7 Simple Steps For Creating A Marketing Strategy

If you’ve looked around my website or have set up a marketing strategy call with me you know that I believe, “a comprehensive marketing strategy implemented consistently ends the client and income roller coaster.” Why do I believe that? Because I have been on that roller coaster.

I’ve had those times when I don’t have enough hours in the day to get client work done. I have had times when I have so many empty hours stretching out in front of me that I start making recipes for a myriad of ways to eat ramen because I’m convinced that is what I will need to do. I needed to put together a plan – the same type of plan I put together for my clients, but neglected to do for myself – that would stop that ebb and flow of income. I’d prefer to have a flow of income, than to watch it ebb, wouldn’t you?

Here are seven simple steps for creating a marketing strategy for your business.

Let’s get right to it!

1. Know your marketing objectives.

Do you want more clients. Fewer clients that pay higher amounts? Do you want to increase your income by X%? Do you want to get more people on your email newsletter list or grow your social media following? Do you want to do more than one of these? That’s all right. This is your marketing strategy. Write down what you want to accomplish.

2. Who is your audience?

Know who they are and where they congregate. Are they on Facebook? LinkedIn? YouTube? Instagram? Knowing where they are will help you market to them. 

3. Who is competing for the same audience?

Not to burst your bubble, but chances are your business model isn’t so unique that there isn’t any competition. Neither is the book you’re writing so earth-shatteringly different that no one has ever written something like that before. As an author you should know who is writing books similar to yours and how yours will be different. I am a cozy mystery author and I need to know who is doing something similar so mine will be unique enough to find an audience. 

4. What is it that you do or sell?

You need to know your goods or services inside out and be able to tell a potential customer who you are, what you do and why you’re the best. 

5. Where will you connect?

This is different than knowing who your audience is. This step is for those entrepreneurs who are selling product or authors who are selling books. Where will your book be carried? Will it be ebook only or in book stores? If you’re selling a product where will you sell it? Amazon? Etsy? In a local store or across the country through a distribution center? 

6. How will you spread the word?

This is where I come in! I help you create your content and your content strategy. Words are the way in which you will promote and market your product or service and connect with your buyers and clients. You will want a comprehensive marketing strategy and one that will be implemented consistently in order to thrive. 

7. Write your marketing strategy down.

Don’t rely on your memory or on vague thoughts. Your marketing strategy needs to be implemented based on your own research and goals and your content needs to be aligned with your goals.

If you’re not creating content consistently and if your income is on a roller coaster of ups and downs, contact me and ask for my One-Page 7 Simple Steps To Creating A Marketing Strategy Worksheet.

And don’t forget to sign up for my occasionally-sent email to learn more about marketing strategy!