A good marketing strategy is the key to connecting with your target audience, getting their attention, and turning them into customers.  Every good marketing strategy should include each of these THREE THINGS:

1. Reach out across multiple outlets. You’ll want to reach your potential customers wherever they live, work, and/or play.  To do that you’ll need to use more than outreach method to get your message across.  Choose from print media, social media, broadcast media, your web site, e-mail distribution, community events, and more!  The more opportunities your customers have to see your marketing, the more likely they are to hear your message.

2. Make sure your methods match your market. Who is your audience?  What is the best way to reach them?  If you are trying to reach children under the age of 10 or senior citizens, you are not likely to get them to buy your product via the Internet, no matter how cool your website is.  On the other hand, if your trying to attract adults ages 18 – 35, you probably don’t need to check newspaper advertising rates.  Similarly, if you have a business like a dry cleaner, hair salon, or diner, and the vast majority of your customers are from the local community, you won’t want to put an ad in USA Today, but an ad with a coupon in the local paper or online community website will likely get their attention.

3. Consider the cost. Social media is low-cost or no-cost, but not right for every audience.  A well produced television commercial can be very exciting, but will likely take a big bite out of your advertising budget.  You’ll want to consider what methods give you the most bang for your marketing bucks.

No matter what your business is, you need to identify your target market and tell them about your product or service!  A marketing plan is a key part of a strong business plan.  Update your marketing plan now as a first step to getting your business plan ready to enter in the IFEL 5th Annual Business Plan Competition!