Taking Over: How to Become Your Riverhead, NY Business's Own Marketing Department

If you're a small business owner, you know that marketing your company can be a time-consuming task. But what if there was a way to streamline the process and become your own marketing department? It turns out, there is! By following these simple steps from the Riverhead Chamber of Commerce, you can develop an effective marketing strategy that will help promote your business and reach your target market.

Step 1: Evaluate Your Current Marketing Strategy

The first step in becoming your own marketing department is to track the success of your current marketing strategy. This means keeping tabs on how many leads you're generating, what kind of return on investment you're seeing, and which channels are performing the best. Doing so will give you a good starting point for assessing which parts of your strategy are working and which need to be improved.

Step 2: Set Realistic Goals and Objectives

After you've taken stock of your current marketing strategy, it's time to set some goals and objectives. What are your targets for lead generation? What kind of ROI do you hope to achieve? Be realistic in setting these goals so that you can measure your progress over time.

Step 3: Research and Define Your Target Market

Next, you need to research and define your target market. Who are your ideal customers? What needs do they have that your product or service can address? Answering these questions will help you develop a more targeted approach to marketing. 

You may think you know who your audience is, but it’s best to use actual data alongside questions like these to really understand who you are targeting. If you haven’t invested in analytics software yet, you are likely using several of Google’s business features, which include Google Analytics. Use this tool to learn more about your audience before revising your marketing plan.

Step 4: Assess Your Marketing Strategy

Once you've defined your target market, it's time to take another look at your marketing strategy. Are you using the right mix of channels to reach them? Do your messages align with their needs? Making sure that your strategy is aligned with your target market will help improve its effectiveness.

Step 5: See What the Competition is Up To

Whether you are a small business or a large corporation, it is important to keep an eye on the competition. Asana explains that, by researching the marketing strategies of your competitors, you can stay one step ahead and ensure that your own campaigns are as effective as possible. 

There are a number of ways to research the competition, including online searches, attending trade shows, and speaking to industry experts. However, perhaps the most effective method is simply to ask your customers. Many people are happy to provide feedback on their experiences with different brands, and this information can be invaluable in shaping your own marketing strategy.

Step 6: Learn Which Marketing Channels to Use

There are a variety of different marketing channels available, from paid advertising to content marketing. It can be tough to figure out which ones are right for your business. A good starting point is to research which channels are most effective for reaching your target market. You can also talk to other businesses in your industry to see which ones they use and why.

Step 7: Establish a Clear Marketing Message

Once you've identified the channels you'll use to reach your target market, it's time to start developing your messages. What value can you offer potential customers? How can you position yourself as the best solution to their needs? Refining your messaging will help improve the overall effectiveness of your marketing strategy.

If you decide that you need help with constructing your marketing message or any other aspect of your new strategy, consider contracting with a freelance professional. They can provide expert advice to get you on the right track. But be aware that designers often work in complex programs and share PDF versions with their clients, which can be difficult to edit. However, you can easily learn how to convert PDF to Word using a free online conversion tool so that you can make small edits easily before confirming the design or strategy with your consultant. 

Review the Past to Reach the Future

By following these simple steps, you can develop an effective marketing strategy that will help promote your business and reach your target market. It’s important to start by reviewing what has and hasn’t worked in the past. Then, you can research to ensure you know your current audience and can set appropriate goals to reach them. And if you get stuck, reach out to a freelance marketing specialist. With the right consultant and digital tools,  you'll be well on your way to becoming your own marketing department!