|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Good marketing, whatever form it takes, always meets certain criteria. That's what makes it good. The following 10-Point checklist will help you determine if your marketing passes the test. I challenge you to evaluate one of your recent ads, promotions or other marketing activities to see how it measures up.
1) Does it focus on the solution or benefit you provide?
Too often ads simply list product or service features. Don't make your prospects work that hard to figure out how your product or service can help them. Tell them straight out.
2) Does it have one, clear message?
What's the ONE message you want to communicate? Make sure it's not buried in too much information or it may not get across.
3) Is it focused on one, specific group of prospects?
Do you know who you are talking (and marketing) to? Make sure your marketing is targeted at one, specific group of prospects - it's the only way to make sure you are addressing their needs.
4) Is it written in language these prospects can relate to?
If you want your message to resonate with your prospects, make sure it speaks to them, both in content and in the tone and language you use.
5) Does it feature your Unique Selling Proposition?
This is the ONE thing that sets you apart from every other product or service your prospect could possible buy to fulfill the same need. It's what's unique, different and valuable about your product or service. It better come across loud and clear in everything you do.
6) Does it have one, compelling point of focus?
Ever see an ad with so many things in it you didn't know where to look first? Your prospects won't know either if you try to cram too much into your ads or promotional materials.
7) Does it accurately communicate your business personality?
Yes, your business has a personality and everything you do should reflect it. You want your prospects to feel like they "know" you. If you change your personality every week, they won't come to know and trust you. And consumer buy from those they know and trust.
8) Does it give prospects more than one reason to respond?
Not everyone is ready to buy, or take the one, primary action you want them to take when they see your ad. Make sure you give them another reason to respond, or they are simply a lost lead.
9) Does it give prospects more than one way to respond?
Make it easy and convenient for prospects to take action. What if you only offer an email or web site address and someone doesn't have computer access, or they're away from their office but they want more information right now? You've lost them. Don't let this happen to you.
10) Do you have a specific objective for the marketing?
If you don't know what your marketing is designed to achieve, then how will you know if it was successful? Always have a plan and an objective for everything you do. That way you can design it to work and measure whether or not it did.
© Copyright 2005 Debbie LaChusa
20-year marketing veteran, consultant, author, teacher and coach Debbie LaChusa has developed The 10stepmarketing System to help small business owners successfully market their business, themselves. To learn more about this simple, step-by-step program and to sign up for her FREE audio class and FREE weekly ezine featuring how-to articles, tips and advice, visit
A well-designed chart can be one of the most persuasive... Read More
To capture a larger market share and be viable, sustainable... Read More
1) They don't fully understand it.Perception: Marketing is advertising. Reality:... Read More
First, some background on today's topic. I've had a terrible... Read More
It's 1954. Yes, Mrs. Patricia Smith has been a good... Read More
If you want your marketing to be effective, you absolutely... Read More
Looking for a great way to drive traffic to your... Read More
The biggest crime in small businesses today goes unnoticed by... Read More
It used to be if you were a small business,... Read More
Recent studies concerning the "new world of women" have been... Read More
More and more companies seem to be looking for new... Read More
When you put time or money into any marketing plan,... Read More
1. Your Most Valuable AssetA mailing list of valued customers... Read More
Some of the ways in which to get your "name... Read More
Alright you've got yourself a nice website with a great... Read More
Small companies that rely on business-to-business sales often find it... Read More
A great way to gain more local sales is to... Read More
Pre-note: In this article, teleclass is an example used to... Read More
The fight for your customer's attention at a tradeshow has... Read More
Entrepreneurs pay a lot of attention to the mechanics of... Read More
6 Secrets to Stellar Sales PresentationsEvery sale is won or... Read More
For many small business managers, finding the time and commitment... Read More
What is a Marketing Plan? Marketing is to do with... Read More
What benefits will you get from flyers?Flyers are much different... Read More
An international hair-cutting chain opened a new store directly across... Read More
Parents are always looking for free and easy ways to... Read More
I knew this one would get your attention. How can... Read More
I often wonder how the practice began of pretending to... Read More
I do think that it is entirely possible for an... Read More
Whatever business you are in, either online or offline, you've... Read More
Recently, I discussed a loyalty card system with a vendor... Read More
I'd like to introduce you to someone. I don't actually... Read More
As you have probably experienced there is a lot of... Read More
The "Unique Selling Proposition" advertising campaign was developed by Reeves... Read More
Motivating strangers to give their money away is one of... Read More
Every January, trade publications put out a list... Read More
Develop These Six Critical Marketing Traits...And Success Will Surely Follow.If... Read More
Did something catch your eye in a direct mailing this... Read More
Don't get me wrong. I certainly don't think the majority... Read More
If you want to learn how effective Niche Marketing can... Read More
How many Hispanic people live in the US currently. Well... Read More
"I wouldn't pay more than what I charge now."If you... Read More
The following tips have come from a wide variety of... Read More
Are You Riding The Marketing Roller Coaster?If you're like many... Read More
Donald Trump's hit reality show, The Apprentice is a godsend... Read More
As a business professional, you probably realize the value of... Read More
This past weekend I received a disturbing message from a... Read More
When I started my coaching practice I believed that I... Read More
Looking for a great way to drive traffic to your... Read More
If you are like most service professionals and small business... Read More
Marketing Marketing |