So there you are, ready to create a completely amazing marketing strategy. Only you find yourself sitting at the desk with a blank sheet of paper or empty computer document in front of you. Sure, you have plenty of ideas for this strategy – but where do you start? Fear not, there is a solution to your dilemma.
To begin with, know the underlying principles of a marketing campaign. These principles are:
- Target audience(s)
- Key message(s)
- Delivery vehicle(s)
These points are the rough outline of your marketing campaign and everything you do from conception of ideas to measuring effectiveness will in some way touch this outline. The next step is to fill in that outline.
Begin with a mind mapping exercise. A mind map, like the one here, is a diagram used to organize information in a visual way. In the center of this map is the central concept. In this case, it is Marketing Strategy. From this central idea radiates all the ideas, words and images, like the legs of a spider or the rays of a sun. In this case, you could have areas for identifying the principles listed above. Then link to those areas with all the ideas you have.
Once you have mapped your ideas, it’s time to prioritize them. This is best done with a marketing calendar, similar to this one. The calendar is your execution timeline. It will help keep you organized and at the top of your marketing game. Need to make changes along the way? No problem, make the adjustments in the calendar and further refine your strategy.
Now it’s time to put those ideas into action. Execute your marketing campaign according to your calendar. Deliver your message to your target audience using your chosen vehicles. Give your campaign some time to work, then move on to the next step.
Monitor and measure your results. Keep close tabs on what you have sent out to people. Listen to what they have to say and watch their actions. Even silence or inaction tells you something, so pay attention to everything. Use this information to tailor future messages or components to your audience.
Mapping, planning and executing your marketing strategy is a time to unleash your creativity and explore all options. Who knows what amazing idea you might come up with? Then run with it and let it work for you!