The best way to be successful in marketing is to have a good plan to execute. This is never something that is done alone, and a good marketing team to bounce ideas off each other is essential. With that said, I have some tips that can help you start building the foundation of a marketing plan so that your business is successful.

Take Your Time, Game Plan

This is the time to get your business team together and game plan what you would like to get out of your marketing plan. Decide which platforms to use and gather information on what has worked before and what has yet to be explored. But the most significant part of this step is to make sure you know where you want to take your business, and this will set the tone of this meeting. Larger companies may have a marketing plan that’s a hundred pages as to where smaller companies have roughly about 10, whichever your number make sure its set for your business.

Market Research

Be sure to do your homework and look at market dynamics and patterns, not to mention taking a peek at what happens seasonally. Do not enter the market blindly. Know what products are out there at the current moment and know how to differentiate yourselves. While also looking at vendors you may rely on and see where they are so you do not run into hurdles later down the road.

Target

Your business should always have an idea of who exactly they want to sell to and how. With that idea in mind find that niche market and capitalize on that ability to have a very specific market to sell to.

Competition

Know who and what you’re up against and see what your business can do differently and where the competition is lacking. Develop a unique selling point. The key to success here is to make sure you are different and in a good way.

Budget

What can you do in house and what might your business need help with. Start with that question and keep it within the margins for the money your business can spend or take a risk on. Keeping to a budget will keep you as effective as possible.

Monitor Results

Talk to your customers and get their input on what is working and what could use some improvement. Taking the time to look at all the metrics available to you and your business will help narrow down what may need to be dropped and what may need more funds allocated. Be sure to monitor everything your business invests in and try to stay a step ahead to keep your marketing on track and effective.