Creating Your Internet Marketing Plan

Written by Megan Corwin

For large corporations, a marketing plan is a huge document detailing strategies for the fiscal year. It may include competitor analysis or a sales forecast. While these elements are important to a large business, do you as a small business owner (without a well paid marketing staff) have the time or energy to devote to putting together a huge document? Unless you are trying to get a financial loan, probably not...

But that doesnt mean you should totally scrap the idea. A marketing plan can be a wonderful tool to help you refine your focus. Youve heard the old saying If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Thats because when you dont plan you lack intention and attention.

My suggestion is to create a micro-plan. Open up a new document and take an hour or two to answer the following questions.

Micro-Plan Questions

What is your purpose for being online?

Awareness
Sales
Community

What % of your overall marketing to be done online?

How much time do you expect to spend marketing on internet?

What strategies will you use?

Contests
Forums
Free reports/e-book
Newsletter
Pay per click advertising
Banners
Articles/content
Viral marketing

Timeline

Assign a project date to each of the strategies. Will they be one time events (contest) or something you need to do frequently (forums)? While you are thinking about it, schedule your projects in your time management system or planner.

Analysis

How will you track the success of your marketing plans? What is your ROI?

Budget

What is your total yearly internet marketing budget?
Assign a $ to each of the strategies you will use.

A successful internet marketing strategy begins with a plan. The time you take to put together your micro-plan will be well worth it to your business.

Megan Corwin is an internet marketing coach who helps work at home professionals grow their businesses. For more articles and advice about online marketing strategy and solutions, become a member of Megans online community for work at home women: http://www.wahwoman.com/membership.html

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