Marketing plan is an essential component of a business plan. It is really important that the marketing plan be followed exactly as it is designed. The success of any business is strongly dependent on its marketing efforts because no matter how much efficient it is in operations, finance, research and development; if the business is unable to entice the target market towards it offerings, then there is no point in running the organization.

“The purpose of writing a marketing plan is to present an overall marketing objective and in depth strategies for achieving the underlined goals.”

Outline Development of Your Marketing Plan

Following are the general elements that constitute a basic marketing plan:

Executive Summary

Mission of the Company

Marketing Objectives

Situational Analysis

Market Segmentation

Market Strategies

Short and Long Term Projections

Expand Your Outline to Meet Desired Sales Objectives

Executive summary is a quick overview of what is the entire market plan about. Although,it makes the first section for a marketing plan but usually written at end.

Mission explains the purpose of existence of the business.

Marketing objectives are defined on the basis of company’s resources and the environment in which it operates; and are in streamline with the ultimate goals of the company.

Situational analysis comprises of SWOT analysis and PESTEL analysis. SWOT stands for strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats and is an examination of the internal environment of the company. On the other hand, PESTEL, which stands for political, economical, social, technological, environmental and legal issues analyses the external business environment.

In the section of marketing segmentation, target market is identified in terms of social, psychological and demographic variables.

Marketing strategies are composed of 4 P’s (also known as marketing mix) which explain how the four variables of product, price, placement and promotion will help in attaining the marketing objectives.

Lastly, short and long term projections focus on sales forecast and break even analysis.

Objectives of a Marketing Plan

As a component of the yearly planning process associated with the marketing department.

Required for an introduction of a new product, service or as such in new product planning, entering new markets, or trying a new strategy to fix an existing problem.

Is a part of an overall business plan, such as a new business proposal.

Best Strategies Explained

Marketers cringe when they are asked to come up with an effective marketing plan. However, there are a few guidelines that will make the crafting of a marketing plan a joyful experience.