An integrated marketing plan is accepted as the best way to reach your audience and then be in a position to share the virtues and benefits of the services and products that your business sells. Integrated marketing will include all aspects of the marketing process needed to maximize the marketing process, from research and information on your customers and clients to the basic techniques used; all must be linked and cohesive to be part of an integrated marketing plan.
The integration of marketing
The customer and consumer base are not homogenous. To reach each subset of customers and clients, it is essential to understand each of the demographic groups you serve and ensure that you attempt to contact and communicate with them based on their actual preferences. Using the modern methods of communication with old school ideals such as free samples and corporate gifting to build rapport and loyalty are all techniques that must be included and integrated into such a process.
Based on research
The best marketing plans are based on solid research. Your business will need to have detailed knowledge of the demographics of your customers and client base, as well as their buying habits and anticipated needs. Big data is a massive component of modern-day marketing. Without the most detailed information on your customers, you will not be able to focus the marketing that you do to reach these customers in a manner that will resonate with them.
Traditional marketing
Although most customer communication is now online, it is essential to keep the ability to physically and socially engage with customers. The traditional means of marketing and advertising, such as leaflets and posters or trade shows and events, are a component that is regarded as necessary to the overall plan. The traditional marketing means will provide more opportunities or touch and contact points than most other possibilities. Printed materials, banners, and posters are still used for good reason. The traditional corporate gift has also changed, and the use of functional branded materials or items such as custom-made hats is a great way to build customer rapport in the hot summer months.
Modern and online marketing
The internet and social media specifically have become the next big marketplace, and there is now no business that can afford not to be online. How your business communicates with customers and clients and can build a presence and brand online, the better you will be found online. Most people now do all their shopping and access media and entertainment online through the internet, and this is where all modern businesses find themselves now selling. Social media has become the world’s next big marketplace, and as such, it is where all successful businesses run and drive their marketing.
The best marketing must be data driven, and you will need to be where your customers and potential customers are. Integrating all the various platforms and means of reaching your customers makes logical sense and has become the favored marketing means.
