The WebSiteMarketingPlan.com Network News, October 11, 2004

It is that time of the year again, when business thoughts turn to budgets and the marketing plan. Some of you (the “lucky” ones) know how you are going to proceed and already have a format to follow. Others of you (the majority, I suspect. ), are at a bit of a loss. For those of you in the latter group, there is information on The WebSiteMarketingPlan.com Network to help. Here is a summary of some of the resources:

Planning Options

In general, you can generate a marketing plan by going through a workbook or other written marketing plan tools, utilizing software, or going at it on your own.

- On your own. There are several articles on MarketingPlanArticles.com ( http://www.MarketingPlanArticles.com ) - such as David Frey’s “Seven-Step One-Day Marketing Plan” - that explain different methods for completing a plan. I have also written a variety of articles on the subject at http://www.websitemarketingplan.com/MarketingPlanArticles.htm .

- Software. There are a variety of software programs out there that will generate a marketing plan with information you provide. One of the best is Marketing Plan Pro. I prefer this one over competitors because it comes with a variety of sample marketing plans that were generated with the software - more than 70 - from actual companies in diverse industries.

- Marketing plan tools. My own book and other planning tools walk you through five steps to completing a flexible, strategic marketing plan and one-page summary sheet. The process is designed to be flexible, so you can use it if you are a one-person shop or larger company. More information is at http://www.websitemarketingplan.com/MarketingBook .

Publishing Schedule

Some of you have noticed the newsletters have been less frequent this Summer and Fall. This is due to a variety of factors - health, personal family issues, and added responsibilities on other projects. We have never had a set time table because with that flexibility, you do not receive garbage just because the schedule says it is time for a newsletter. When there is something of substance to say or information to pass along, I do it. It is not the optimal branding strategy for me. I feel, however, that this sporadic approach is overall best suited, given the situation.

Sidebar

As some of you know, I am a board member and Webmaster for the St. Louis Publishers Association. We are working hard to bring the first annual Meet Me In St. Louis Book Festival and Arts & Crafts Fair to the St. Louis area. The festival will be held Halloween weekend in and around the World’s Fair Pavilion in Forest Park. Many authors will be available to chat and discuss their books. Additionally, featured authors will speak and be available for signatures. This is a family event, with contests, local personalities, and much more. Details are on the Website, http://www.StLouisPublishers.org/LitFest, http://www.StLouisPublishers.org/LitFest .

Marketing Questions?

Click over to the Online Marketing Forum at http://www.highrankings.com/forum/index.php?showforum=14 .

Enjoy.