’Connor – https://twitter.com/chadoconnor

    • 5 Tips for Effective Content Marketing Strategy – http://www.boston.com/business/blogs/global-business-hub/2013/06/5_tips_for_effe.html

      • “Color” your content. When most people think of the term “content,” text usually comes to mind and can feel like a time-consuming initiative. Text is certainly a critical part of content, but don’t underestimate the value of an image, such as an infographic. Images can often influence an audience even more than text, as it may be more attention-grabbing right off the bat. An image can be the lead point of a particular article, or it can complement your text. It’s a great way to keep your content exciting and different for your readers. Furthermore, infographics are often shared by the original reader, especially with encouragement, which means that a reader’s audience is now seeing your content and spreading your message.

• • Steps to Create a Marketing Plan
    • Lonnie Hirsch – https://twitter.com/LonnieHirsch

      • An Intelligent Approach to Creating an Durable Marketing Plan – http://www.healthcaresuccess.com/blog/medical-advertising-agency/an-intelligent-approach-to-creating-an-durable-marketing-plan.html

• The first four things you need to know…
• • • • Clearly define the business problem. Be specific and realistic about what’s going on, including the root causes. Above all, void the temptation to quickly characterize the problem as a solution: “what we need here is __”. Take it again from the top.
      • Envision the ideal solution. What is it that uniquely makes you better and more attractive than the competition? Confirm that the solution truly answers the defined problem.
      • Identify and eliminate the barriers. Every solution includes obstacles to getting started. Determine what, if any, roadblocks stand between the problem and the solution, such as the need to acquiring equipment, scheduling staff or align resources.
      • Proven experience lowers risk. Consult with marketing professionals for a reality check. Determine what has worked previously and how your solution has played out for others.

  • Ashani Mfuko – https://twitter.com/ashanimfuko

    • 5 Simple Steps To Create Your Marketing Plan & Online Branding Strategy – http://ashanimfuko.com/blog-category/5-simple-steps-to-create-your-marketing-online-branding-strategy

      • What do your analytics and metrics tell you? This is how you are able to measure whether or not your strategy is actually working. How many people are you reaching, and what type of responses are you getting? Is your strategy leading to lots of positive feedback, engagement, and interaction? Are you gaining more Facebook likes, Twitter followers, e-mail or blog subscribers, or patrons? Are you getting more job opportunities, new clients, or press and media coverage? Be sure to measure how various aspects of your marketing plan are working, and then make adjustments accordingly.

If you have any comments or questions, or just want to tell me that my face looks funny, you can do so in real time by sending a message on Twitter to @ideatoopen, or you can shoot me an email at [e-mail].

In Closing

In closing, on behalf of myself, Elijah R. Young, and everyone involved in bringing this show to your ears, we hope you can move your idea one step closer to being open.

We’ll talk soon.