Do You Have a Marketing Plan?  Here are 5 tips and a simple planning tool that may help.

TIP 1: KEEP YOUR PLAN SIMPLE, CLEAR & FOCUSED

Plans often can fail because they are too complex or not clearly defined.  Are you taking on too many tasks at once?  Trying to become proficient on too many social networks at once. Are you lacking focus and consistency with a well-defined target group?  Do you understand your niche, what makes them tick, where do they hang out, what is important to them?  These are all critical in terms of spending your time and marketing dollars with best ROI.  Narrowing the focus and keeping things clear, simple, and consistent can go a long way in your marketing efforts.

Here is a simple planning tool that may help:

TIP 2: DEVELOP YOUR MESSAGE

What will grab the attention of your target audience?  Focus on needs and desires of your target audience. Then highlight your unique value proposition.  What makes you unique and how does that benefit your audience?   Try to focus on a few key elements.

TIP 3: REPEAT YOUR MESSAGE

Research is clear that messages are more effective when repeated.  For example “”good to the last drop” has been used since 1917; “Just Do It” has been used since 1998.  It typically takes at least 7 or more exposures to the same message until it is remembered.  If you abandon your message too soon it can hurt your marketing efforts.

TIP 4: MEASURE, MEASURE, MEASURE

Are you achieving results with your marketing efforts? Is your core message resonating with your market?  Always ask every lead, every client where and how they heard about you, and keep track of their responses. Don’t keep spending money if it is not working. Constantly look for feedback, as you track your costs. If you mailed 200 brochures and had 1 inquiry the cost per contact is $200.00.

TIP 5: MAKE A BUDGET

One of the most challenging aspects of marketing is estimating costs. Phone suppliers ask for estimates. Review costs for each medium. Then decide in advance what you are prepared to spend based on your overall budgeted revenue projections.  Click here to download a free budgeting spreadsheet for real estate agents.

Happy Marketing!