Top Three Marketing Tips by V Marketing

Our day often flies by putting out fire drills and fixing issues as they arise, and although it is important to do so, it is crucial to get into the habit of implementing processes that help us plan and improve. Here are three marketing tips you should implement in order to improve your overall ROI and marketing efficiency.

1. Set Goals, Strategies & Tactics Every Six Months

First of all, it is surprising to hear that many business owners do not understand the difference between goals, strategy and tactics.  Here is a simple way of putting it:  A Goal is the desired end result. Strategy is the big picture; the formula by which you will get to the desired end result; and Tactics are the methods or tools you will utilize to get to your goal.  

Here is an example – I want to drive from California to New York in five (5) days. With this example, your goal is to get to New York in five (5) days.  Your strategy is to get there by driving a working car; utilizing highways and sleeping a few nights. Your tactics to get there are – get directions or a map of highways; ensure the car is in working order & put gas along the way.

Many place importance on tactics, and while flawless execution is critical, a tactic should never supersede the importance of a strategy nor should it change a goal. Keep tactics flexible to time, demand and budget. Be creative with tactics; but do not be creative with your goals. Those must be clear and measureable.  Once your goals, strategies and tactics are in place, your Marketing Plan is pretty much done.

Plan With Others & Share

Make sure you bring your business partners and other co-workers into the planning session. Their input is invaluable and their participation will improve if they buy into the program from the get go. If your co-workers did not participate when building the plan, make sure they understand it inside and out; especially your Sales and Operations team. A good Marketing Plan will provide direction and insight to your sales and operations team. Also, be sure to keep this plan accessible for all and in plain sight. Not only will it encourage accountability, but also it will help clear up confusion and provide direction as day-to-day issues arise.

Measure, Track & Measure

It is said that you “manage what you measure” and it really works with marketing. If you begin with clear and measureable goals such as ‘drive from California to New York in five (5) days’, it is easy to measure your performance. By tracking your tactic spending and pairing them up with their performance you are able to identify what works and what does not. Dig into it a little further and you have your Return on Investment (ROI).   Not only will measuring help you streamline your budget, it will also help uncover hidden gems or mine fields. You never know when and what works best. Sometimes your cheaper, grass-roots efforts are more effective than a full-blown TV ad campaign. Get in the habit to track and measure on a monthly basis, then adjust your tactics accordingly.  It is easier than you think.   

Article provided by VMarketing Services in Phoenix AZ. For more information contact info@vmarketing.com