Coming up with a plan for marketing your business has never been more important. As the year winds down, it is a time to think about how to ramp up for the coming year. Please consider the following tips and future trends.
Tips
- Draft an actual plan. It does not have to be fancy, but it should outline your goals for the year. It’s a great opportunity to take a holistic look at your business and think out of the box.
- Take time to understand and anticipate your customers’ needs in the coming year.
- Don’t let budget be an obstacle. You can’t afford to hold back. Now is the time to get noticed. Be creative with your ideas as they reign supreme.
- Be authentic and do what you do well. Customers will recognize quality, genuineness and superior service – no matter what.
- Share your knowledge with others, not only do you emerge as the expert but it will come back to you two fold.
- Layer your efforts. Consider the appropriate marketing tools for your specific business (i.e., media relations, social networking, email campaigns, affiliate marketing, joint promotions, etc.)
- Blend the old with the new. Take the marketing ideas that worked and carry them through. Infuse your plan with a few new disciplines. Marketing is a work in progress; do not be afraid to try new things.
Trends to watch for in 2010
Social Networking. This is obviously continuing and progressing by leaps and bounds. If you haven’t started, there is no time like the present, although you should assess how this technology will best serve your specific business. If you have dabbled or even more, think about tracking, analyzing and taking your efforts to the next level.
Online Video. It is another great tool (with user-friendly programs) to engage your customers, drive sales, encourage viral sharing, and build brand awareness. Remember to keep it short, streamlined and simple.
Localize. There is renewed focus on local businesses and local marketing. It is a great opportunity for small businesses to gain market share and exposure. You should consider the best ways to reach your customers on a local level. Additionally, there have been significant advances in local, mobile networking.
As always, please feel free to pass this advice forward. I welcome your comments and questions. Best wishes for a happy, prosperous new year.
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