Creating Your
Internet Marketing Plan
By: Megan Corwin
For large corporations, a marketing plan is
a huge document detailing strategies for the
fiscal year. It may include competitor
analysis or a sales forecast. While these
elements are important to a large business,
do you as a small business owner (without a
well paid marketing staff) have the time or
energy to devote to putting together a huge
document? Unless you are trying to get a
financial loan, probably not...
But that doesn't mean you should totally
scrap the idea. A marketing plan can be a
wonderful tool to help you refine your
focus. You've heard the old saying "If you
fail to plan, you plan to fail." That's
because when you don't plan you lack
intention and attention.
My suggestion is to create a "micro-plan."
Open up a new document and take an hour or
two to answer the following questions.
“Micro-Plan” Questions
What is your purpose for being online?
-
Awareness
-
Sales
-
Community
What % of your overall marketing to be done
online?
What strategies will you use?
Timeline
Assign a project date to each of the
strategies. Will they be one time events
(contest) or something you need to do
frequently (forums)? While you are thinking
about it, schedule your projects in your
time management system or planner.
Analysis
Budget
A successful internet marketing strategy
begins with a plan. The time you take to put
together your "micro-plan" will be well
worth it to your business.
Megan Corwin is an internet marketing coach
who helps work at home professionals grow
their businesses. For more articles and
advice about online marketing strategy and
solutions, become a member of Megan’s online
community for work at home women:
http://www.wahwoman.com/membership.html
