The basics of marketing

When you are designing a marketing plan, for your business, it is crucial to understand the basics of marketing. However, the good news is that the basic principles of marketing are easy to understand and implement. You will only need to dedicate some time and effort to learning the basics, in order to grasp the direction you want to take your marketing plan. After learning the basics, you can then further expand on marketing ideas that are applicable to your business. To get you started, here are the basics of marketing-

- Identify your target market-The basis of good marketing is being able to clearly identify who you need to market to. To many business owners mistakenly assume that they can be everything to everyone. The reality is that not everyone will be interested in buying your product or service. You will need to be able to do enough market research to clearly determine who would be the most likely potential customer, for what your business offers. You should take the time to learn your customer's preferences, buying patterns and even their lifestyle choices. One of the most valuable and easy to use tools, to help you accomplish this is social media sites. By going onto social media you can start to see what your customers are talking about and most importantly what they are looking to buy. While you can hire out your market research task to a marketing firm, with a little planning, patience and diligence you can gather this information, for little or not cost to you.
- Make it easy for your customers to find you-Too often in the mistaken belief that they need to look sophisticated, businesses make it difficult, for customers to find what they are offering. This only serves to frustrate your customers and cause them to seek a product or service that is easier to find. This is especially true if you are depending on your online presence, to bring in sales. You should keep your domain name short and something that can be easily remembered. You also want to provide several different ways, for your customers to get in touch in with you. This way you can begin to establish a relationship with your customers that will hopefully turn into a long lasting buying relationship.
- Do not overlook customer service-Many times businesses feel that they have to have a formal marketing strategy in place, in order to be really marketing. The bottom line is that the level of customer service that you provide can become one of your most powerful marketing tools. When your customers know that your service to them is your top priority, they will spread the word. Treating your customers with respect and making them happy puts a ripple effect into place. They will in turn let everyone they know about the service they receive, from your business. Everyone in your company should be aware that customer service is the top priority and one of the best marketing tools that you can access.
- Understand your competition-Savvy business owners do not overlook the fact that their marketing is not just about them, but about their competition as well. You will need to have a clear understanding of exactly what your competition is offering and how they are offering it. Remember, that your customers have a sea of choices to choose from, so you need to make sure that you position yourself, so that your business is the one that stands out. Creative marketing can help you to differentiate your business and its products and services, from the competition in your market.