Now that 2015 is well underway, it’s a good time to plan your 2015 small business marketing strategy. January through March can be a slower time for many businesses; the weather is often unfavourable and your customers aren’t as likely to venture out, leaving you with some additional down time. Put that time to good use by coming up with marketing ideas that will increase your bottom line.
Step 1: What Do You Want to Accomplish?
The very first thing you should do when planning your 2015 small business marketing strategy is to think about what you want to accomplish this year.
- Do you want your customers to know about your new product?
- Get more people in the store?
- Meet current customer needs better?
Once you have a list of goals for the year, it will be easier to figure out the steps you need to take to accomplish those goals.
Try to stick with goals you have control over. For example, you can’t control how many gizmos you sell, but you can control how many flyers you send out and the demonstration events you plan to get the gizmos in front of potential customers.
Step 2: Where Will you Market?
Next, you need to decide where you’ll market your business in 2015. The first part of this process is figuring out what you did in previous years and which of those marketing endeavors were successful. Keep the ones that worked and lose the ones that didn’t.
Some other places to consider for marketing:
- In-store events
- Local trade shows and craft/street fairs
- Magazines
- Local Newspapers
- Radio/TV
- Door hangers
- Flyers
- Social media
- Website presence
- Direct Mail
Step 3: Plan Special Events Now
Finally, if you plan to hold any special events to draw customers into the store, then you’ll want to look ahead at the calendar and figure out the best time to hold the event.
It is best to avoid major holidays as your turnout might be low while people have other events to attend. Similarly, spring break and July vacations can limit your turnout.
Next, look at what other local businesses are doing. If a local organization has a gala fundraiser the first week of every September, avoid that weekend. Instead, call them up and ask if you can donate some items in exchange for a small blurb about your own upcoming event the first week of October.
By planning ahead, you’ll have the time to iron out any kinks, get the special features in place you want and get the word out.
By following these three simple steps, you’ll have a solid marketing plan to help grow your business in 2015 and beyond.
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