Every Business Needs A Good Quality Marketing Plan Articles | Marketing

By: Kathryn Ali

It takes persistence, consideration of your customer’s needs and the skills to create a sturdy marketing plan which is distinctive to your business, product and service.  Capturing a prospective customer’s or client’s interest can represent the difference between a business that is very successful and a business which just makes it.

Marketing is a word which is often thought to mean the same as “advertising.” Marketing is more than advertising.   Advertising sells the actual product but a marketing plan makes your product or service more visible than other businesses and presents you as the leader which people are drawn to.  Marketing creates a long-lasting association with customers and clients and this then generates a setting which attracts further business in the future.

Know Your Customers/Clients:

Data indicates that 80% of almost all sales derive from 20% of a business’s customer foundation.  To create higher results in that 20% base the greatest method is to truly understand your customers/clients.  Before you put your new marketing approach into action, you need to know and be able to identify the following for each of your customers:

>>have a record of all your current customers

>>what does each customer need?

>>know the reason why each customer uses your product or service

>>when do they use your product or service?

>>what is each customer’s reason for buying your product or service?

>>how you can make your product or service even better for current and  future customers?       

Know Your Competition:

At all times, you will find another business close to the same as yours not far behind you that is attempting to get a better placement in the marketplace.  This happens to most businesses.  Customers are often inconsistent and will at times leave one business to try out another business if they believe they are getting a better price or value.  Grocery shoppers are a prime example of this.  Keep yourself informed about new businesses and updates in your line of business.  Keep an eye out for the advertising and promotional methods used to attract your customers.

Locate A Market Niche:

Constantly, customers are searching for products and service which are original and special.  Perhaps your customers stay with you because of your good quality products or the products are easily available.  Never assume that your customers will stay and keep using your products/service. Keep searching for improved pricing: sales offered; more variety, practically everything that will hold their attention and encourage them to continue business with you.
Ask yourself, “What is your business/service/product “recognized” for? If you cannot answer this question then you need to start your next marketing plan here. 

Set Boundaries For Yourself:

No need to attempt to have the better prices, largest selection and greatest quality in your town because no business can accomplish all of that.   So don’t try.  Businesses who attempt to be the best at it, all end up with fewer prospects; lower sales; and a decrease of faithful customers.

Keep track of your competition and discover your own niche in the business you are in.  Most marketing plans will work when you know your customer and are familiar with their wants and needs. 

By: Kathryn Ali

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