Marketing Basics

Never underestimate or undervalue marketing efforts, and we're not just saying that because we're a Chicago marketing company.  If you're a new business owner or just curious about the world of marketing and looking to know the basics, here are a few essential things you need to know about marketing:

Get to know your target audience

As a business owner looking to market your product or services, you must thoroughly understand who your target audience is before you even begin the process of marketing.  The more accurate the information on who you target audience is, the more effective you'll be at selling your product or service.  Understand the target audience's behavior and demographics.  Your findings on your target audience will help you steer your business decisions and allow you to create a solid marketing plan.

Observe the environment

Understanding the environment, or wherever you will be marketing your product or services, is key when it comes to marketing your product. Emerging technologies, new legislations, and a shift in consumer behaviors are all the types of things you need to take into account when doing marketing for yourself or a business.  Make sure you keep your eyes and ears open and scan the environment for opportunities and threats to your business.

Design with your target audience in mind

Once your marketing plan is in place, make sure you are tailoring your product or service to better fit your target audience, all the way from the way your product or service is packaged to the way you promote it.  What good would it be to start a Facebook campaign if all of your target audience is glued to Twitter?  A lot of new business owners fall into the trap of creating products and services that they want to sell rather than what their target audience wants, so keep your target in mind.

Run a tight ship

How you conduct business is almost, if not equally important as the product or service you are selling.  Before you begin marketing make sure that you have your basic business practices down.  How is delivery of your product, is it going quickly?  Are returns dealt with well?  Does your staff handle customers with kindness?  Remember, word of mouth is its own selling tool.

Targeted advertising

Plastering ads all around the web isn't enough to get attention these days.  Face it, all consumers are bombarded by ads all day long and these days consumers are getting pretty good at blocking it out.  If you want to be successful with your marketing and any advertising efforts you must find a way to position yourself in places that your target audience is comfortable seeing you and really, in places where they are looking for you.  You also need to find a way to get creative and stand out.  When in doubt, call in marketing professionals or advertising professionals to help you get the job done.

Looking for more information on marketing basics?  Feel free to comment below or contact us.  We're always happy to talk about marketing!