Would you plan the details of a trip without first choosing your destination? Would you study flights, decide on a budget, choose activities, restaurants, and modes of travel while you’re there – without knowing where you were going?
Of course not!
In fact, it would be almost impossible to do so. Frustratingly so.
The same principles apply to your marketing efforts. Choosing your tactics – billboards, advertising, websites, direct mail, trade shows, Google ads – before you have a solid, intentional marketing strategy is much like trying to plan a trip before you have a destination in mind. You’ll be wasting your time and your money, not seeing the results you want. And that adds up to major frustration.
So, how do you get started?
Begin by setting goals. Understand where your business is now, and decide where you want it to go. Write it down. Does it make sense? And perhaps most important of all – is it realistic?
Use your plan to focus on your customers. This way, you aren’t using unrelated tactics – an email here, an ad there – but a coordinated marketing plan to drive the message you want to the audience you want to see it. Picture targeted ads, coordinated with an email campaign that ties into direct mail and other efforts. That’s how you make marketing work for you.
Let your plan help you stay on track and keep you accountable. In today’s marketing world, there’s always something new you could be doing. When you’re acting intentionally, you can say no to things that will take you away from your strategy. You can also use your plan to make sure you’re making your goals. If you’re not, it may be time to reevaluate.
Wondering what’s next? We can help! At The Get Smart Group, we’re experts in helping businesses like yours craft creative, intentional marketing strategies and put them in action for amazing results. Contact us today!
