Beginning a marketing program without a strategic plan is a lot like starting on a road trip without a map or directions. It’s not enough to know where you want to be; you need to decide the best way to get there.
The process that we use at VisionPoint to develop powerful strategies for our clients encompasses a number of critical steps, each building on the one before.
First, we conduct marketing research to determine both quantitative and qualitative data.
Next is a market assessment which includes a thorough SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis, a competitive review, and an evaluation of the target audience: who they are, where they are, what they expect, what it will take to convert them to a customer.
We then take all of what was learned and prepare a gap analysis, looking for ways to create unique offers to fill unmet needs.
At this point, it’s time to apply a large measure of creative thinking in order to develop a unique positioning for the company and a brand strategy.
Finally, we put it all together in a detailed marketing plan and set the wheels in motion for creative development and tactical deployment.