Five Tips for a Start-Up Marketing Plan

Investors aren't impressed by concepts such as viral marketing or premier branding. What they want to see his how they are going to get a return on their investment. Because of this they are some points you need to include in your start up marketing plan. Here are five suggestions to include and get the investors' money out of their pockets and into your business.

A professional website and blog is a necessity for any business. It is one part of your start up marketing plan you can't live without. The internet is the great leveler. Small businesses can compete with the big dogs with a professional website that is stylish and functional. Functionality is important so that visitors can find what they need and navigate your website easily. You can use Adobe Dreamweaver, or other low cost tools to create a website. You can also hire a website designer. A budget of $10,000 is a good place to start. A blog creates community and makes you an expert in your field. You can write it, or hire a professional writer. There are also plenty of free or low cost platforms on the web you can use.

Take advantage of social media. Social media gives you exposure for your business and is another way to set yourself up as an expert in your field. Content that engages your readers and helps to spread the word about your business is an important part of your start up marketing plan. Also use webinars, whitepapers, blogs, and press releases. Another way to create a buzz about your business is to convince radio, television, and newspaper reporters to cover your business as part of a local story.

Get your customer's attention. In your start up marketing plan you need to have ways to get your customer's attention by offering them something unique. Free give-aways, promotions, discounts, and coupons are all great ideas. This step will require you to put some thought into your business and start up marketing plan to identify what sets you apart from your competitors and who your target market is.

How will you generate leads? Include how you plan on generating leads in your start up marketing plan. This can include mining leads from your website, contacts, trade show connections, and lead generation services. This doesn't have to be an expensive part of your start up marketing plan, but it does need to be creative.

Make connections with partners and referrals. Happy customers spread the word, and if you can include marketing opportunities in your start up marketing plan. Be sure your partners and referrals aren't direct competitors.

A well thought out start up marketing plan is one of the things that separate a successful new business from a failure. Marketing is crucial to startups and established businesses. If you can show investors you have put thought into how to spread the word about your business, they will be more likely to help fund your start up business.