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How to Develop Your Personalized Marketing Plan

- September 10, 2010 | by April -

I hope the worksheets that you completed over the past three days have made you reflect on your strengths, values, goals, and current marketing plan. I also hope that you’ve given a lot of thought to the things in your life and business that make you happy and fulfilled. If you’ve done that, you’re ready to devise a marketing plan that will help your business succeed and give you joy.

Stop doing what you can’t stand doing.

Take a look at question 9 on worksheet 1 and question 3 from worksheet 3. What would happen if you stopped doing the things that you don’t like to do? What’s the WORST thing that could happen? If you can’t stop now, can you put a plan in place to eventually stop doing those things? For instance, you might hate your day job but need the income. To eventually leave your day job, you might have to cut back on spending to start saving and put more time into your creative business in the evening, even when you’re exhausted and want to watch trashy reality television.

Are any of your marketing efforts leaving you disappointed and frustrated? What would happen if you spent that time concentrating on marketing efforts that you actually enjoy?

Know why you’re marketing your products.

Always go back to your short-term and long-term goals to determine your marketing plan to fit your marketing plan into your goals and current business. If you want to increase your sales by 50% in six months, there are many ways you can market your products to reach that goal. You might need to rewrite your product descriptions, build a following on Facebook, send out business cards with each purchase, and focus on getting repeat customers. I can’t tell you what marketing efforts you need to implement, because I don’t know your strengths and goals. But you know this information, so start using it to your advantage.

Want another example? If you know that you’re trying to use your blog to increase your sales, you should be writing blog posts that will help you reach this goal. For instance, if you sell mixed media art, you could write blog posts about where you get your inspiration, the process you go through to turn a blank canvas into a completed piece of art, and interviews with other artists. This will attract people interested in what you’re trying to sell.

Decide to spend time marketing your products/services regularly.

Stop making excuses. Figure out when you can put time into marketing and keep your promise to do it. Write it down in your planner. Jot it down on a piece of paper and tape it next to your desk. Keep a list of your long-term goals close when you are working on marketing, so you can decide whether your marketing strategies are helping you reach your goals.

Determine the specific actions you’re going to take daily, weekly, and monthly to market your business.

Go back to your answer to question 4 on worksheet 3, and include those five things in your marketing plan. Here’s an example of my current marketing plan:

  • Daily: Blog, Twitter for 20 minutes, Facebook update
  • Weekly: Spend one hour rewriting product descriptions, Network with other creative women
  • Monthly: Send out newsletter, Review goals and marketing efforts

I enjoy blogging, using twitter and Facebook to connect with people, participating in forums and writing up a monthly newsletter. I don’t like sending out press releases or spending money on advertising on blogs/websites, so that’s not in my current marketing plan.

What marketing efforts feel authentic to you? Those are the things you should concentrate on. We all have a limited amount of time to spend on marketing, so it’s important to spend your limited amount of time on things that you enjoy, that you value, and that align with your goals.

62 Comments · Filed Under: Creative Business Development

Comments

  1. Liz McGowen says

    September 10, 2010 at 1:20 pm

    I’ve really enjoyed this series — just wanted to stop by and say so. Thank you for putting together these worksheets, and for sharing them with the world. I’ve downloaded them and used them, and they are very, very helpful.

    I also love your blog. It’s beautiful. Take care, and talk to you soon.

    Reply
    • April says

      September 14, 2010 at 3:06 pm

      Thanks Liz! I’m so glad that they’ve been helpful for you.

      Reply
  2. Kimberly Schwede says

    November 4, 2010 at 3:09 pm

    Perfect timing with 2011 around the corner! Excited to fill out your forms and re-evaluate my graphic design/illustration biz. Thank you!

    Reply
    • April says

      November 4, 2010 at 6:46 pm

      Glad I can help! You’re welcome 🙂

      Reply
  3. annamaria potamiti says

    November 4, 2010 at 3:27 pm

    Thank you. This is a fantastic series and really very helpful. It is silly that in art schools one doesn’t get any *business* training, I really feel I am missing out on things in that sense, and I very much appreciate what you have put together.
    .:^)

    Reply
    • April says

      November 4, 2010 at 6:48 pm

      You’re welcome Annamaria!

      Reply
  4. Cindy Bead says

    November 4, 2010 at 3:37 pm

    You have no idea how this helps me. I’m new to Etsy and I love to bead but I didn’t know how to market myself. Now I have ideas that are easy to use. Thank you very much.

    Reply
    • April says

      November 5, 2010 at 2:31 pm

      Hey Cindy,

      I’m so glad I could help someone new to Etsy. I’ve been there, and it’s tough to figure out what to spend your time on at first. I hope you have a lovely weekend!

      Reply
  5. Deneen says

    November 4, 2010 at 3:39 pm

    As someone who is trying to grow my business in a consistent way, your information has been very helpful.

    Thanks for assistance in this endeavor.

    Reply
    • April says

      November 5, 2010 at 2:32 pm

      I’m so glad Deneen. I wish you lots of success!

      Reply
  6. Linda says

    November 4, 2010 at 3:47 pm

    I’m new to Etsy and this gives me great ideas. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • April says

      November 5, 2010 at 2:33 pm

      You’re welcome Linda! Good luck with your new shop.

      Reply
  7. jewelrybyNaLa says

    November 4, 2010 at 3:50 pm

    I’ve been in business for quite a while and have never really developed “a plan” for my business. I’m not sure how successful I’ll be at putting one together, but I’m glad Etsy has given me the push to try, and I appreciate your valuable help and suggestions … thank you!

    Reply
    • April says

      November 5, 2010 at 2:34 pm

      You’re welcome. I didn’t have a plan for a while, and I’ve realized that I’ll keep putting things off until I put a plan into place. It really helped me grow.

      Reply
  8. Morna Crites-Moore says

    November 4, 2010 at 3:51 pm

    Excellent advice. Thank you. And good marketing on your part since we will all now go and visit your shop! 🙂

    Reply
    • April says

      November 5, 2010 at 2:35 pm

      Hey Morna. Thanks for the kind words.

      Reply
  9. Audrey says

    November 4, 2010 at 6:37 pm

    I am working on that #9. Thanks for helping me confirm that it is okay to give that up!
    All the best,
    udrey

    Reply
    • April says

      November 5, 2010 at 2:35 pm

      Glad I can help Audrey!

      Reply
  10. gertie says

    November 4, 2010 at 7:49 pm

    Taking these ideas very much to heart and running with them. Not only have a I created an Etsy shop, but I also have another business that I’m developing and growing.

    Thank you sooo very much!

    Reply
    • April says

      November 5, 2010 at 2:36 pm

      That sounds so exciting Gertie. I wish you lots of success.

      Reply
  11. Sofisticata says

    November 4, 2010 at 8:23 pm

    Thank you for sharing this great advice! 🙂

    Reply
  12. J says

    November 4, 2010 at 9:42 pm

    thanks for postive advise. I m trying them by order.

    posted recently http://www.etsy.com/shop/amonArt

    Reply
  13. Leila Fanner says

    November 5, 2010 at 1:32 am

    Fabulous advice. Just what an artist mind needs-a bit of logical order.

    I write a blog inspiring artists to reach their creative success goals and I would love to link this article-with your permission. Thank you!
    Leila

    Reply
    • April says

      November 5, 2010 at 2:37 pm

      Hey Leila,

      Thanks for the kind words. Please feel free to link to the article!

      Reply
  14. ColorBee Art Prints says

    November 5, 2010 at 2:04 am

    I can’t thank you enough for these wonderful tips. It really does help to take the time to do a little soul searching instead of going in 10 different directions at one time. I feel more focused and more in control already. Hope my social marketing efforts will pay off. Love your blog!

    Reply
    • April says

      November 5, 2010 at 2:38 pm

      Thanks for the taking the time to leave such a nice comment. I think most creative, right-brained people have a hard time focusing. We always have so many ideas popping up in our heads!

      Reply
  15. Martha says

    November 5, 2010 at 3:58 am

    Thanks a lot for all this tips. I was kind of lost recently, with all the things I should do because other sellers doing it, and the goals I have for my self… I’m just sarting on Etsy and this is really helpful!

    Thanks again!

    Martha

    Reply
    • April says

      November 5, 2010 at 2:40 pm

      Hey Martha. I’m glad I could help. Being new to Etsy can seriously be overwhelming. Do one thing at a time and do what you can.

      Reply
  16. Jeanette Gibson says

    November 5, 2010 at 3:59 am

    Authenticity and enjoyment important in marketing & in love. Incredible how the basics stay the same not matter the field.

    Thank you for sharing

    Reply
    • April says

      November 5, 2010 at 2:40 pm

      So true. Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply
  17. Whispering Oak says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:12 am

    Great article. I just stumble upon this article – one of a series- and now I want to catch up and learn from them.

    Reply
  18. natasha fialkov says

    November 5, 2010 at 12:15 pm

    thanks for the fantastic info!

    Reply
  19. Maria Smith says

    November 5, 2010 at 1:10 pm

    Thanks for this great advise. I just opened my etsy store and need all the help on marketing I can get.

    I also love what you are doing…thanks for creating this entire blog. I’ve bookmarked it!

    Reply
    • April says

      November 5, 2010 at 2:41 pm

      Hey Maria. It’s nice to have another regular reader 🙂

      Reply
  20. Lindsay says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:05 pm

    It’s been interesting answering the questions in the worksheets. I’ve found that I’m already doing what I need to do, but need a bit more focus in those areas. I tend to let time get away from me and if I define my purpose in using twitter, tumblr, blogs and other means, I think I’ll gain a lot of time. My next step is to create a press release. THAT is way more appealing to me than opening a facebook account. I am also playing with the idea of podcasts, but haven’t decided on my topic.

    Thanks for compiling all this for us. It really was helpful. 🙂

    Reply
    • April says

      November 6, 2010 at 7:16 am

      Hi Lindsay! I completely agree that you have to find what’s appealing to you and right for your business. If putting together a press release lights you up, then you should definitely work on that. Thanks for stopping by to comment.

      Reply
  21. Tina Brown says

    November 6, 2010 at 6:47 pm

    Thanks for the information and worksheets. I actually have two businesses, and all the choices we encounter on how to market, when to market, what medias to use, etc. can be exhausting!

    I appreciate your help, and will complete my worksheets…

    Blessings!
    Tina

    Reply
    • April says

      November 7, 2010 at 9:41 am

      Wow. Two businesses? That sounds pretty intense. I can’t even imagine all the decisions you have to make regarding marketing. My tip would be to have a specific marketing plan for each business to stay on track.

      Reply
  22. Brenda says

    November 7, 2010 at 1:25 am

    Hi!
    I want to thank you for sharing your knowledge and for all the effort you put into the worksheets too. This is something I have really needed to do and to find the time to do it, so “Thank You for everything!” All your advice is greatly appreciated. 🙂
    xoxo
    Brenda

    Reply
  23. Peggy says

    November 7, 2010 at 10:31 am

    Found this as interesting as one of my HS classmates blogs on same. His last paragraph on same says it all…

    http://www.davidrohlander.com/articles/marketing-professional-services/

    Reply
  24. Gracie Beal says

    November 7, 2010 at 11:13 am

    Thank you so much for this article and putting these worksheets together- I’ve just started my business and this made me feel a lot more organized and I feel as though I’m going somewhere now. Thank you again!
    -Gracie Beal

    Reply
  25. Janelle says

    November 7, 2010 at 12:36 pm

    Thanks for all of the great info. and worksheets! I completed all of them and look forward to following through. Thanks for your advice!

    Reply
  26. Vincent Sandoval says

    November 8, 2010 at 1:29 am

    This is wonderful! I always plan to do things, but fail at ALWAYS following through. Keeping it in ink will really help me with a daily reminder 🙂 Thanks for sharing your own personal daily/weekly/monthly too.

    Reply
  27. Beth says

    November 8, 2010 at 10:26 am

    Thank you so much! It is always so helpful to have an outline, and someone who knows what they’re doing offering insight to success!

    Reply
  28. Diane Elizabeth says

    November 8, 2010 at 4:02 pm

    Thank you for sharing such great, concise information. I am reevaluating a return to Etsy selling. These worksheets are what I should have had in the first place. Now I have some real tools.

    Reply
  29. Audrey says

    November 12, 2010 at 1:05 pm

    I have a question….I had a blog when I was in real estate, and it did not really help. Do you see direct sales as a result of your blog? I don’t want to be discouraging, but I want to use my time wisely.

    Thank you for your incredible counsel. Well appreciated. take care, Audrey

    Reply
  30. Guisela@lovecreativehands says

    November 17, 2010 at 7:39 am

    Hi April!

    You did such a great job with those worksheets . Thank you so much for sharing the info is really valuable,
    I just finished to setting my short and long terms goals to my etsy shop and I will make the marketing plan for my blog. Well I would love to set my creative services on my blog.

    Hugs from Montreal,

    Guisela

    Reply
    • April says

      November 21, 2010 at 9:24 am

      Yay Guisela! It sounds like you’ve been busy–that’s exciting. I hope setting your goals helps you increase your business success!

      Reply
  31. Savi says

    November 17, 2010 at 1:50 pm

    Thank you very much, I found this very useful :o) …. time to advertise!

    Reply
  32. Alearea says

    November 19, 2010 at 6:06 pm

    Thank you for your help, I took Marketing and Psychology in college but it was not really helping for a creative online business.

    Sincerely
    Alearea

    Reply
  33. Erin/Antique to Chic says

    November 20, 2010 at 6:24 pm

    Thank you so much, I really had a lot of fun learning about what my business is like if you strip it down to nothing. It helped so much to see what I was already doing right, what I could do better with, and new things to think about trying! Thank you!

    Reply
    • April says

      November 21, 2010 at 9:26 am

      You’re so welcome Erin! Love your business name. Antique to Chic is such a fun and creative name 🙂

      Reply
  34. Barbara says

    December 22, 2010 at 6:34 pm

    I really enjoyed these worksheets! My graphic design business comes first, and I also have an Etsy shop which I would love to grow 🙂 This was immensely helpful for identifying the goals I have for each, and how I hope they will complement each other in the future. Now, off to create my marketing plan…

    Reply
  35. Koloud 'Kay' Tarapolsi says

    December 25, 2010 at 2:00 pm

    Thank you so much for your article. I have been selling on Etsy for awhile now and my frustrations have to do with the fact that Etsy who won’t acknowledge my products. I’ve been trying for years to get Etsy to recognize that Eid should be categorized with Christmas and Hanukah as a major holiday, but they keep ignoring my pleas: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5813888

    So my question is: how do we get the companies that continuously highlight the same products over and over again to even acknowledge your work?

    Reply
    • April says

      January 3, 2011 at 9:01 am

      Hey Koloud,

      I don’t think you can rely on the big companies for anything. Don’t get me wrong–I love Etsy. But, Etsy is in it for Etsy. Yes, they try to help their sellers on a regular basis, but you can’t wait for them. You have to make your own success and you can really on rely on yourself for that.

      Reply
  36. Pyromancer says

    January 8, 2011 at 3:28 pm

    “Decide to spend time marketing your products/services regularly.”
    I love that you mention this, it’s something I recently decided to take seriously and get down to business. I really agree that without a plan you can end up unsatisfied and lost so I’ve been looking into the details, how-to’s and formulating ideas and plans, and your information has been awesome! I will be doing a lot more homework and I think your ideas will be a huge help with that, thank you!

    Reply
  37. rain boots for women target says

    January 17, 2011 at 3:58 pm

    Well, this is our first visit to your blog! We’re a group of volunteers and starting a fresh initiative in a community within the same niche. Your blog offered us valuable information to be effective on. You have done a amazing job!

    Reply
  38. playsculptlive says

    January 26, 2011 at 10:14 am

    Thank you for this blogpost. I will go through the exercises and hopefully it will help me focus on what I can do. I am very new at this etsy, blogging thing.

    Reply
  39. Julie says

    July 26, 2011 at 9:18 am

    Great worksheets to develop a Marketing Plan. Being new to etsy, I found this very helpful in developing a marketing plan to help me reach my short and long term goals.

    Reply
  40. andreia says

    September 26, 2011 at 12:19 am

    That was really helpful. I don’t like either twitter or facebook. I mean, I do like to read and to be updated on my friends, but I’m not that keen for personal advertising or saying stuff about myself. it’s time to change that, though.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. » MY ETSY SHOP BRAINSTORM {PART I} says:
    December 8, 2010 at 12:00 pm

    […] plan of my small business {Esty Shop, Indie-preneur Blog}. I recommend that you read those great worksheets carefully made and well done by Blacksburge belle blog. But please, don’t just read them, take […]

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  2. Perking for the Holidays Redeux | HideaHeart's Blog says:
    September 9, 2013 at 8:38 pm

    […] a marketing plan—there are 3 Worksheets. For one reason or another, I could NOT download the PDF versions, but luckily Etsy listens!  […]

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