If you want your business to thrive, you need a solid marketing strategy. But where do you begin? Marketing can feel overwhelming, especially with so many channels and options available. The good news is that you don’t need to be an expert to get started. In this blog, we’ll break down how to create a marketing strategy in 10 simple steps. Whether you’re a start-up, a small business, or looking to revamp your existing plan, these steps will set you on the path to success.
1. Start with Clear, Specific, and Measurable Goals
How to Get Started with a Marketing Strategy – The first step is to decide what you want to achieve. Do you want to increase sales? Build your brand’s visibility? Grow your audience on social media? Whatever your goal, make it specific, measurable, and realistic. Instead of saying, “I want more followers,” try “I want to grow my Instagram following by 20% over the next three months.” Having a clear direction will help you stay focused and track your progress.
According to a 2023 survey by the Chartered Institute of Marketing, businesses that set clear goals are 67% more likely to see measurable results from their marketing efforts. So, grab a notepad and jot down what success looks like for you.
2. Research Your Audience
Who are you trying to reach? Understanding your audience is crucial. Research their demographics (age, gender, location), behaviours (how they shop, what they value), and their wants and needs. You can gather this information through surveys, social media insights, website analytics, or even by chatting with your customers directly.
For example, if you’re a small bakery, your audience might include young families who value fresh, local ingredients. Knowing this allows you to tailor your messages and products to resonate with them.
Did you know that 79% of UK consumers are more likely to buy from brands that personalise their content? Understanding your audience helps you create marketing that feels personal and relevant.
3. Review Your Current Marketing Efforts
Before diving into something new, take a step back and evaluate what you’re already doing. What’s working well? What isn’t performing as expected? Look at your website traffic, social media engagement, email open rates, and any other metrics you’re tracking.
For instance, if your Facebook posts are consistently getting more engagement than your Instagram posts, it might be worth investing more effort into Facebook. On the flip side, if your emails have a low open rate, it’s time to revisit your subject lines or email strategy.
4. Develop a Unique Value Proposition
Your unique value proposition (UVP) is what sets you apart from competitors. Why should customers choose your business? Maybe it’s your outstanding customer service, eco-friendly products, or innovative solutions. Whatever it is, make it clear in all your marketing efforts.
For example, Luminite Design’s UVP is creating bespoke digital marketing strategies tailored to each business. By focusing on what makes your business unique, you’ll stand out in a crowded market.
5. Identify Where Your Audience Spends Their Time
Once you know your audience, find out where they hang out. Are they on Instagram, LinkedIn, or TikTok? Do they spend time searching on Google or reading emails? Focus on a mix of paid and organic channels that make sense for your business. If your audience is highly visual, platforms like Instagram and Pinterest might be ideal. If they’re more professional, LinkedIn could be the way to go.
Consider whether paid advertising could give your strategy a boost. Paid ads on Google, Meta (Facebook and Instagram), and other platforms can help you reach your target audience quickly. Just make sure to test small budgets first to see what works.
6. Break Down Your Goals into Actionable Steps
Now it’s time to get creative! Brain-dump all your ideas for how you’ll achieve your goals. For example, if your goal is to increase website traffic, your actionable steps might include:
- Writing weekly blog posts
- Running Google Ads
- Posting on social media three times a week
- Collaborating with influencers in your industry
Breaking your goals into smaller tasks makes them more manageable and easier to execute.
7. Determine Tools and Budget
How to Get Started with a Marketing Strategy – What do you need to bring your marketing plan to life? Tools like Canva for graphics, Hootsuite for social media scheduling, or Google Ads for paid campaigns can help streamline your efforts. You’ll also need to factor in costs for software, freelancers, or any paid advertising.
Setting a realistic budget is key. According to a UK report, small businesses typically spend 8-10% of their revenue on marketing. This can vary depending on your industry and goals, so start with what’s feasible and adjust as needed.
8. How Will You Measure Success?
Defining your KPIs (key performance indicators) will help you track progress. Common KPIs include:
- Conversion rates (how many people take a desired action, like making a purchase)
- Website traffic
- Social media followers and engagement
- Email open and click-through rates
For example, if you’re running a paid ad campaign, your KPIs might focus on clicks and conversions. Tracking these metrics regularly will help you understand what’s working and where you need to tweak your strategy.
9. Create a 6-12 Month Marketing Calendar
A marketing calendar is your roadmap. Plan your campaigns, content, and key dates in advance. For example, if you’re running a summer sale, you’ll want to plan your email campaigns and social media posts at least a month before.
Include national awareness days or seasonal trends relevant to your audience. For instance, if you’re in retail, Black Friday and Christmas will likely play a big role in your calendar. A clear plan will keep you organised and consistent.
10. Start Small, Track Performance, and Adjust
You don’t need to do everything at once. Start with smaller campaigns, monitor their performance, and be flexible. For example, if your Facebook ads are driving traffic but not conversions, you might need to tweak your messaging or target audience.
Being adaptable is key. Marketing is a learning process, and what works today might not work tomorrow. Regularly review your results and be ready to pivot as needed.
Final Thoughts
Getting started with a marketing strategy doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these 10 steps, you’ll build a strong foundation for your business. Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Marketing is all about finding what works best for your unique business and audience.