Marketing
Last Updated on Tuesday, 05 January 2010 08:25 Written by Administrator Thursday, 29 October 2009 12:47
Promotional strategies
When entrepreneurs’ initially consider marketing their business, product, or service, they typically only think of advertising as a feasible means of promotion. The reality is that there are a variety of other promotional strategies that can be utilized including: sales promotions, direct marketing, personal selling, public relations, social media, e-commerce, among many others. In order to determine which approach is best for your business you need to first research and understand your target market. This assessment will aid in delivering maximum results. For additional ideas, please visit Ways to Promote Your Product or Service
Nancy Kindler, Nancy Kindler Live - Market Research and Planning
Jared Smith, Incite Solutions Inc. - The Two Cs and an E in Branding
Sue Paulson, FingerTip Solutions - Networking
Whatever stage your business is at - start-up or expansion-good products or services are not enough to ensure your business success. Marketing is about finding and keeping good customers and finding new customers and markets. As you develop and implement your marketing plan you will have to keep abreast of changes in the market and understand how these will impact your customers and potential customers. You will also need to keep aware of what your customers are doing and find unique ways to promote your own products or services.
Marketing Issues and Ideas
What is marketing?
Marketing includes the activities involved in creating an interest in or desire for your product or service. In this website we hope to provide you with valuable tips for planning and delivering your marketing initiatives and marketing on the Internet.
- Generating Marketing Ideas
- Marketing Checklist for Small Retailers
- Developing New Accounts
- Writing a Proposal (PDF file)
The Marketing Mix
The marketing mix is a set of controllable variables used to plan and implement a companies marketing program. It is also known as the Four P’s of Marketing – Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. Together these elements assist a company in strategically marketing their products and services.
The Chartered Institute of Marketing discusses some of these areas further in a 10 Minute Guide: Marketing Mix
Market Research
What is market research and why is it different than marketing?
As stated previously marketing encompasses everything that a business does to get and keep customers whereas market research acccording to Barrons Dictionary of Business Terms is the "gathering and analysis of information about the moving of goods or services from producer to consumer.". Market research typically includes: about the marketplace, consumer needs and why they buy/don't buy what they do. Another aspect of market research is product response, why consumers like/dislike about the product/service.
Market research consists of primary (customers, employees, etcetera) and secondary (government census, trade association surveys, newspapers) sources of information which can be qualitative (subjective like a questionnaire)or quantitive (measurement: percentages, numbers).
- Your Marketing Strategy
- Market Research - Where to Find the Information You Need
- Guide to Market Research and Analysis
- Market Research - The Basics
- How To Find New Markets
- Primary Research Techniques
Market Research Tool
- Community Profile Search Tool
Use this tool to find useful market information on the communities in Alberta.
Advertising and Promotions
Are advertising and marketing the same thing?In a word "no", advertising - letting potential customers know what your product/service is, where you are located and why you should buy from me is all part of your communications strategy (part of your overall marketing plan). Advertising can be in many forms from media (radio, television, newspaper) to billboard, internet, flyers, or word of mouth.
- Advertising Guidelines for Small Retailer Firms
- Do You Know the Results of Your Advertising
- Guidelines for Developing a Company Brochure
- Plan your Advertising Budget
- Signs and your Business
- Internet Marketing
- Developing a Promotional Plan
Marketing Plan
What is a Marketing Plan?
A Marketing Plan is a document that describes how a business will promote itself and exploit identified opportunities. A marketing plan usually addresses the entire marketing activities of the company but individual plans may be created for the launch of a new product or service.
Other Sources of Information
- Government Programs and Services Database
Search various categories of business-oriented programs, services and some regulations of the provincial and federal government departments and other organizations that are partners in the Canada Business Service Centres and The Business Link Business Service Centre. - Marketing Links
These links will transfer you to sites operated by various government departments/agencies and private sector organizations and companies providing information on this topic. - The Business Link's Search Engine
Search our entire site by keyword. - The Business Link's Business Officers
Our business experts are always ready to discuss your business needs in confidence. - Library Pathfinders
Our pathfinders provide a quick reference of The Business Link's library materials available on this topic and many others
