First, let us say, HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2016 is here, and we’ve got our eyes on some outstanding marketing results this year. We hope the same for you, too. That’s why we want to talk to you about marketing strategy. You know, that thing marketing experts preach about, but very few food makers actually create.

We’re going to make it easy for you by giving you three easy steps that will allow you to create a reasonable marketing strategy in just 15 minutes. Are you with us?

1. Set a numbers-driven goal.

What do you want for 2016? 25% increase in revenue? Double your social media interactions? 500 more website visitors a month? Write down that goal, and visualize it as the center of a bullseye.

2. What has worked for you in the past?

Study your sales numbers and website social media and website analytics. Can you tie any marketing efforts to a bump in sales? Do those tactics again.

3. Write down all the marketing tactics you will take to reach your goal.

If you’re unsure what tactics are available to you, check out our list of 56 marketing tactics food marketers should consider. Keep in mind that you should not try to do every marketing tactic. (It’s impossible, and it will force you to abandon your strategy out of frustration.) Instead, make a list of reasonable tactics to complete in 12 months, delegate what you can, and take small steps of your own each week.

Your food business marketing strategy should fit on one piece of paper. Tape it to the wall above your desk, so you can keep your eye on that target. Make it work for your biz.

Here’s to a successful 2016!
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This article originally appeared in The Condiment Marketing Co’s newsletter, The Quarterly Catchup. Don’t get it? Sign up here.

Sara Lancaster

About Sara Lancaster

Sara is The Condiment Marketing Co.’s founder and creative director. She oversees client relationships, strategic marketing plans, as well as a bit of copywriting and social media management.