Virginia Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts 7308 Hanover Green Drive, Suite 100 Mechanicsville, Virginia 2311 Office /Toll /Fax – Follow us on Facebook Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts Easy Steps toDevelopingaMarketingPlan

Marketing is about “wants” and “needs.” First, we have to find out what our customers want and need and give it to them! “Begin with the end in mind.” What end result do you envision?

Deliberate research and planning will increase your opportunity for success Identify correct product/service to meet wants/needs Delivery the right message To the right audience At the right time

Include “Authentic “Marketing Plan” Components 1.Understanding Your Market 2.Understanding Your Customers 3.Develop a Timetable or Calendar of Events 4.Set Goals 5.Develop a Budget 6.Summary To Your Success!

Understand Your Market What, Who and Where? What do I already know? What do I need to know? What can I glean from my “Business Plan?” What are my organizations Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats? (SWOT) What’s my organization’s mission/vision? Make a list of what you find and what you already know.

Understand Your Customer Who are they? Where are they? What do they want/need? What motivates them? What can I glean from my “Business Plan?” Make a list of what you find and what you already know.

Develop a Timetable or Calendar of Events First, write what you want to achieve! What end results do you envision? Set Goals Set goals to achieve desired outcomes. Realistic Measurable Achievable

Develop a Budget Avoid financial surprises & crisis! Be creative! Summarize Write your summary last Use as a guide State your organization’s mission

Write Your Marketing Plan Who/what is out there competing for your market share List the various features of your customers, and their wants and needs Establish a calendar of events/timeline/milestones Establish a budget Set realistic, measurable and achievable goals Write your summary You are well on your way to writing a Marketing Plan!

Marketing Mix – The Four “P’s” of Marketing 1.Product, 2.Price, 3.Place, 4.Promotion. Marketing is more than any “one” of the marketing components.

Marketing Mix 1.Product: This is what you are marketing. It may be tangible or intangible 2.Price: This is the cost to the customer. It may be dollars, time, or other resources 3.Place: This is the place/location of the project, event, etc. Where will it happen? 4.Promotion: What promotional methods will you use?

Other Worthy Elements Brainstorming -Marketing Mix Chart Budget - Spreadsheet Pilot – Pre-test Evaluation SWOT Analysis