You don’t have to spend a lot of money creating a killer marketing plan. Instead, time, creativity, and effort are all you need. Brainstorming your way to a killer marketing plan does not break the bank. Although they may be inexpensive and straightforward, the best marketing ideas do not come out of the blue.
You need to be innovative and think out of the box. Therefore, from day one, get into the right mindset because brand-building is a perpetual process. Freelance with startup marketing experience is an option to get your marketing strategy on track. Alternatively, you can go the DIY route using the curated below below:
#1 – Assembling the Right Team
Although every business needs individual talents and skills to thrive, teamwork improves everything. You need the right team before developing an effective marketing plan. Before hiring a full-time employee or a professional marketing team on a contract, you should consider several factors.
These factors include identifying the necessary roles to be filled to achieve your end goals and determining if you’ll be hiring on a contract or full-time basis. Also, during interviews, ensure you evaluate each candidate for their skills, strengths, and experience. Conducting regular assessments for your team members is also advised.
Because startups have limited resources, the suggestions above may be challenging. Nevertheless, you can try out alternatives. For instance, evaluate your team members for their skills, such as coding, social media expertise, or any skill, and gradually expand your team with the available resources.
#2 – Measuring Results
Consistently measuring your marketing strategy results over time is the only way to gauge success or failure. Knowing your audience’s interaction with your brand online helps you assess your strategy’s performance while identifying areas of improvement. You should also compare your Facebook and Instagram engagement and evaluate your conversion and bounce rates.
The frequency of measuring results varies by metric. You should measure metrics like website visits, leads, and visits per channel daily. While metrics like new vs. returning visitors, cost per acquisition, and CTRs should be measured weekly or monthly.
If necessary, modifying your marketing plan after measuring your results is essential. As your business evolves, your marketing strategy should also evolve.
#3 – Maintaining Consistent Brand and Message
Consistency and discipline in messaging are not only for the most prominent enterprises. We cannot overemphasize the importance of consistency in a startup’s brand and message. Although undergoing minor changes with time in your startup is expected, consistent brand image and communication can instill confidence in your customers regarding your service and credibility.
#4 – Building A Referral Network
One of the most potent marketing forms is word-of-mouth advertising, especially for small businesses. Many people make purchases based on trust and credibility; therefore, you can get referrals by taking advantage of their network.
You can get referrals in two steps. The first step is to give your clients top-quality results. Also, ensure you openly and frequently communicate with your customers.
The second step is asking for feedback. Transparency is vital, especially for startups, even if anything goes wrong. You can also learn your clients’ personalities and level of satisfaction when you ask for feedback. You can then use the feedback to improve your future service.
#5 – Create Ads Appealing to People’s Emotions
In advertising, emotion typically outsells logic. Emotions, not just facts and information, are a heavy factor in consumers’ buying decisions.
A pertinent question is how a business can connect to its target audience using emotional content. You can connect with your audience through happiness, fear or surprise, and anger.
Happiness requires you to create positive posts. These posts create an atmosphere of laughing and smiling, increasing user engagement.
Fear triggers reactions to threats and boosts survival chances. Also, fear creates a sense of urgency, driving you to take action or make a change. For instance, PSAs use fear tactics to prevent drunk driving and cigarette smoking. However, you have to avoid upsetting your customers and turning them off from your brand when using this strategy.
Anger is a negative emotion. However, it can spur people into action. When creating ads, it is necessary to prompt your target audience to ask essential questions, which anger is a part of. Nevertheless, it is advisable to use this reaction sparingly and responsibly.
#6 – Cultivating Relationships with Influencers
Influencers are also as important as customers. TV personalities and hosts of YouTube channels or radio are people your target audience listens to.
Calling potential influencers, sending them emails, and offering them free products or services is advised. Influencers’ mentions increase your brand awareness, propelling your business startup to a credible, legitimate force. Finding the right influencers you can target for partnerships is essential so you can get the biggest ROI from your campaign.
