Entrepreneurs should focus on brand
representation, raising awareness and rewarding customers.
WASHINGTON, May 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- For entrepreneurs,
creating a comprehensive marketing plan can seem like a daunting
and overwhelming task. However, a solid marketing plan is crucial
to reach your target audience, increase brand awareness, and
ultimately drive sales and revenue. As mentors to America's small
business owners, SCORE understands the importance of a well-crafted
marketing plan and is committed to helping business owners create
one that will put your business on the path to success.
"Repeat customers are a critical asset to a
small business." -SCORE mentor Rex
Winter
Instead of trying to conquer your corner of the business world
by marketing everywhere all the time, it's important to plan your
marketing thoughtfully. Your plan doesn't have to be overly
ambitious. But it does need to help set you up for success, rather
than leaving you feeling frazzled or overwhelmed.
Represent your brand
You might already have a logo and
branding materials, but it's time to take that branding to the next
level. Envision your logo in various advertising and marketing
forms - on community bulletin boards, in newspaper ads, on bus
shelters. Where do you want to see your logo? Where do you want to
hear people talking about your brand?
Consider asking a mentor for assistance with this process.
Luke Jian, founder of Agora
Coworking in Grayslake, Ill.,
turned to SCORE mentors Alan Blitz
and Paul Rosenstrock for help with
starting his business. "They were always available to answer my
questions and provide guidance, even outside of our scheduled
meetings," explained Jian. "Their input helped me to develop a
comprehensive business plan and marketing strategy that has set my
coworking space up for success in the long run."
Raise awareness
Once you've thought about your brand
aesthetic, it's time to figure out how to reach your target
customer. Define who your potential customers are and where they
are already consuming information. Try to get a sense of their
lifestyle and set your marketing efforts to match.
Not sure where your customers learn about products and services
like yours? Ask them. Hearing their preferences can guide where you
invest your marketing dollars as you work to raise awareness of
your business.
Reward loyal customers
"Communicate often and
effectively with your customers," recommends SCORE mentor
Rex Winter. "Repeat customers are a
critical asset to a small business. Work at building loyalty
through effective communication and programs that reward repeat
business."
A discount after a certain number of visits might be the perfect
incentive to keep a customer coming back, but be sure you are
incorporating sales, promotions and rewards programs into your
overall marketing plan. Consider in advance your resources and cash
flow if you plan to offer flash sales, discount programs or
seasonal events or specials so you don't get overwhelmed.
If you're looking for individualized support in creating your
marketing plan, contact SCORE for free business mentoring. Touright
Bicycle Shop owners David and Susan
Sperstad in Little Falls,
Minn. explain why they sought the expertise of a mentor: "We
knew experience is the best teacher, so we couldn't go wrong in
reaching out to a SCORE mentor who had successfully run a small
business," said David.
Interested in more information on marketing strategies and best
practices? SCORE is hosting a webinar, How To Create A Marketing
Plan For Your Small Business, on May
30 at 1 PM ET. Registration is
free and available here.
About SCORE:
Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 17
million entrepreneurs start, grow or successfully exit a business.
SCORE's 10,000 volunteers provide free, expert mentoring, resources
and education in all 50 U.S. states and territories. Visit SCORE at
www.score.org.
Funded [in part] through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S.
Small Business Administration.
CONTACT:
SCORE
202-968-6428
media@score.org
Looking for a small business expert or owner for an upcoming
media story? Email media@score.org to request an interview
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