Sometimes when planning your marketing strategy or activities for the next 6-12 months, it’s difficult to actually pinpoint where to focus your time and money. Whilst studying Marketing & Advertising at the University of Hull almost 6 years ago (…scary!), I learnt so much about jargon marketing terms such as ‘Cognitive Dissonance’ and ‘Macro & Micro Markets’. Now I’ve learnt that 9 times out of 10 the majority of these buzzwords are useless, and actually relate to very little in small to medium size businesses.

We often come across clients over thinking their marketing strategy, wanting a 50 page document full of statistics and long words that ultimately never get used or implemented. You’re better off simplifying it right down…

1. Schedule a monthly slot to plan your marketing

Technology and business change at a rapid rate these days, so annual marketing strategies are out. Have monthly meetings with a steering group of staff members to discuss new ways to market your business, and good practice you’ve seen from competitors. Make it fun and try to enjoy the brainstorming together!

2. Understand who your target market is

Sounds really cliche, but try and step outside your own mind for a bit and think like your ideal customer. What do they want from your service or product? How can you service this need and give them something a little bit extra at the same time? Modern technology and software gives you loads of great information to understand your audience better than ever before.

3. Cover all bases

Have you tried Email Marketing? If so how do you do it? Do you use software like Mailchimp or Campaign Monitor? Ensure you think of every possible means of marketing your business, especially online. Social Media, Email Marketing, Content/Blog Writing, Paid Targeted Ads etc. are often good starting points to consider.

4. Do something different

In a modern world where social media is becoming the new PR, interesting stuff about your products and services is crucial in gaining your target market’s attention. Even if you think that no one will care, make people care by being bright, colourful, witty and interesting.

5. Review and evolve

Google Analytics has revolutionised the way we monitor and review websites. We can see how many people have viewed the site over any period of time, what they’ve clicked on and where they exited. This type of data can also be found in social media management software such as Hootsuite and Sproutsocial, as well as the email marketing software mentioned above. Using these tools you can figure out, or at least have a much better idea, into where your customers are coming from and the information that they’re engaging with.

We hope these tips can help you focus your marketing planning a bit better, and later this year you’ll be reaping the benefits! If you need any further support or help with your marketing, drop us a line!