Smarts Social Marketing Strategy Guide
Monday, September 1st, 2008
Do-it-yourself Marketing, Learning the Secrets to Get Your Own Results
Small business owners willing to sweat, but short on cash should try do it yourself marketing. Learn to observe and mimic the marketing professionals. Find a marketing firm that is willing to coach and guide, while leaving the execution to you. You will be amazed at the savings to your marketing budget and potentially the extra success you will get.
The Internet and Web 2.0 are bringing these savvy entrepreneurs all of the tools to execute a world-class marketing plan. Unfortunately, there is still that missing piece–knowledge.
Old school marketing firms and ad agencies are trapped in business models sustained by big retainers, long-term contracts, and little accountability. This is a recipe for good money chasing bad execution, in an economy that can’t afford it.
Smart marketing firms are giving you options to take more control over the execution of your marketing plan, while they provide the expertise. Leveraging Internet tools, social marketing, and new mobile techniques these new marketing firms are specializing in strategy and expertise, leaving execution to their clients.
Here are a few hints to save you money and squeeze the most out of your marketing spend:
1. Find Experience
Look for firms with talent and proven experience. Survey their impact on the Internet. Ask associates for referrals and references. An effective Internet Marketing Firm should be easy to find.
2. Pay for Expertise, Not Execution
Chance are you are heavy on smart people, while light on marketing expertise and budget. So, find a marketing partner that will work with you to balance that mix. Look for specific how-to advice and guided strategy. Then do the heavy lifting yourself.
3. Look for A La Carte Services
Don’t pay for the whole marketing department when you just need a few targeted services. Look for coaching and expertise in copywriting, press releases, and campaign management, not managing your message or “communications.” You probably have better knowledge of your target market any way–and how to get their attention. Ask (and pay) for only what you need to get it done, and nothing more.
4. Discard Retainers for Pay-As-You-Go
Retainers are for multi-national, Fortune 50 companies. Pay only on performance, as you go. This more closely aligns a marketing partner with your goals and objectives, while minimizing your long-term risks.
5. Results are the Final Measure
Bottom-line sales and revenue producing results are the most important objectives of any business, but particularly a small or medium-sized business. This is why you may find great marketing firms willing to let you employee their expertise, while giving you the responsibility and savings for implementation and measurement. This assures that their services are credible and drives immediate value.
Find do-it-yourself marketing options for your next ad or marketing campaign. Find experts and leverage their specific skills, but go ahead and execute and measure on your own. You get to lead the marketing charge, giving you more for you marketing dollar.
About the Author
Biz In Need is a new media marketing company. As a leader in mobile marketing and social media we can help you start the conversation with your customers. Let our experts guide your mobile marketing, social media, and press release strategy.
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