Marketing Schedule Instructions
Having a completed marketing schedule takes some planning, but the time invested will make your life much easier!
You will know in an instant which projects need your attention and when you need to order and pay for your product.
Let’s get started!
Maintain a separate schedule for property promotions as these are dependent upon contract dates, not a set monthly schedule.
Ideas for your primary Marketing Schedule:
• Direct Mail • Magnetic Marketing • Gifts and Gadgets • Print Advertising • Website • E-mail • Outdoor Advertising
• Cable TV/Radio Advertising • Press Releases • Community Events • Philanthropic Activities • Seasonal Promotions
Here are examples of schedule piece entries.
Description
July
August
September
Marketing Piece Title and Delivery Method
WK 1
WK 2
WK 3
WK 4
WK 5
WK 1
WK 2
WK 3
WK 4
WK 5
WK 1
WK 2
WK 3
WK 4
WK 5
Introduction Postcard
D
7/3
Football Schedule Magnet
H
7/25
JL - 1234 Main Street
E
8/1
JL - 1234 Main Street PC
D
8/1
Homes Magazine Ad
P
8/9
Back to School PC
D
8/28
Neighborhood Block Party
C
9/1
Marketing Mix Tips:
Variety! Variety! Variety! -- Vary your contact methods throughout your marketing plan. Include as many different
approaches to your customers as you can afford. i.e. face-to-face contact, direct/e-mail, advertising.
The wider your variety is, the better your chances of reaching the customers that want your product/service.
Customers will remember you if they see your name regularly.
Consider Short and Long-Range Marketing -- Be sure your mix includes products that stress immediate
contact with those that have a longer shelf-life, i.e. Buy NOW postcard, then a magnetic baseball schedule.
Be Consistent -- Consistency is KEY! No matter what options you choose,
make sure you stick to a consistent marketing schedule.
Tips for Marketing Piece Success:
Attention Grabbing Headline -- 5-9 words - engage your customer – you have something they want – make it entertaining
Offer/Message -- Only one offer per piece – BE REAL! -- avoid a sales pitch – stress the benefits of your offer
– get to the point -- instill a sense of urgency – give something of value – make it a keeper
Call to Action -- Tell your customers what you want them to do (visit website today, call now, refer a friend)
Marketing Piece ID -- Add a unique ID number on each piece for tracking your success
Direct Mail Tips:
Schedule your mail to arrive Tuesday or Wednesday – avoid a Monday delivery
Don’t overlook the back of a postcard – consider that most mail is delivered address side up.
Will your customer turn the card over?
Avoid a hard sell – people are bombarded every day with hard sell advertising
Don’t try to close the deal with your promotional piece – most pieces don’t have enough space to give a customer
enough information to make an informed buying decision – motivate them to call you instead
Avoid too much information – you only have 1-2 seconds to get their attention, people won’t read if the piece is too busy
E-mail Tips:
Schedule your e-mail to arrive Tuesday or Wednesday – Avoid a Monday delivery
Most people hate spam -- ask permission to e-mail BEFORE you do!
Don’t e-mail too often -- you will lose your potential customers interest
Be relevant -- create value for your customers and they will stay on your list!
When you get the call -- ASK FOR THE MARKETING PIECE ID
Record this information!! It pays to know what works!
For more information, contact: Ann Turner • Marketing and Design Services • (619) 261-7556