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