Happy New Year!
Believe it or not, 2010 is almost upon us. And we all know that a new year means making some resolutions. Here are a few tips from the Marketing Works team to help you create your marketing resolutions for the coming year:
1. Make new friends but keep the old. Find the appropriate balance between fostering new client relationships while sustaining existing ones. It takes a lot of time and effort to cultivate new client relationships! That’s why it’s critical to work diligently at growing and enhancing your existing relationships. Resolve to carve out time every month to connect with clients! And make it personal! Have clients fill out a form or write down one or two personal tidbits about themselves (such as kids’ names, favorite sports team or even their birthday). Also, find creative ways to build a connection among your clients! Host events or help them forge relationships with each other, whether they are old, new or potential ones!
2. Don’t just throw social media into your marketing mix. According to a recent MediaPost article, 2010 is going to be the year that social media marketing gets serious. So get your game face on, but don’t get ahead of yourself, either. Making social networking sites, such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, a key component in marketing efforts is very important, but it’s equally important to be strategic about it. Create a detailed plan that includes objectives for using social media and establishes clear, tangible metrics for measuring success. Back this plan up with business cases and past case studies.
3. Keep it simple. Sometimes it seems like everyone is scrambling to launch the flashiest Web site, the coolest app or the most complex promotional item. As Mom probably said once or twice, more is not always better. Do you really want to navigate through a web of videos, music and images to get to what you want? Not so much. Whatever new marketing products you’re planning to add to your arsenal this year, whether they’re online, on paper or mobile, don’t lose sight of your goals while you’re working on the frills.
4. Learn from the past, but focus on the future. The economy, the way clients do business, buying habits and technology have all changed—and they will continue to change. It’s important to leverage best practices whenever possible and not just throw the hottest new marketing tactic into the mix. However, don’t be afraid to add in some fresh new ideas if they will help you meet your objectives! Flex those planning muscles, do some research and plan ahead to consider what new, updated marketing methods you can implement that fit with the habits of your clients.
5. It’s a new year, so treat it like one! Last year, many marketing plans were structured with one goal in mind: Just keep swimming and try not to sink. Although economic times are still tough and there’s reason to be cautious, don’t let it stunt your growth. Things are looking up, and people are starting to buy again Ask yourself where the organization is today and where would you like it to be? Then take a few moments to examine your objectives for 2010. Are they different than 2009? If so, it may be time to enhance your marketing strategy. Even if your objectives are the same it’s critical to take a look at your marketing plan to determine what’s working and what’s not. Also, take a few minutes to better understand what your competitors are doing as well as organizations you admire! Then, kick out the tired stuff! Embrace new marketing strategies and tools. Make sure you have the right team in place to get the job done. And don’t plan too big, but don’t hold back too much. Staying in the same place never gets anyone anywhere.
Happy New Year from Marketing Works! We look forward to a great 2010.
admin • December 31, 2009
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