It’s exciting when strong business and non-profit leaders recognize they need a marketing partner to help them achieve their goals. We love partnering with these leaders on singular campaigns and initiatives that achieve immediate results.
However, these initiatives in and of themselves are not enough to sustain the brand awareness or momentum necessary to meet the larger goals.
These industry leaders often have a strategic plan in place; however, they shrug off the notion that they also need a marketing plan to complement their strategic plan.
What’s the difference?
A Strategic Plan vs. A Marketing Plan
A strategic business plan focuses on the staff, financials and operations of the overall business or non-profit organization. It is operationally-based, and outlines goals for the year. Therefore, the plan helps develop competitive strategies for the business or non-profit organization.
A marketing plan complements the business plan. It details key messages, marketing goals, industry research, competition, target markets, price points, strategies and key tactics. The tactics may include advertising, content marketing, SEO and referral programs. We also consider networking initiatives, social media, website enhancement, direct mail, email marketing and more.
The plans work in conjunction and complement one another. I could drone on for hours about this. Each is essential to a successful business or non-profit — you need both.
A successful marketing plan will build your business, develop your network, create a buzz and pay out. Hence it conveys:
- who you are
- what you are interested in
- that you have an established brand and product suite they must have and will tell all their connections about
Front Porch Marketing will develop a marketing plan that includes an audit of existing marketing efforts and materials and provides specific, recommended marketing tactics and strategies. Our team is driven to define targeted strategies to targeted customers.
We love to be a part of great teams and learn from great leaders. So holler if we can help you!