Common questions we hear about making an investment in marketing your business…
- “This is what we have always done!”
- This is the most cost-effective…by which they usually mean the cheapest?!
- We came up with a wish list following a brainstorm involving all employees…usually the business owners!
- It seems like it is the latest shiny thing that everyone is doing!
There are a plethora of tactical marketing activities that can be used, from blog writing to networking, cold calling to social media, from digital marketing to video…all of them are credible, and all of them worthy, but what is best for your business, and where do you start??
Our cheeky quiz is aimed at getting you to focus on what type of marketing strategy or plan you might have and how clear this is delivering against your vision.
This quiz aims to take the sheen out of the latest shiny thing and add a lustre and radiant glow to your future marketing campaigns.
So how do you work out what and where you should focus? Why not take our quick quiz here, which will tell you whether your marketing strategy is bewitched, bothered or bewildered and then follow some tips on what to do next.
Here’s how to score
Score 2 points if it’s all sorted and working well
Score 1 point if it’s working ok; could be better, but not a major concern
Score 0 points if it’s not working and causing you sleepless nights.
- Can you think of one thing that makes your business stand out from your competitors?
- Are you able to name at least 2 channels from which you get new business?
- Do you understand how and why people buy from you?
- Do you feel you are up to date in using different types of media, e.g. video, for your communications?
- Do you provide the words for your business or feel it is better left to an experienced copywriter?
- Are you happy with your branding or feel it is in need of a reboot or refresh?
- How effectively do you manage your client base and use it for future marketing campaigns?
First, take a look at your overall score.
0-4 points: You are clearly bewildered by your marketing – you’re either not sure what to do or need some help in certain areas.
5–10 points: You are bothered about marketing, and you have made some significant steps, but there is definitely room for improvement.
11-14 points: Your marketing is bewitching! It sounds as though you are both clear on what to do, and you are making it happen; always be mindful though of any potential weak spots.
Now look at the scores where you scored a Zero.
These are probably the areas to focus on first, but that will depend on your business and where it is in its lifecycle.
Start Up’s may need to focus on establishing the right business channels for their products or services what is the best medium for communication to establish differentiators.
A more mature business may need to review new media opportunities such as video, review their branding and their tone of voice, especially if they feel they are losing customers. They can also look at how they can harness the power of their database for future marketing campaigns.
Key Take aways…
- Use this quiz to identify the key marketing drivers in your business
- Concentrate on 2 areas to start with and be realistic about what you can achieve
- Decide on a sensible budget you feel you can spend on achieving these business goals
- Most importantly…be clear on where your weak spots are
- Create a focused marketing plan, making choices about which activities are essential and avoiding the “attraction of the ‘latest shiny thing!”
