How to market an idea can be determined by creating a simple 7 step marketing plan. It doesn’t have to be elaborate and fancy. It should be documented so that it can be referred back to as a tool. This will prevent you from veering off into unprofitable, nonproductive, and unchartered waters.
Grab a pen and paper or a recording device and answer these 7 questions.
1. Who is your ideal client?
Explain everything about your ideal client. Describe what they look like, what they do in their spare time, and where they work. Make sure you think about them in detail because these people are your target market. You will be directing all of your marketing efforts towards anyone that fall into this category.
2. Why is your idea better than other ideas out there?
Learning how to market an idea includes asking yourself what sets your idea apart from the rest. List the benefits of your idea and how your idea will benefit your ideal clients. Ask yourself why your ideal clients would be interested in your idea.
3. What is the emotional core message of your idea?
Your target market will buy into your idea because of the emotional fulfillment they get from your idea and NOT the idea itself. Figure out what those emotional fulfillments are for your clients.
4. Create Targeted Marketing Materials
How can you develop or recreate marketing materials focused directly on the emotional message you want to send to your ideal clients? Think in terms of online marketing techniques such as websites, social media, and content as well as traditional offline marketing.
5. How can you educate your target market?
Learning how to market your idea includes embracing the concept of marketing rather than advertising. Advertising is for getting customers while marketing creates long term fulfilling relationships with clients.
6. Referral Program
Perhaps one of the best marketing practices is referral marketing. Happy clients will do more for marketing your idea than you can possibly do on your own. Keep this in mind and think of ways to put a referral program in place.
7. Put the entire plan into action.
Now that you have a solid marketing plan in place, don’t let yourself feel overwhelmed. Create a plan of action to help you put the plan in motion. Even doing a little on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis will boost your marketing efforts.
Without even realizing it, you have already spent more time learning how to market an idea than most small businesses. Now, organize your thoughts on paper and emphasize the key elements. Congratulations! You now have a great marketing plan!
