 |
| |
|
In a December poll, the majority of business owners said that they had not yet written their 2022 marketing plans - but how many of us actually do write a marketing plan for the whole year?
|
| This poll result came as no great surprise, as the uncertainty and constant changes to rules over the last couple of years have seen many marketing professionals often playing catch-up. This has also meant having a more 'reactive', rather than 'proactive' approach to campaigns. |
| |
| While reactive marketing can be great - you can be relevant to current times and don't have to worry about changing plans at the last minute - it also means that some things have to take a backseat as you try to keep up. |
| |
| Putting together a year-long marketing plan feels like a huge amount of work all at once. And is it actually the best way forward? |
| |
| With the ever-increasing 'marketing noise' around us every day, companies need to stand out from the competition. Week-to-week or even month-to-month marketing planning can feel like the perfect way to do this, but we believe in focussing on the bigger picture and setting out your plans for the full year ahead. |
| |
| Want to know our top tips and how to do it (and how to not become overwhelmed?) - take a look at some of our top tips below. |
| |
Know Your Audience
|
| We hear it all the time, but hear us out... |
| |
One element of marketing planning that's seeing an upsurge is 'the buyer persona'. This is a fictional character created by you, to represent your key customer types.
|
| |
Putting together a fictional persona allows you to get inside the head of your target audience, to really understand them. By doing that, you know what they want to hear and what messages are perfect for this audience type.
|
| |
Take a step back from what you like, and think more about what makes them tick - what interests them? This is more efficient than looking at the audience demographics exclusively, because individuals within a demographic group are entirely different from one another and honestly, demographic data is only minimally useful when planning messages and long-term strategy.
|
| |
| Look at your analytics, see which parts of your strategy have been most successful and use this to inspire your personas. This will give a unique insight into the minds of your audience. |
| |
Sustainability is key
|
| Sir David Attenborough's Blue Planet 2 aired in December 2017, highlighting the impact of plastic pollution on marine life, and it has been a catalyst for a worldwide movement to reduce the usage of single-use plastics. |
| |
| This means that many companies are looking at their sustainability goals in great detail, and the big (and small) changes they can make to support the movement. |
| |
| Don't get left behind! It is critical to include these in your plan for 2022 marketing, and looking at the long-term impact of your business and campaigns, particularly when it comes to branded giveaways, and other promotional merchandise. |
| |
| One thing to remember is that sustainable merchandise isn't necessarily more expensive! For example, UK Made merchandise saves you lots of money on shipping, because it comes from right here in the UK, rather than overseas! |
| |
| Finding eco-friendly alternatives to your go-to merchandising solutions can be a big task, but never fear! Our team of experts are here to do all the heavy lifting for you. |
|
| Whether you have an idea of what products you want, or have no clue where to start, our team will source your ideal solutions (and of course provide you with several options to keep you within your budget.) |
| |
What do we recommend?
|
| |
|
Eco Pens
Pens are a staple item for any branded giveaway, especially at events. Many event organisers have traditionally opted for cheap, cheerful and plastic, but more recently we've found that our clients have been doing their bit for the environment and ordering eco-friendly instead!
|
|
| Most are not too different in price compared to plastic pens, but go a huge way to helping your events be more sustainable (plus they look great in the different textures available!) |
|
| |
| |
|
A5 Notebooks
The humble notebook has been extremely popular with our clients this past year. Despite the world turning to technology, the majority of us still favour the reliable, traditional notebook for work and personal use.
|
|
| If you are loving the eco products, why not opt for a notebook made from recycled paper, or natural materials? |
|
| |
| |
|
Reusable Bottles
2021 saw a huge surge in the popularity of reusable drinkware (particularly travel mugs and reusable drinks bottles), with so many of us venturing out for a lunchtime walk while working from home, to refresh the mind and help with our mental wellbeing.
|
|
| Employers were supporting staff wellbeing with products that they could send to those working from home. Printed with the company logo and a quirky design, or name personalisation, as well as being part of onboarding packs for new staff working remotely. |
|
| |
|
|
Powerbanks
Tech gifts for giveaways have definitely been a popular item of branded merchandise and Powerbanks have been our tech gift of choice for our clients recently. Used often and loved by all, a Powerbank is an ideal gift or giveaway to keep your brand in the forefront of everyone's mind!
|
|
| |
| |
| |
|
|
So take the plunge and get started on your marketing plan - your future self will thank you for thinking ahead and being so organised!
When it comes to merchandise, it's always a good idea to order in advance, but even if it's late notice, give us a call and we'll see what we can do!
|
| |
|
|
 |
| |
| |
|
|
0
0
01245 382600
