The first paragraph of an article is a summary of the article's content. In this case, the article discusses the importance of having a well-thought-out marketing plan for any business. Without a plan, a business is like a person in a dark room, aimlessly searching for something. The article emphasizes the need for research before starting a business and the importance of identifying a potential market. It also warns against the pitfalls of mass email marketing and the ineffectiveness of free web ads. The article concludes by advising businesses to invest in paid ads in ezines and websites and to avoid making assumptions about the size of a publication's subscriber base.
A business plan is a crucial tool for any business, akin to turning on the lights in a dark room. It helps you find your way faster and more efficiently. The internet offers numerous opportunities for quick business setup, but without a proper plan, many entrepreneurs find themselves stumbling in the dark. A well-researched business plan, including a comprehensive marketing strategy, is essential before launching any product or service.
A successful marketing plan aims to convey information about your product or service to potential customers. However, you'll be competing with countless others with the same goal. Therefore, the steps you take in developing your marketing plan can make or break your business.
The first step in your marketing plan should be identifying your potential market. A campaign aimed directly at your target market is more likely to yield results. For instance, if you're involved in Network Marketing or represent an Affiliate, advertising where they market their products or services can be beneficial. They've already identified this as a viable field, and many are looking to diversify. This is a potential target market.
Consider advertising in ezines or newsletters that cater to your target market. Websites that accept similarly targeted ads should also be on your radar.
While there are thousands of places where you can place a free web ad, these are often not worth your time or money. Free For All (FFA) sites, for example, only keep a limited number of ads, and your ad's lifespan is usually measured in seconds. Moreover, these sites are more interested in collecting targeted email addresses than in displaying your ad.
Free ads in ezines can also be a waste of time and effort. Many people placing ads this way never even see the publication they submit to. Some require you to subscribe before accepting your free ad, which helps build their subscriber base. However, there is often little loyalty to the publication, and many times, the only reason people subscribe is to place their ad.
Instead, consider investing in paid ads in ezines and websites. While it may seem costly, this method can reach thousands of potential customers. However, don't expect immediate results from a one-time ad. It can take 5 - 7 exposures to your ad before you see results.
Don't assume that the larger the subscriber base of a publication, the better the results will be. An ezine with only a few thousand targeted subscribers can often produce better results than some with several hundred thousand non-targeted subscribers.
In conclusion, when planning a marketing campaign for your business, do your research. Don't stumble around in the dark, hoping to find something that works. Instead, craft a well-thought-out marketing strategy that targets your potential market effectively.
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