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Marketing plans are a major part of a business, but can get over complicated and quickly outdated. Studies have shown that companies with plans are more successful than those who don't. Additionally, these companies also see higher employee retention.
Without a plan, who knows what to do? We don't want you to miss out on opportunities or diminish your reputation.
We've rounded up the easiest ways to get started on creating your marketing plan. These steps are critical for any great marketing plan.
4 Ways to Create a Marketing Plan
Market trends are constantly changing, therefore your marketing plan may need to be adjusted throughout the year. These steps will help you get started, but be prepared to make updates.
1. Reflect
The first step in planning for 2022 is to step back and evaluate what worked and what didn't last year. You cannot move forward if you do not assess your current and past situation.
Where are your customers? Have you achieved your goals? Did your ad campaigns receive the expected ROI?
Take the time to review the results of your previous campaigns. For instance, add a YouTube video to WooCommerce product to measure their performance and see if you like the results. Something like this will help you find out what worked well and where you need to improve.
Then, you'll want to conduct a SWOT analysis to locate and identify any blind spots within the company. This should happen every year as the market changes.
2. Redefine Your Audience
Remember, marketing is all about the consumer, meaning that your marketing plan should revolve around the needs of your audience. Review your target audience and pay close attention to their journey. Where do most consumers find your website? Where should you continue to spend your marketing budget?
You can experiment with new platforms, but make sure you don't branch out of your demographic. For example, if you want to sell on TikTok, make sure there is a major market of consumers in your demographic who are using the app. If your potential audience isn't on the platform, you don't have to put effort there.
If needed, you can even conduct interviews or surveys with regular customers. Find out what your audience is looking for and how you can best meet their needs.
3. Create a Mission Statement
A good mission statement should include the following. The company's vision or mission, the core values of the company and its stakeholders, and the company's goals.
Quality mission statements should be accurate, short, and powerful. Don't write a long story or full paragraph.
Ask your employees what they think the company's mission statement should be. Everyone should be on the same page here.
Where you can slip up here is by not directly relating your mission statement to your company's actual activities or actions.
Now let's talk about how you plan on accomplishing your mission. You need to understand both the market and your specific industry.
4. Marketing Channels
Finally, your marketing plan should include a list of your marketing channels. You want your advertisements to educate, generate leads, and promote your brand to its intended target market.
If you choose to advertise on social media, this is where you need to select which platforms will best promote your niche business. The plan should include which platforms you narrow your list down to as well as how you will measure success on each one.
Part of the purpose of this section is to show your bosses, both inside and outside the marketplace, that these techniques are helping you grow your business. Companies heavily involved in social media may also consider creating their own social media strategy plan.
Wrapping Up Each Year
Do you hold meetings abroad to discuss what your company has achieved over the past year? How about what's not working?
If you're reading this and you're feeling frustrated or overwhelmed, we get it. Growth is often uncomfortable and can be intimidating to people at times. At this point, you may notice the feeling of an "elephant in the room".
Your team may suggest that the marketing plan needs to be edited or improved. It might feel stressful to allow them to step in, but remember everyone is focused on what is best for the business. You should allow your team to speak freely and express their opinions related to their portion of the business. Feedback is the only way to get better.
