While each of the Marketing Ps are extremely relevant in today’s business landscape to achieve your goals, we can’t help but feel that one is most important. People.
Today we’re going back to the basics: Marketing 101.
If you took a marketing class in university, chances are you were schooled on the fundamentals of marketing: the P’s. When we were in school many (many) years ago, there were just 4 of them but today experts focus on 7, if not more.
While each of these Ps are extremely relevant in today’s business landscape to achieve your marketing goals, we can’t help but feel that one is most important.
People.
The people who support your business, get your brand and sing its praises. (Your loyal customers!)
The people who work hard everyday to make magic for your company. (Your valued employees!)
The people who will see, react and be influenced by the other P’s. (Your target market!)
How to Connect
Sometimes, you are so wrapped up in thinking like a business, you forget to think like your customers. That’s when you need to ask yourself: What do they want from your brand? What do they need from your brand? How do you increase their joys and solve their pains? Put the focus back on the people, your customers, and take the time to get to know them better.
What do they think, feel and need from you as a brand?
Conduct research to answer these questions:
- Why does your target market need your product/service?
- How do they use it?
- How does it improve their lives?
- What could be better/different about it?
- Why do they love using it?
- What do they dislike about it?
Consumer feedback is an invaluable resource for your business. Use social media, focus groups, surveys and good-old-fashioned conversation to get the most interesting insights into your own products/services and the overall industry.
Get them to become your greatest ambassadors
Having people talk about your brand is also your most valuable resource for growth. A recommendation from a friend is the #1 most trusted form of referral. A recommendation for a complete stranger is #3. If you’re not getting people talking, you are missing out on a huge opportunity. Motivate your people, your customers to share their love for you on a regular basis.
Treat them like family
Customer opinions can change in a heartbeat. Ensure consistent, customer-centric service every time they interact with your brand. This includes online, in-store, via customer service channels, upon delivery and more. Make sure your brand values are present and shining at every possible moment.
With this very important P always at the forefront of your marketing 101 basics you will be able to harness a strategy that is sure to help you achieve your business goals.