The city of Fort Lauderdale is often referred to as the “Venice of the North.” Located within the state of Florida, this paradise on the ocean offers a laidback lifestyle and warm sunny days that last all year long. It is in fact, one of the most popular travel destinations in the country, as well as the world. Despite its glamorous reputation, the city is in fact, quite a family-friendly place, offering top-notch attractions, such as the Fort Lauderdale Waterfront, which is a massive downtown development project that began in the 1960s and has since attracted residents and visitors from all over the globe.
If you are reading this, I assume you are either thinking about moving there or has already moved there. I would like to welcome you to the wonderful city of Fort Lauderdale and give you an overview of what an online marketing agency does for a business.
Why Website Developers?
Before delving into the nitty-gritty, let’s discuss why website developers are important. Primarily, a website is an electronic version of a business or an organization, whether it’s a small, independent bookstore, a news site, a restaurant, or a hotel. In today’s world, having a website is an essential part of being in business. Without a web site, it’s quite difficult to get your business noticed, especially if you’re trying to do so on your own.
With the advent of online directories, having a web site has become even more important. These directories, such as Google Maps and Yelp, are important not only because they’re free to use but because they allow customers to find your business without having to go through a sales representative. In this case, having a web site is necessary so that people can find you online and learn more about your business, whether they’re a potential customer or just someone who happens to stumble upon your site.
As a business owner or manager, you’ll need to decide how important a site is to your business. Do you need an online space to sell your products? Do you need a site to show off your special events and promotions? Do you need a site to collect feedback and word of mouth marketing?
Marketing Plan
Before you begin, you’ll need to put together a plan. Just like a business plan, a marketing plan should be a living document that is regularly reviewed and updated as needed. In this plan, you should include the following:
- An explanation of your product or service
- Marketing strategies, including where you’re currently positioned and what you need to do to get to the next level
- A description of the target audience and how you plan to reach them
- How much you’ll need to invest in each phase of the marketing plan
- Your estimated date of completion
Like a business plan, this plan should be as objective as possible, avoiding any subjective adjectives or narrative. Keep things concise but comprehensive.
Marketing Phases
Once you have your plan in place, you’ll need to map out the various phases of marketing. Just like a business, you may need to undertake several attempts before you find the right formula. In the meantime, you’ll need to be prepared to constantly review your plan and course-correct as needed. In the following table, I’ve laid out a basic outline of the typical marketing plan:
- Phase 1: Product research and formulation
- Phase 2: Distribution strategy
- Phase 3: Marketing and sales
- Phase 4: Analysis and feedback
Each of these phases will require a unique set of skills, so it’s important to enlist the help of an agency that is well-versed in digital marketing, content strategy, and sales.
Marketing Plan Timeline
Since a business plan and a marketing plan are living documents, you should keep track of due dates and deadlines. This will help you ensure that you don’t miss a beat and that everything is delivered on time.
Marketing Channels
Just like a business, your marketing plan will depend on the target audience you’re aiming at. Regardless of whether you’re trying to sell luxury goods to someone in the upper echelons of society or simply trying to capture the attention of millennials, you’ll need to consider where and how your target audience is likely to hear about your business.
Traditional marketing, such as TV ads, radio spots, and billboards, are still quite popular. However, with so much content now available online, there are also numerous ways to market your business without having to spend big bucks on traditional advertising.
Choosing the right channels for your business depends on your target audience. If you’re trying to sell high-end luxury goods to the affluent buyer, you may need to consider traditional marketing channels, such as expensive magazine ads or a social media campaign that features professional photography and elegant writing. If your target audience is more mainstream, you may want to consider exploring online marketplaces, such as Amazon or eBay, to sell your products
The important thing to keep in mind is that no matter what, your plan needs to fit within your budget. Just like a business plan, you’ll need to put together an investment case that shows how you’ll use the money you’re raising in order to make your business a success.