In the last decade, our ability to communicate quicker and easier than ever before has exploded because of social media.
This has been incredibly helpful when we look at the unique challenges thrust on all of us because of the pandemic.
But, not just us as people. Millions of businesses found themselves forced to turn to digital marketing and social media to stay alive.
And moving forward, it’s the businesses who understand the art and science of marketing on social media and strategy that will thrive in 2022 and beyond.
In this article, we’ll take a 30,000 ft view of what marketing is, what a marketing strategy is, why it’s important, and how to create a strategy.
Let’s jump in…
What is Marketing?
If you’ve followed me or my agency, AGM Marketing, online for a while, you probably have an idea of what marketing is. However, I’d like to share MY definition of marketing with you:
“The forming of a brand, or a person’s superpower, followed by the development and execution of a strategy for the dissemination and distribution of it. Which, in turn, leads to CAPTURED ATTENTION which leads to the inevitable expansion of one’s purpose.”
A bit of a mouthful, I know.
But, stay with me, because I’ve got 3 important definitions that go along with it:
- Superpower: An ability to positively influence the lives of others with one’s message, products, or services.
- Legacy: Putting a stamp on the future and making a contribution to future generations.
- Passion: An intense desire or enthusiasm for something.
Now that we’ve established those definitions, let’s talk about the strategy that can help you achieve success!
What is a Marketing Strategy?
A marketing strategy involves setting goals, determining actions needed to achieve these goals, and organizing your resources to execute these actions.
The strategy also describes how the ends (goals) will be achieved by the means (resources).
Marketing, especially social media marketing, is not just something you can jump into without a plan. Because flying by the seat of your pants is no way to navigate today’s multi-channel marketing environment.
That’s why it’s important to put together a detailed report that outlines your marketing strategy for the coming year, quarter, or month. So that you can achieve the business results you want.
After all, failing to plan means planning to fail!
Creating Your Marketing Strategy
Before you can create your marketing strategy, there are 7 crucial elements to understand that will help you create an effective marketing strategy:
- Product: What goods or services are you selling?
- Price: How much does it cost, and how does it compare to others in the industry?
- Platforms: Which channels will you use to reach potential customers?
- Avatar: Who exactly should buy your product or service?
- Content: What content do you need to produce for your audience?
- Positioning: What is the perception consumers have of your product or service? Are there any unique selling points or offers to present to them?
- People: Who, within your organization, will complete each task related to the plan?
Once you’ve defined each of the above elements, in your own terms, it’s time to get started creating your marketing strategy.
Building Your Marketing Strategy
First, you’ll need to identify overall goals that align with your business plan. From there you can define a set of marketing goals to support them!
Next, you’ll need to evaluate which social media platforms you are currently on and which ones your ideal audiences are on.
The next step in creating your marketing strategy is to Identify Brand Assets. These are items you will use to execute your strategy. Think logos, images, video footage, websites, etc. Then you can determine the best platforms to display those assets!
Once you’ve identified your business goals, marketing platforms, and brand assets, it’s time to Understand Your Products and Services by analyzing what you’re selling and how it solves specific problems for your customers or gives them something they want.
Now, it’s time to Identify Competitors! Competitive research is the backbone of a strong marketing strategy.
After all, if you don’t know what your competitors are doing how can you be sure you’re offering a superior product or service?
Next, define what statistics are important and what success looks like for your marketing strategy.
Knowing this can help keep you and your team motivated because you’ll be able to track your success!
This will be especially important when you begin paid advertising campaigns.
But, before diving into a paid marketing strategy, let’s think about an Organic Marketing Strategy first.
One that identifies topics, pain points, and questions that your audience may be interested in. Doing this correctly will help get your audience to engage with your brand!
It’s also important to list out any Additional Opportunities that could put you in front of your ideal audience.
Opportunities like podcasts, speaking events, even using traditional media like radio and TV. But, only if it’s right for you and your brand.
Let the Journey Begin!
My overall vision is and has always been to help businesses conquer the marketing world and become leaders in their industry.
The way I accomplish this is through a dedication to learning, understanding, creating, and executing the best marketing strategies possible for each brand AGM works with.
And this is why I wanted to share this information with you today.
Now, I don’t expect you to close this blog and put together the perfect marketing strategy.
But, to help send you on this journey, I’m offering you a FREE downloadable PDF copy of the same Marketing Strategy Template we use for ourselves and our clients!
Go to https://agmagency.com/strategy/, submit your information, and within a few minutes, you’ll have our strategy template in your email inbox.
One more thing, if you have any questions, my team is here to help you with any marketing assistance you may need.
You can either click here and book an appointment or call us at 1-888-280-3339.
