The Best In Online Marketing Can’t Save You If You’re Focused On The Wrong Things
Are you using the newest and best marketing tools?
I've seen a plethora of articles coming down the pipe in the past couple of weeks predicting trends and tactics that will dominate 2016. It's no surprise, really, because it happens that way every year. I may even indulge in that type of writing from time to time... but this isn't that post.
People ask me all the time which social networks they should be on and which platform is best for their business. My answer is nearly always, "Well, that depends." I don't say that to be vague or cliche, but because each situation is unique, and while there are many commonalities and similarities among businesses within each industry, the whole point of being in business is to do what you do your way. If all you were going to do is exactly the same thing that every other business in town is already doing, then why bother?
Bearing that in mind...
There are a few things that are vital to the success of your business and your marketing and they have absolutely nothing to do with being the first on a new social media platform. Does it really matter if you are "doing social media" if you don't know who you are or what you want from your business? Um, nope. Not so much because I'm not buying and neither is anyone else.
Does it really matter if you are "doing social media" if you don't know who you are or what you want from your business?
It's a common mistake.
Woman looking stressed at her desk, close up
I don't pretend to be immune; I have fallen victim to trying to "normalize" my business in the past. By that I simply mean that I have taken some bad advice, from time to time, where a business coach or mentor has tried to make me and my company into something that I'm not and we won't be. I really don't care what other digital marketing agencies are doing. Just because some people are doing things a certain way, does not mean that's the way it must be done. There is more than one "correct" answer. So, while the advice was well intended and would have taken my business to a certain point... it wasn't the direction that I wanted to go. I was out of alignment, chasing someone else's idea, and ultimately I realized that wasn't for me and got back to the business of being myself.
I am all in favor of best practices and using methods and tactics that are cost effective and produce your desired results. I am in no way suggesting that which online marketing avenues you choose is irrelevant. My point is that the focus of your marketing plan should be on who you are and what objectives you are trying to achieve and not on how to use the newest social media tool to boost your brand. Once you have your foundational items handled, then it's game on!
At Social Savvy Geek, we are taking the last couple of weeks of the year to rework our business and marketing plan for 2016. If you need a marketing plan for your business, you're welcome to the template we use for ourselves. I'm feeling generous, what with it being Chanukah and with Christmas fast approaching... it's our gift to you (make sure to take us up on it before the end of the year!)
Marketing Plan Template
This is the Marketing Plan Template we have developed for our own use and for the use of our clients. It's yours. FREE. No strings attached and nothing to fill out. We hope that you find it useful. If you love it, please drop us a comment and let us know.
Merry Christmas!
