Managed service providers intent on growth in 2023 can’t afford to ignore marketing. The place to start is with a marketing strategy plan — the road map that defines where you want to go and how you will get there. Here are the three key steps to building a plan for success.
Generating new business through word of mouth can only go so far. If you want to grow your MSP with more quality leads and more month-over-month revenue, a marketing strategy plan is the place to start.
Failing to Plan Is a Plan to Fail
To realize your growth goals, you need a tactical blueprint of how you will get there. Let’s go through the key steps to building an effective marketing strategy plan.
If you aren’t actively marketing your MSP, take action today. There’s no better time to start.
Step #1
Define Your Goals and Your Budget
This may sound obvious, but you would be surprised how many people set themselves up to fail right at the start. The simple act of defining and writing down your initiatives is crucial. Once you identify your goals, decide on a budget. Marketing spending can vary widely but remember — marketing is an investment, not an expense.
Goal-setting tip: Follow the SMART rule: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-Bound.
Step #2
Create A Detailed Execution Plan
Follow a plan tailored to your unique business. Build an execution plan that takes into account your goals, budget and resources. Be prepared to be consistent, as well. Effective marketing takes time, patience and commitment.
Best Practices
- Know your target audience and their pain points. What kind of messages will resonate with them?
- Know your market and your competition. How does your business stand out?
- Take advantage of both traditional and digital marketing. Where are you seeing the highest ROI?
Step #3
Analyze, Improve, Repeat
Decide on a couple of metrics you want to track, and monitor them consistently. Measure results, and be open to making adjustments with different messaging or new offers. One of the most significant advantages of today’s digital marketing plan is the almost immediate availability and amount of actionable data.
Marketing is a marathon, not a sprint.
Marketing Assets
Executing a marketing plan requires professional, branded materials. Include a good mix of inbound and outbound marketing
Inbound
- Direct Mail
- Press Releases
- E-Newsletters
- Webinars
- Email Campaigns
- Website
- SEO Blogs
- Social Media
Outbound
- Email Follow-Up
- Appointment Setting
- Trade Shows
The Power of Outsourcing
If you’re like most MSP owners, you are not a marketing expert, nor do you employ a full marketing team. And that’s fine. Many MSPs outsource marketing functions for those very reasons. Nearly 40% of all IT, digital marketing, and lead generation services are outsourced to third-party experts.
94% of MSPs say that sales and marketing are the biggest issues they face when trying to grow.
Need Help? Marketopia Can Make It Easy
Marketopia offers prebuilt campaigns you can purchase and download now.
- Campaigns include email, blogs, social media and more
- Strategic content targets your ideal audience’s pain points
- Professional assets differentiate you from your competitors
- 100+ timely industry topics to choose from
