Get The Most From Your Marketing

As small business owners, this is a great time of the year to review what we have accomplished this year, as well as to plan for next year. One of the key areas of focus should be your marketing plan. Here are a couple of keys to get the most from your marketing:

1. Set Specific Goals

For each marketing tool you use, you should have a purpose and a goal. For example, if you run an ad in the local paper, what is the purpose of the ad? Are you building your brand, trying to generate customers, or both? How many customers do you expect to generate from that ad? Make sure that your overall marketing plan supports your overall business goals.

2. Have a Defined Action Plan

Make sure you actually execute your marketing plan by putting together an action plan. Your action plan should include what you need to do to execute your plan, as well as dates, resources needed, and who is responsible for making it happen. Avoid the common pitfall of putting the plan together and not executing by holding yourself and others accountable for taking action.

3. Track your Progress.

Now that you have taken action, compare your actual results to your original goals and objectives. This should be done on a regular basis to make sure that you are following through and getting the results you want. The end of the year is a great time to review the results of what you have done this year.

4. Make the Necessary Changes

Once you know the results of your efforts, make the necessary changes by doing more of what is working, and less of what isn't. Follow this 4 step process to make sure that you are getting the most from your marketing efforts!

Happy Marketing!