I really should  have just called this: Marketing advice that annoys me- but I decided to be a bit classier.

Do you have a marketing plan?

No, crossing your fingers and wishing upon stars doesn’t count.  At all.

Sorry champ, but you do need an actual strategy and plan (besides, it’s rather overcast around me right now- if I can’t wish on any stars- no one can).

Look around the ‘net for ‘marketing plan’  I dare you, you will find lists upon lists of what to do, and well- if you don’t already have an audience you really aren’t going far.  Many of the people who are looking online for a marketing plan don’t have too much of an audience. 

See the problem there?

Many of them tell you to ‘Leverage your audience’ (at least, if you do have one)  and have such brilliant ideas as- tell the people who go to your website about your product.  Oh hey, I have a website- did you know I also make and sell things? 

So, am I rich now?

Sure, that was a sarcastic example- but it was an example none-the-less.  If it were as simple as mentioning something on your website, or posting a thing or two, most people would be swimming in money right now. 

It’s not.

You need to actually work your product.  Say you sell flowers, you really want to talk up those flowers bad.  You need to show stunning images, and detail them.  Potential customers need to know what to expect.  The same is true for other products as well cars, shirts, boats, and shoes.

It’s not too much different for the creative fields either. 

You see your creativity and abilities are your product (creepy as that may sound).  Your ability to put words to use, or graphics software to use- that’s it. 

That is what you are selling. That is what you need to really talk up, post images, go nuts.  Out there online are people who are interested in what you will say.  You obviously need to get their eyes to your website. 

Another popular suggestion is commenting on blogs.  No. 

This is not a marketing plan. Just don’t use it (save in some cases). 

Why?  Even if your company is completely legit, as more and more people use this one this as the entirety of their ‘plan’ more and more websites are being inundated with one-off comments that are more than likely to just get deleted. 

A better idea?  Become an avid commenter on a blog- or forum- then start including your link in your name.  Only after you have built up your respect.  Otherwise it’s unlikely your link will even be clicked.

Comment on things you enjoy, not just because it’s ‘in your ‘niche’. 

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