How to plan in a time of uncertainty…
For a while now I’ve been having conversations with businesses about their 2021 marketing and many of those businesses are looking to 2021 for a better year in business than 2020. I think marketing will be key to this. Do you agree?
If I had £10 for every time someone said to me after asking me how business is… ‘people cut marketing budgets first and I’m sure this will impact your business’ I would be rolling around in £10 notes by now but I’m too busy for that… 😉 I thank my own marketing plan for the fact the ‘I Do’ team are all kept busy in these crazy times!
I strongly believe that diversifying and adapting to change is KEY! Staying visible, being present and in the conversation with other businesses and specifically your target audience helps to aid this process and enables you to think and plan your next steps.
Yes, many people are thinking ‘how can we plan when there is so much uncertainty’ but I would encourage you to think – was anything ever that certain before? No, not really is the answer. We can forecast but we can’t predict, and if you can predict then I hope you can also let me know the lottery numbers this weekend too!
There are some very sad situations don’t get me wrong. But, we have to face the situation head on and as it develops we move with it, and learn to adapt. The world has slowed for many businesses but it has fast-tracked for others.
Either way don’t bury your head in the sand. That won’t help anyone. You need to analyse, review and adjust your marketing to suit.
Here are the 7 steps to marketing success…
from my #lovemarketing course and the process that I use with businesses to develop their marketing plans. Everything is kept simple not because it is but because it makes it easier to get on with! Why overcomplicate things even further? These are simply starting points and you can thank me later!! But first put in the work! And, do me favour if you get stuck just call me!! My clients pay me to do this for them and if it was just as easy to write out 7 steps I would be out of a job… So don’t be afraid to ask for help!
By the way, there will be version of this blog but with MORE activities and detail available on the VIP section of our website – do you want access? If you buy an Advent Calendar you will have full access to the VIP version of the 7 steps to marketing success, and lots of other VIP content!
Step 1: WHERE ARE WE NOW?
Now is the time to do a SWOT analysis. Don’t yawn… This could uncover a pivoting point for your business!!
Step 2: GOALS
I would recommend setting some goals for 12 months, quarterly and monthly.
Step 3: AUDIENCE
Target audience, how has your audience changed? Can you attract a new audience. There has been a lot of change which you will have seen in the SWOT. Now we need to think about how each of our audience segments might have changed – food for thought around your strategy.
Step 4: COMPETITORS
Who, what, where, when and how… Dig deep on your competitors and make sure you’re offering something better than them. What would your competitors find if they did this analysis on YOU?
Step 5: STRATEGY
How and what will you do and WHY will you do it? This is important in order to achieve your goals.
Step 6: PLANNING
Oh yes, here we go. Where the magic happens if you have done the pre-work then this will feel really good! Pick your methods wisely… Don’t waste your time and budget on things that won’t move you towards your goals!!
Step 7: REVIEW
Review, measure, repeat or renew? How will you know if you hit your goal if you are not reviewing?
I know marketing inside out and you know your business so together we’d make a great team to tackle 2021 together – if you’d like discuss your marketing and planning for 2021 marketing success please book a free session with me below.
