How To Write An Online Brand Marketing Plan (379 hits)
Creating a branding strategy is probably the last thing on the mind of a solo business owner when they are juggling so many different things. BUT I promise you it can be the one thing that turns your business around from lackluster to golden.
I often have people ask what it takes to put together a branding strategy. So in today's post I'm going to give you a 7 step formula for developing your own brand marketing plan. Mine is 33 pages long and I can go back to it any time to find things I need when I'm preparing to promote my business through a radio show, on a sales letter, in an in-person networking event, and more.
If you take the time to complete the sections I'll describe, you will be amazed at how much clarity you have to move forward. Oh, and if you're having any trouble, you can always hire me to help you fill in the gaps (shameless, unabashed plug here :) ...only because I really do love this stuff).
Why is it a great idea to have a brand marketing plan? Because it can help you understand where you are now, how you want your brand to be seen, and what it will take to get you there.
7 Parts of an Online Brand Marketing Plan
Executive Summary - a one page overview of the main points of your brand plan; this is something you want to be able to view at a glance when you go back to look at it over and over again, reminding yourself of the type of brand you want to portray
Personal Brand (Mission) Statement - here is where you outline why you are doing what you're doing in two to three sentences; it covers who you are, what you do, who you serve, and how you serve them (see one of my previous posts on Creating a Fabulous Personal Brand Statement)
SWOT Situational Analysis
Strengths & Weaknesses - this is a reality check, a snapshot of your current brand situation; where are things right now - e.g. market, current customer base, products/services line, distribution channels, competition, overall environment
Opportunities & Threats - competitive analysis, where you can be different, what is holding you back, what environmental advantages you can dig into to better position your brand
Goals - what are the quantifiable things you want to achieve with your brand; include dates, times, frequency - as much detail as you can muster for the objectives you are pursuing
Brand Marketing Strategy - big picture of your brand marketing (probably the lengthiest piece of what you'll write); includes information about your strategic position, target market, your ideal client, your product & services line, pricing model, distribution channels, administrative systems, current and intended online activities, visual elements
Action Plan - step by step activities to move forward; tactical moves you will make to accomplish #4 goals
Budget - what you expect to bring in monthly based on activities, sales, etc., how much you will spend on business resources, net income goals for the next 12 months
Sound like a lot? Well, it can be if you try to do it all in a day. Remember, good planning and strategy takes time. Look at it as a worthwhile investment in the future of your business brand.
It can also take the help of a great accountability partner to give you honest feedback. As a solopreneur, we are not always positioned to have a full team of resources. Tap into someone you trust to review the plan as you go - a trusted advisor, a mentor, a coach, mastermind group - find someone to partner with you in your brand success.
This is the path to brand excellence!
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About the Author: Tanya Smith of Be Promotable is a premier personal branding & marketing coach. Her creative genius has unlocked the potential of many women solopreneurs, helping them to reinvent themselves as power players in their startup business. Claim your free instant access to a free video download, 5 Secrets to Developing Your Unique Brand Proposition at: www.bepromotable.com.
