Everyone wants to live by the maxim “work smarter, not harder,” but it seems like there’s no easy way to market a brand in a cost effective and timely manner. And if you try to do it all yourself, don’t plan on ever getting any rest, because it just isn’t possible. The best way to manage your marketing is by streamlining your process and completing each step in order. The following are 4 steps to taking your marketing from mediocre to mighty.
1. Know your audience.
Who might be interested in your product or service? How will they find out about you? How do they like to make purchases? Keep this in mind throughout your marketing ventures, but think about it especially in the beginning as you decide which platforms to invest in. Realize there are some demographics that will never be interested in your product, and don’t waste your time pursuing them. Think of your business as a specialist—what do you specialize in? This is what will separate you from the crowd.
2. Declare a budget.
Don’t just have a hazy idea of how much you’d like to spend. Know it. Write it out on paper or chart it in Excel so you know down to the dollar what you have to work with. There are software programs available that can help you determine how to allocate you assets and what kind of return you’re making on your investment. Be able to pinpoint from the starting line to the finish line where your money is going and what it’s doing for your company.
3. Do your due diligence.
This means you research what’s already going on in the marketing world of companies similar to yours.
Annuity Outlook Magazine suggests knowing the answers to the following questions:
Who are the top vendors in the space?
What is the cost?
Does the service have integration with other services?
Have other subscribers had success with the platform or program?
How can I do more of what works and opt out of what doesn’t?
What are the privacy policies?
4. Have realistic long-term goals.
Good marketing won’t necessarily yield instant results. It may take days, weeks, or even months before you start seeing significant returns on your investment. And don’t expect it to be cheap, either. You’ll get what you pay for, after all.
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Source: annuityoutlookmagazine.com/2014/05/marketing-technology-and-metrics/