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Action Plan For Marketing And Distributing Your Products
Do you know why many businesses never see their 5th
birthday? They lack a solid plan of action for marketing
and distributing their products. So much focus is on the
investment in the start-up phase and product development.
The "how to" of obtaining customers and deliver our
products
often get put aside. The return on investment remains a
hopeful figure with no set marketing plan on how to
achieve
it. A common mistake that you can easily repair.
Start your marketing and distribution plan with these
three
questions: Who will use what you offer? Is there a demand
for what you offer? Who are competitors and how do they
market? These questions will lead you to your target
market
and will give you a clue on how to reach them.
Once you know your market, you can then find out how to
reach them. What mode of advertising will reach your
audience. You will want to explore traditional methods like
radio, television and classifieds.
Even if your target
market is local, don't overlook the power of using online
marketing. A web site gives you a 24 hour, 7 days a week
advertising vehicle. Consumers love promotional
marketing.
You want to include it in your marketing plan.
You can
give
a limited time discount. Something to entice them to try
your product.
Distribution markets are not so cut and dry. There are
tons
of ways to distribute your product, from doing it
yourself
directly to the consumer, to other companies moving your
product for you. This is where you will have to really do
your home work. Other companies or individuals, moving your
product line would be where the term "middleman" comes
from. There are lots of different kinds of middlemen such
as: jobbers, brokers, resellers, and many more. Each one
takes a cut from the retail value of your products, which
in turn drives the retail prices of your products up.
However, if your middlemen are making tons of cash that
means you are making tons of cash. It's the old win-win
situation.
Many startups don't think about how to meet the
demand of a growing customer base. Think about possible
scenarios and problems that could arise. Put together
possible solutions on how to handle those situations.
This
way you won't be caught off guard and you can quickly put
your plan into action. This will reduce your business
pains while keeping your customers happy.
Tina Valiedi is a contributing editor and author for
MP Strategies Firm providing super targeted web
traffic to
internet businesses. Find more advertising article at
http://www.mpstrategiesfirm.com
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