Marketing Strategy
The Business Game Plan To Attract Customers
Crafting a marketing strategy is not as complex as some might lead you to believe. Far too many businesses get dazzled by the razzle-dazzle of the latest digital marketing trends. Then treat them as an add-on to their strategy. Now, don’t get me wrong. These trends can certainly impact your marketing decisions. In fact, for some businesses, their very survival hinges on how well they adapt to these trends.
But let me let you in on a little secret. The real magic, the true secret to a successful marketing strategy, is not in the tools but in your understanding of the market and your message. You see, you need to take a few steps back from the shiny new tools and first understand your market. Who are they? What do they want? How can you serve them better than anyone else?
And then there’s your message. What are you trying to say? How are you saying it? Is it reaching your market and resonating with them? Once you’ve got a firm grasp on these two elements, you’re ready to start building your long-term marketing strategy.
Remember, it’s not about jumping on the latest trend. It’s about understanding your market and delivering a message that speaks to them. That’s the real name of the game in marketing. So, stop chasing trends, and let's start building a strategy that will stand the test of time.
My basic definition is that it is getting the right message to the right people via the right media and methods.
Dan Kennedy
In this business game, it’s not about just playing and hoping to score. It’s about having a solid game plan. It starts with finding the right words – the ones that will stick in your customer’s brain like a catchy tune. That’s your hook.
Next, you need to stand out from the crowd. Carve out your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) – the one thing that sets you apart from the rest of the pack. It could be your superior product, your unmatched service, or the crazy lengths you go to ensure customer satisfaction. Whatever it is, it’s gotta be something your competition is not doing.
Once you’ve got your USP, it’s time to show 'em why they should choose you over the competition. Shine a spotlight on what makes you better. Is it your unbeatable offer? Your top-notch quality? Your lightning-fast delivery? Lay it out for them.
But don’t stop there. You need to spell out the benefits of your business, product, or service. And I mean, really spell it out. Let them know how choosing you will make their life easier, better, or more successful.
And then, and only then, are you ready to communicate your message. Present it in a way that’s as unique and compelling as your USP. Remember, you’re not just selling a product or service, you’re selling an experience, a solution, and a better tomorrow. Make 'em feel it.
So, you need to put together the right message.
- Find a hook.
- Develop your Unique Selling Proposition (USP).
- Differentiate your business, product, or service with that USP.
- Quickly explain why they should choose you over your competition.
- Highlight your competitive advantage.
- Then summarise the benefit of your business, product, or service.
That’s the game plan. Now let's get ready to communicate and present your message.
Pay close attention. This is where the game gets interesting. You’ve got your gadget – your product or service – now it’s time to find your target – your customers. But we’re not talking about just any customers. Oh, no. We’re talking about your ideal customers.
You’re probably wondering, “Who are these ideal customers?” Well, sit tight, I’m about to enlighten you. These are the people who live and breathe for what you’re selling. They’re the ones who wake up in the morning craving your product and go to bed dreaming about it. They’re the ones who won’t just like your product, they’ll love it.
Now, you may ask, “How do I find these people?” Here’s the secret: You’ve got to know them. And I don’t mean know them like you know your neighbour’s dog’s name. You need to know them better than you know yourself. You need to know their hopes and fears, their likes and dislikes. You need to know them better than Alexa knows them.
Once you’ve got that figured out, then comes the fun part: Target marketing. You’re not just throwing your product out there and hoping someone bites.
No, you’re aiming your product right at the heart of your ideal customers. You’re making your product irresistible to them. That’s the power of target marketing.
Remember, in this business game, it’s not about having the best product or the best marketing strategy. It’s about finding a starving crowd and feeding them exactly what they crave. That’s the ultimate marketing strategy. That’s your business game plan to attract customers.
Look at it this way. You’ve got your business, you’ve got your product, and you’ve got a message to sell. Now, where do you put that message? That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it?
Here’s what I’m gonna tell you – don’t limit yourself to one medium. You’ve got to use every instrument in your orchestra. We’re talking about a strategy that encompasses multimedia and omnichannel marketing. You want to hit your target not just once, but multiple times from all angles.
Now, most businesses these days have a fancy website or a sleek app. If that’s you, then you’re probably craving more traffic, more downloads, and more eyeballs on your product. That’s where search engine optimisation (SEO) and app store optimisation(ASO) come into the picture. They’re your bread and butter, along with content marketing, email marketing, social media, and paid marketing.
But let’s not forget about the businesses that advertise their brand and products both online and offline. They’re not just driving sales, they’re driving a bulldozer through the market. And then there’s every other business variation in between.
Listen, no matter where you fall on this spectrum, one thing’s for certain - you’re in a much better position when you mix your message and target market into a multi-media and omni-channel campaign. It’s not just about being heard, it’s about being everywhere your customer is. And that, is the real business game plan to attract customers.