|
Article Directory
|
+ Authors
+ Articles
|
|
|
|
7 Steps To Creating A Successful Small Business Marketing Plan
Copyright (c) 2007-2012 Robert Moment
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.
|
Robert Moment is a small business coach and the author of "It Only Takes a Moment to Score" and the soon to be published "Invisible Profits: The Power of Exceptional Customer Service". Robert specializes in teaching entrepreneurs how to start a small business that profits and grows. Visit http://www.howtostartyoursmallbusiness.com and sign-up for your FREE Small Business Coaching 7 day e-course titled, "Turn Passion into Profit: Small Business Startup."
|
Follow "The Phantom Writers" on Twitter
(@phantomwriters)
to be notified when new articles are made available.
VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >>
0 -
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
5
<< Excellent Article
Tell our authors what you think about their article.
|
Top-Level Category: Business Offline Articles
10 Most Recent Articles Written by Robert Moment
The Power of Marketing Podcasts
Written by: Robert Moment |
Distributed: 2005-09-23 |
Word Count: 0 |
Page Views: 1
If you’ve used the Internet at all this year, you’ve probably
heard of podcasting.
Business Proposal Writing: Don't Fall into the Trap!
Written by: Robert Moment |
Distributed: 2005-07-01 |
Word Count: 0 |
Page Views: 1
Proposals are traps, ways to build up and break down dreams.
Sound dramatic? It's not. In many cases, writing a proposal
is a waste of your time and effort.
How To Find And Sell to Your Small Business Niche
Written by: Robert Moment |
Distributed: 2005-06-16 |
Word Count: 0 |
Page Views: 1
Any given market in its entirety is simply too vast for any
business but the largest of corporations to properly undertake.
Therefore, the most lucrative strategy for smaller businesses is
dividing the potential demand into different manageable market
niches, from which you can offer specialized goods and services,
for attracting a specific group of those prospective clients.
The 7 Keys to Asking Clients the Right Questions
Written by: Robert Moment |
Distributed: 2005-06-09 |
Word Count: 0 |
Page Views: 1
The secret to successful communication in business and in
everyday life is asking the right questions. Understanding the
value of effective questioning is probably the single most
dominant factor in achieving business success...
The Basics About GSA Schedules
Written by: Robert Moment |
Distributed: 2005-04-01 |
Word Count: 0 |
Page Views: 1
Is your business on the schedule—that is, the GSA Schedule? If
it*s not, you*re missing out on potentially lucrative contracts
with the U.S. General Services Administration.
Federal Government Contracts Under $25,000 for Small Businesses
Written by: Robert Moment |
Distributed: 2005-03-24 |
Word Count: 0 |
Page Views: 1
Did you know that federal procurements under $25,000 don*t
undergo the normal bidding process? That means that if you*re a
small business selling products or services, landing a federal
contract may be easier than you think.
Brand Your Consulting Brilliance
Written by: Robert Moment |
Distributed: 2004-11-02 |
Word Count: 0 |
Page Views: 1
Today's competitive marketplace for consulting services is no
longer responsive to the marketing strategies that worked in
the past. The services you provide should speak volumes about
your consulting business. Think about what happens when you
hear phrases such as...
Breaking the Ice and Winning Over the Client
Written by: Robert Moment |
Distributed: 2004-10-28 |
Word Count: 0 |
Page Views: 1
Wherever you turn these days you’ll find articles covering every
business strategy and tactic available to man from how to make
a great presentation to strategies for success all the way to
negotiations and prospecting and getting a client to commit. But
hardly anyone touches on the subject of breaking the ice with a
new client and winning them over.
The 7 Principles of Business Integrity
Written by: Robert Moment |
Distributed: 2004-10-19 |
Word Count: 0 |
Page Views: 1
If I were to ask you which attribute is the most influential in
regard to the success of a business, would you know immediately
which one is the most important? Based on my many years as a
business owner and entrepreneur, I have discovered that at the
very top of the list is the distinguishing quality of integrity.
Without integrity at the helm of a company, a business is
usually short-lived. In fact, when business integrity is present
throughout the deepest layers of a company and not just at its
surface, it becomes the heart and soul of the company’s culture
and can mean the difference between a company that succeeds and
a company that falters.
The 7 Traits of an Exceptional And Successful Entrepreneur!
Written by: Robert Moment |
Distributed: 2004-10-14 |
Word Count: 0 |
Page Views: 1
How often have you either referred to or considered the
expression, 'Success is a journey and not a Destination?'
Probably many times, yet often being in a hurry to get there, we
forget that success is not an end unto itself, but is instead an
ongoing process.
All of Author's Articles on this site: Robert Moment Articles
Most Recent "Business Offline" Articles
How To Build a Strong and Powerful Business During a Recession
Written by: Trey McMartin |
Distributed: 2011-11-10 |
Word Count: 987 |
Page Views: 469
During a recession, most business owners pull the reins on
advertising budgets, fearful of what tomorrow might bring...
Those who remain fearful have forgotten what made them the
success they are today... They have forgotten that they have
a God-given talent to overcome the incredible obstacles in
their paths.
SEO Lessons from Local Businesses
Written by: Trey McMartin |
Distributed: 2011-11-09 |
Word Count: 945 |
Page Views: 871
More than once in the six years that I have been providing
SEO services for websites, I have had the opportunity to
discuss with individual business owners their search engine
optimization needs. Now and again, I run across an
individual business owner who is quick to say that SEO is
absolutely worthless. When confronted with such an absolute
statement, I like to press for details. It has been my
experience that people who speak in negative absolutes will
have a horror story to share.
Where Will FDA Target Next? What IVD Manufacturers Should Know Before Their Next FDA Audit
Written by: Norm Howe |
Distributed: 2011-09-12 |
Word Count: 706 |
Page Views: 354
Medical device manufacturers are always interested in knowing
what FDA's next area of focus will be. Well, if you're an In
Vitro Diagnostic manufacturer you might review your measurement
systems.
Online Fax - 10 Reasons To Get An Online Fax Service
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2011-09-12 |
Word Count: 560 |
Page Views: 366
Online faxing is the new more modern way to fax. If you or your
company is not using an online fax service, here are 10 good
reasons why you should get it.
Best Effort Essential for the Job Interview
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC |
Distributed: 2011-07-30 |
Word Count: 676 |
Page Views: 447
Interviewing will determine if you are the right person for the
job. These tips will help you make the job interview a success.
Go Green With Your Career Search
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC |
Distributed: 2011-07-28 |
Word Count: 636 |
Page Views: 362
Many of the qualities of green living, like recycling and
sustainability, can apply to a career search, even if the
career is not directly associated with green industries.
ReCareer in the Second-half of Life
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC |
Distributed: 2011-07-26 |
Word Count: 525 |
Page Views: 424
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 3.00
Many of us worked the first half of our life to "fit" the
job description. ReCareering is about finding the right fit,
being selective, being creative, being fulfilled and being
intentional about how you spend your time.
Up in the Air
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC |
Distributed: 2011-07-24 |
Word Count: 678 |
Page Views: 429
When looking for work or changing careers, go beyond researching
on the internet and reading articles. Find out how you can learn
from the art of listening and having a conversation.
Salon and Spa Owners: Which Monk Are You?
Written by: Dan Lok |
Distributed: 2011-07-05 |
Word Count: 477 |
Page Views: 465
Too many salon and spa owners are carrying around a lot
hurts, regrets, guilt, past failures and fears about the
future. But no one is forcing you to carry these emotional
rocks, so put that sack down!
The Single Most Profitable Day You Spend on Your Spa or Salon!
Written by: Dan Lok |
Distributed: 2011-06-30 |
Word Count: 470 |
Page Views: 570
Salon and spa owners need to combine their marketing plan
with marketing systems. A marketing calendar plans out
strategies for a year, and is instrumental to the success of
your spa or salon.
Most Viewed "Business Offline" Articles
How To Write A 300 Page Book In Four Months
Written by: Mark Silver |
Distributed: 2008-07-15 |
Word Count: 821 |
Page Views: 36741
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 1.83
There's a lot of hoopla about becoming an author of your very
own business book. The promise of fame and fortune is very
alluring. Yet your book remains perpetually 'about to be'
written. Meanwhile your business has ground to a halt. Hmmm...
might there be a better way to get a book written?
The Best Marketing Book I've Ever Read (You'll Be Surprised)
Written by: Judy Murdoch |
Distributed: 2007-05-09 |
Word Count: 1522 |
Page Views: 33879
| Votes: 15 |
Rating: 3.60
From time to time someone asks me to recommend marketing books.
Here's one of my favorite marketing books that always surprises
people. Curious? Read on.
The Bizarre History Of The HOLLYWOOD Sign
Written by: Morris Timlen |
Distributed: 2008-11-05 |
Word Count: 1211 |
Page Views: 28592
| Votes: 22 |
Rating: 3.32
The most famous sign in the history of mankind is the one that
graces the side of the hill above Hollywood, California. As
famous a landmark as the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio De
Janeiro, the Eiffel Tower in Paris France, the Great Pyramid of
Giza in Egypt, The Church of the Savior on Blood in Saint
Petersburg Russia, and the Statue Of Liberty in New York City,
the Hollywood sign is known around the world as the symbol of the
American movie industry.
What Does It Take To Be A Successful Salesman?
Written by: Casey Moher |
Distributed: 2008-08-05 |
Word Count: 930 |
Page Views: 16099
| Votes: 68 |
Rating: 3.16
In the course of my average workweek, I meet people who tell me
that they have no sales experience, and very literally, many
will tell me that they could not sell if their lives depended on
it. Do you fit into this mold? Do you seriously believe that you
can sell me on the idea that you cannot sell things?
Selecting Between a 401(k) And 403(b) For a Nonprofit
Written by: Daniel Lamaute |
Distributed: 2007-10-11 |
Word Count: 333 |
Page Views: 6845
| Votes: 17 |
Rating: 2.65
Newly released IRS regulations impose several new requirements
and fiduciary responsibilities on employers with 403(b) plans.
While the regulations generally don't take effect until January
1, 2009, there are some provisions that apply sooner.
Pitch A No-Hitter With Baseball-Themed Flower Gifts
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2007-12-25 |
Word Count: 413 |
Page Views: 6114
| Votes: 16 |
Rating: 1.94
Want to send a gift to the baseball fan in your life that's sure
to knock one out of the park? Send flowers with a baseball
theme! Everyone loves flowers and when you personalize them to
include the recipient's favorite hobbies, like baseball,
they're sure to make an even greater impression.
Never Write A 'Thank You' Letter Again
Written by: Perry Maisin |
Distributed: 2008-08-12 |
Word Count: 971 |
Page Views: 5874
| Votes: 17 |
Rating: 2.29
When I was in graduate school, I had a friend who interviewed at
fortune 500 companies and succeeded at landing a great job. One
day, I saw him sitting in the student union with a stack of
cards. The cards said 'thank you'. He opened each card and
signed his name. The inside of the card was blank. I asked him
what he was doing and he told me that it was important to send a
'thank you' to every person you interviewed with. He believed
that that was the difference between getting the job and being
passed over.
Conducting Effective Career Aspiration Discussions with Employees
Written by: Andria L. Corso |
Distributed: 2010-03-10 |
Word Count: 690 |
Page Views: 5333
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 1.88
Enhance your talent management and development programs
through conducting career aspiration discussions with your
employees. Find out where they want to grow their career to
determine if it matches your business needs. This will
enable you to differentiate your employee development to
grow the future leaders of your company.
The Pros And Cons Of Postcard Marketing-direct marketing offline
Written by: Cheryl Miller |
Distributed: 2006-11-29 |
Word Count: 675 |
Page Views: 4003
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 2.60
Postcard marketing is one of the oldest methods of marketing. Its
concept is simple but can be quite effective. It is just sending
out your message to your mailing list on a postcard. Postcard
marketing is a powerful and cost effective way to advertise and
will keep building in momentum when done correctly.
The Tea Room Business Plan – First Steps And Start Up Basics
Written by: Marcus Stout |
Distributed: 2007-03-22 |
Word Count: 1218 |
Page Views: 3706
| Votes: 19 |
Rating: 2.63
Every venture starts with the first steps and a business plan for
a quality tea room is no exception. Well thought out first steps,
properly implemented, will pay dividends in the business
operations of the tea room in later years.
Highest Ranked "Business Offline" Articles
Why Businesses Need Receivable Factoring In Cash Flow Management
Written by: Toby Seibert |
Distributed: 2007-08-08 |
Word Count: 866 |
Page Views: 1887
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 4.60
In today's business environment, many businesses need to
fine-tune the process of getting paid on invoices, in order to
improve their cash on hand. Improving cash flow can be an ongoing
challenge for businesses of all sizes, and it is an issue that
must be addressed to ensure the long-term viability of the
business.
Whose Restaurant Can You Find Online?
Written by: Rudy Vener |
Distributed: 2007-07-09 |
Word Count: 640 |
Page Views: 1550
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 4.40
What is so significant about Pizza Hut's latest TV commercial?
Business School for Non-Business Minds: Got a NAICS Number?
Written by: Melissa Mashtonio |
Distributed: 2008-04-15 |
Word Count: 423 |
Page Views: 1638
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 4.40
I’m a journalist. I spent a lot of my career in the news
business. As my career has progressed, I’ve spent time at small
and large companies, and I have sat through dozens of business
meetings wondering what the heck the “money” people are talking
about. They used acronyms as if they were a foreign language.
The Problem With Swiping Sales Copy
Written by: Scott Bywater |
Distributed: 2009-12-03 |
Word Count: 480 |
Page Views: 1062
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 4.40
This is what people miss when they try to simply "swipe"
sales copy from another advertisement.
Equal Opportunity Pizza Ordering
Written by: Rudy Vener |
Distributed: 2007-10-19 |
Word Count: 629 |
Page Views: 1547
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 4.38
With online ordering, your menu and restaurant suddenly become
accessible to both the deaf and blind customers in your
community.
The Secret To Making Successful Business Connections
Written by: Kate Smalley |
Distributed: 2006-10-11 |
Word Count: 672 |
Page Views: 1661
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 4.00
If you have a hard time making successful business connections,
don't despair. Anyone can be good at meeting people-if they use
the right technique. The whole secret to making a positive
connection is knowing how to attract people and inspire them to
want to give you a chance.
How to Build a Really Great Business? (Super Success Secrets from a Legendary Business Master)
Written by: Chet Holmes |
Distributed: 2007-01-15 |
Word Count: 1523 |
Page Views: 1648
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 4.00
Times are tough. The economy is in a constant state of upheaval.
Is your company doing better than most? Are you placing greater
emphasis on pure performance?
Get the Balance Right
Written by: Rich Thawley |
Distributed: 2009-01-28 |
Word Count: 638 |
Page Views: 1500
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 3.91
Do you build your business around your family or your family
around your business? The choice is yours.
Online Copywriting Makes Content as the King
Written by: Steven Gerber |
Distributed: 2006-12-11 |
Word Count: 560 |
Page Views: 1671
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.86
The inverted pyramid is basically the placing of 4 W's in the
primary sentences of the articles, supported by the other W and H
on the following discussions. Four W's consist of what, when,
where, and who. The other W which stands for why on the other
hand, follows on the succeeding paragraphs, including the
elaboration for the H which also stands for how, if necessary.
Interview Coaching: A Home-Based Business on the Cutting Edge
Written by: Carole Martin |
Distributed: 2007-08-24 |
Word Count: 1400 |
Page Views: 1416
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.86
You name it - Blackberry, Skype Connection, Cell Phone, iPhone -
these are the tools of this trade. Who would believe that someone
with a home-based business could reach out to someone in a far
away country and work with a client via a Blackberry and a cell
phone?
|
|
|
Article Reprint Rights
|

This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons License
You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
|
|
Article Statistics
|
Word Count: 573
Total Views: 1860
Views This Month: 15
Views Last Month: 12
Article Rating: 3.14 of 5
Votes Cast: 7
Author Overall Stats:
Times Viewed Overall: 1860
Author Rating: 3.14 of 5
Votes Cast Overall: 7
More Articles By Author:
Articles On This Website
Article Title Search:
Widow Search
Right Blinker
Google
Yahoo!
Zuula
Bing
Cuil
Last Distribution Date:
2007-05-11 11:00:00
|
|
|