by Robert
Moment
http://www.howtostartyoursmallbusiness.com
© 2007
Small business marketing is all about determining
the needs of your target market and then providing solutions to meet those needs.
These 7 steps are aimed at entrepreneurs starting a small business and those who
want to create a successful small business marketing plan for an existing business.
Most
small business promotions focus on how great their products and services are.
Instead, you should educate your target market consistently and start building
a relationship that will establish your credibility and trust. It is important
to develop a marketing mindset. "Think Marketing" your products and
services all of the time. It is very important to consistently market your products
and services. Don't fall into the trap of stop and go marketing. Some small business
owners only market when sales are down.
You can't have a
successful small business without having a successful small business marketing
plan. Effective small business marketing is the way to growth and profits. If
you're a small business owner or you want to know how to start a small business
in the future, this simple 7-step plan will help you understand your business
and your target market.
How to Start a Small Business Marketing
Plan: 7 Steps Begin the process by answering these questions:
1)
Who -- Who specifically is your target market? Who is your ideal client? What
research can you do to find out more about your target market?
2)
What -- What products and services do your ideal clients want and need? What does
your product and service do for your ideal client? What problems does your product
solve for your customer? What are the solutions that your ideal client is looking
for? What is your area of specialty that will differentiate you in the marketplace?
What are the industry trends? What type of message will your ideal client likely
respond to? What are you ultimately selling? For example: Are you selling eye
glasses or are you selling vision? What is your unique mix of products and services?
What is your pricing strategy?
3) Where -- Where is your
ideal client? Where is your customer located geographically? Where will you position
yourself so they can easily find you? Where are the best places to get your marketing
message to them? Will you speak to groups, hold seminars, or write a blog, newsletters
or articles?
4) When -- How frequently does your target
market need to hear your marketing message? When are they most likely to buy your
products and services?
5) Why -- Why are you in business?
Why do customers or clients buy from you? Why should they choose your product
or service over your competition?
6) How -- How does your
customer buy your product or service? How are you going to reach potential buyers
for your services and products? How will you communicate your marketing message?
How will you provide customers or clients with the information they need to make
their buying decision?
7) Marketing Mindset – Practice
mastering a Marketing Mindset and you will be on the path to a profitable small
business.
With these 7 steps, you can take action towards
starting a small business marketing plan that targets new customers. "Marketing
is about testing and evaluating your return on investment. But it's primarily
about helping people get what they want." Master these small business marketing
steps and you will be on the path to more profit and success as a business owner.
