What it Takes to Create an Effective Marketing Plan

Only when you are consistently marketing will people begin to think of your business automatically. When your company’s name is on their minds, they use your service or shop your establishment.

Consistent marketing makes sense, but how is your marketing plan? Is your target audience actually getting your message? Making the decision to market consistently is the first step in creating an effective marketing plan. Now let’s take it a step further with the one-two-punch!

#1 – Have Killer Copy

The copy is the text or words of your ads. These words can persuade the audience to desire your product and services. It must appeal to the customer on some level; solves problems, taps into emotions, or fills needs. Focus on the benefits for the customer, not just how cool the features are.

# 2 – The Right Placement

You may have the flashiest ad or the catchiest jingle, but are you placing it in the right location? Are you advertising for Seniors in the wrong publication, TV or radio station? Is your billboard on the right road? Do families or teen-agers desire your business? Do you know who is #1? Or what type of #1 station that media person is selling? Are they selling country, rock, talk, or oldies? What about newspaper verses broadcast? Or should you use both types of media?

Broaden your understanding and make smarter marketing decisions. Ask the advertising guru’s in town; what has worked and not worked in your industry? Can they show examples or surveys to back up claims that they are #1? Do they say their media is the only game in town and forget the rest? A salesperson that truly cares about your company will acknowledge that a proper mix of media and planning is the only path to success. After it’s all coordinated, with the right copy and placement; give it time. Give your media campaign enough time, and the cumulative effect will be a lasting impression that equals success.

Remember it takes a minimum of seven impressions before a customer notices your ads. So run your ads long enough to see results.

Foot Note:

DeGraw is a 25 year veteran of all phases of media and marketing. She has a Broadcast / Journalism Bachelor of Science Degree from Weber State University. Stephanie is currently the CEO of Power Media Group, a full service advertising and marketing agency. www.powermedia.us