Is your marketing getting the results you want? If not, it might be due to one of a number of common mistakes that business owners make when it comes to their marketing.
Fortunately, many of these mistakes can be easily avoided once they have been identified. By making a few simple changes, you can get your marketing back on target without a fuss.
Here are five common marketing mistakes that business owners make:
1. Changing suppliers or service providers without adequate preparation
If you want to change your suppliers, make sure you have a good transition plan in place to minimise disruption, and that everyone is aware of who is going to take responsibility for what. Disruption can cause delays as well as unexpected costs.
2. Unclear briefing or instructions for marketing projects
If you are working with outside sources, or you have an in-house marketing department, ensure they have clear instructions as to the scope of the project and the steps they need to take. Lack of communication can lead to frustration, not to mention a lot of time spent clarifying and reiterating instructions – which should have been clearly explained at the beginning.
3. Making changes at the last minute
If you feel you need to change your marketing strategy, or make changes to marketing materials, make sure you think it through carefully, and allow adequate time for your marketing team to adjust. Hasty changes can mean mistakes and unnecessary rushing to get things done.
4. Not having a sufficient marketing budget for your needs
Marketing doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg, but you will need to refine your goals and strategy, and budget accordingly. Trying to cut costs on necessary or core activities will not do you any favours in the long term, and can end up costing you more in money, and time needed to rectify mistakes.
5. Taking too long to approve projects
If a project requires time or resources, having a slow approvals process can delay things, and put projects behind schedule. This can have implications for the overall success of your marketing campaign, and the motivation of your marketing staff.
If your marketing efforts are falling short of the target, it might be worth taking a look at your business to see if you are making any of the above mistakes. Addressing any ongoing issues that might be affecting your marketing can lead to a more effective strategy, and reduced marketing costs.
No business is perfect, but with a few changes and regular evaluation of your marketing, you should be able to avoid the most common marketing issues and enjoy the results you deserve.
