When developing a digital marketing plan, you need to consider a number of different factors including the objectives you have for your plan, the resources available, and the time you have to execute the plan.
In developing your digital marketing plan, you are essentially designing an implementation roadmap for your digital marketing strategy. The objectives you set in your plan will guide you in the execution of the plan. You can use the plan to evaluate whether you have achieved the stated objectives and the measures you have taken to do so. To create a successful digital marketing plan, consider the following:
The Objectives Of Your Plan
Determining the objectives of your plan is an essential step to developing an effective strategy. Before you can begin to design your plan, you need to be clear on the purpose of the plan. Are you planning to generate more leads? To drive more sales? To gain brand awareness?
Once you know the objectives of your plan, you can begin to determine the measures you will use to track your progress. Measuring the success of your plan is key to its improvement. Without a clear point of reference for the plan, it is very difficult to gauge whether your efforts are bearing fruit. The clearer you are in your own mind about the objectives of your plan, the more effective it will be. Consider writing down the major objectives you have for your plan.
The Resources Available
The resources available to you will directly impact your ability to successfully implement your plan. You need to be mindful of your available manpower and the financial resources you have at your disposal. When developing your plan, you need to consider the resources you have available to achieve the objectives you have set. Do you have the budget to pay for a social media agency? To hire a content strategist? To rent an office space?
The more resources you have available to you, the more effective you will be in the execution of your plan. If you don’t have the financial resources to pay for these items, consider using your available manpower. Partner with others to achieve the objectives you have set for the plan.
The Time To Execute Your Plan
With regards to the time you have to execute your plan, you need to consider the speed at which you can achieve the objectives you have set. If you have a limited amount of time, you will need to consider how you can be most effective in achieving your stated goals. Is there a particular event you need to focus on in the next month? A new product you can promote? A specific website you can build? Or, do you need to take a methodical approach and build up a following over a number of months?
Depending on how long you have to execute your plan, you can determine the pace at which you should implement it. If you have a limited time, you might want to consider implementing the plan soon after you write it. However, if you have a lot of time, you might want to take a slower approach and be patient.
Designing Your Plan
Once you have set your objectives and the resources available, you can begin to design your plan. Begin by putting yourself in the shoes of the person you are writing the plan for. If you are writing the plan for a CEO, consider their mindset and the way they want to see things handled. In addition to this, write down the metrics you will use to track your progress. Define specific tasks you will need to accomplish in the next few months to be able to evaluate the success of your plan.
To design your plan, create an editorial calendar. This will help you keep track of the content you need to create and the timing for its publication. Define the different phases you will go through in the creation of your plan and track the progress you make through the plan. Regularly review the plan and make tweaks where necessary.
Making Sure Your Plan Is User-friendly
As a digital marketer, nothing bugs you more than a poorly designed plan. To avoid this, make sure you have someone on your staff who can take charge of the plan’s layout and design. This person should be experienced in creating marketing plans and should have a good eye for design. In addition to this, you should review the plan at least once a week and make sure it is updated and organized.
Assembling Your Marketing Team
Now that you have an editorial calendar and a design for your plan, you can begin assembling your marketing team. This is a crucial step to the effective implementation of your plan. Your team should consist of the following people:
- Marketing director
- Account manager
- Digital marketer
- Content strategist
- Product manager
- Operations manager
- Graphic designer
- Copywriter
- Social media specialist
Assembling a strong marketing team is key to the success of your plan. Your team should consist of experienced professionals who will help you execute the plan and ensure it is followed.