If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, even confused, about where to focus your marketing energy, you’re not alone. The options seem unlimited. Just ten years ago, a fine strategy for a business owner’s marketing and promotional plan likely included some direct mail, print, broadcast and outdoor advertising options, some type of community outreach program, compelling sales materials, and a brochure-style website. Today, we can engage with prospective customers almost anywhere, so businesses include interactive websites, blogs, mobile apps, social media, digital advertising, video channels, email campaigns, and more. Luckily for most of us, just because we can [try to] do it all, doesn’t mean we should. It’s very easy to spread yourself too thin, which can actually dilute your message, reach fewer customers, and exhaust you and your resources in the process.

Where do you start and how do you select the most appropriate avenues for your business? How do you do it with clarity and confidence? First and foremost, be selective. Be critical and objective. Don’t be dazzled by analytics unless you’re seeing an impact on your bottom line. Make a plan. Build your plan on a foundation of the basics. Make sure you keep your core vision in mind. What do you do for your customers? Who are they? Where do they get their news and entertainment? Why do they choose you over others?

Interested in a guide to help market your business? For a modest fee, Stone’s Throw provides MarketingCare, a custom marketing plan roadmap to get you started. Click here to learn more, or contact Deanne at 609-395-0650.