Create A Marketing Plan That Gets Results

If you're looking to succeed with a basic marketing plan, then youll need to focus on some core elements of a plan that targets the right audience and produces a result. For your marketing to be truly effective, you should consider using multiple media and a number of touches.

There is so much competition today that the messages you use need to be unique. The effectiveness of any marketing campaign is directly correlated to the quality of your list and offer. Before you even begin, think about your product and what motivates people to buy.

Over the past twelve years I have discovered that marketing results are relatively consistent when sound marketing practices are applied. These techniques can be effective in virtually any industry and with any type of campaign you have. Consider developing your marketing campaign using these strategies:

Set specific marketing goals. Before you start, think about what you want your marketing campaign to accomplish. Most marketers focus on conversion but you need to define what that means for you and your business. Some marketers are looking for a sale while others are looking for a download. Before you get started, consider what action you want your respondents or visitors to take and how you are going to measure the result.

Segment your market. Don't try to market to everyone. If you do, your campaign will not be successful. On the other hand, if you consider the specific audience you're looking to attract and find them, your chances of success increase tremendously. Review your current customer and find others like them if you wish to generate a positive return on investment.

Identify key messages. What are the key messages that resonate with your audience? Have you used successful headlines or email subject lines in the past? If you have, use these as a baseline and build from there. You need to speak in the language that resonates with your customers if you are going to get their attention and gain their trust.

Determine which offers you are going to test. The only way to ensure a successful marketing campaign is by testing various offers. The offer is a key component for driving results and can always be improved. Your best bet is to test multiple offers by splitting your list, your web visitors, or viewable audience. Once you find and offer that works, try to beat its results during the next campaign.

Leverage an integrated marketing approach. Use more than one type of media if you wish to enhance your results. Do not settle for a single email, post card, or advertisement. Rather, discover the media that your segment uses to get their information and buy their products or services. This can help you determine the best way to reach them. Once you develop a campaign, utilize as many of these media types to convey your message and offer.

I have found that using these techniques are paramount to producing a favorable return on your marketing investment. In addition be mindful of campaign timing. Even if all of the above criteria are met, your campaign may still fall flat if you have not exposed your audience to the right message at the right time.

Consider each of these steps before creating your next marketing campaign in print or online. Your marketing is only going to be successful when you set specific goals, segment your market appropriately, use effective messaging, and create a compelling offer. Experiment with different media to get your message across and deliver a winning marketing campaign.

Michael Fleischner is an Internet marketing expert, author, and blogger who helps small and medium sized businesses enhance their marketing effectiveness. Discover helpful marketing strategies at The Marketing Blog.

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