Making your own Marketing Plan

Making your own marketing plan might seem like a really hard task, especially if you don’t even know where to start. Before writing anything or getting overwhelmed, just remember this is a process of logic. You will have to ask yourself questions after each step which will lead you to the next stage of the process.

• What data or information do we have?
• Where are we (based on the data)?
• What do we want?
• What do we have to do?
• Are we right?

These are examples of very useful questions you can ask yourself while making your marketing plan.

Step one: Collect Data

Before collecting, ask yourself: What do we have? Collect EVERYTHING! Including feelings, opinions or intentions. Collecting data is not just about numbers.

Step two: Analysis

By asking yourself where you are in terms of the data you collected you will start to analyze the information. Be very objective, this will help you create an appealing marketing plan. Measure the strengths and weaknesses of your company, product or service.

Step three: Project

The question: “What do we want?” should get your ideas flowing. Brainstorm, make goals, use cleverness and the knowledge you’ve acquired from the previous steps. This is where you can start planning.

Step four: Work

What do we do? WORK. This step is all about communication and coordination with all the parties involved in the plan.

Step five: Control

It’s time to ask yourself: Are we right? This doesn’t mean you’re second guessing yourself, you just need to know if you’re on the right track and that everyone is rowing in the same direction. It is also the perfect time to remember that “mistakes are allowed, correction is mandatory.”

Step six: Results

You reap what you sow. This is the step you’ve worked hard for, it’s time for results!