Marketing.

• Position: Small Business Resources

Developing a digital marketing plan

Define your target customer

Define your Objectives

Design and create content

Create a messaging calendar

Determine your success metrics

Execute your plan

TIPS FOR

Define the key messages you want to communicate about your brand. All employees should low them.

Develop a tagline. A concise and memorable statement that captures the essence of your brand.

Create brand standards for your marketing materials. Logos, color schemes, templates.

Be consistent. It takes ongoing effort and time to develop a recognized brand.

Deliver on your brand promise. Your brand is ultimately defined by the experience your customers, suppliers, employees and other stakeholders have with your company.

Why social media?

It's important to have an integrated strategy attached to your social media. Here are some worthy marketing objectives where social media tactics can excel:

* Spread your content and expertise to new audiences.

* Network with like-minded individuals and companies.

* Build a community of evangelists.

* Involve your customers and prospects in co-creation.

* Reach new audiences in the exact way they choose to communicate.

* Be seen as a thought leader in your industry.

* Easily hear literally everything that's being said online about your brand, products or industry.

* Be seen as a trusted source of information.

source: Let's Talk: Social Media for Small Business

Market Research Resources

Good business decisions are supported by good data. Two excellent resources are:

NC LiVE (www.nclive.org)--Free through public and college libraries...