Chances are you’re going to be met with stiff competition no matter what business you go into. Everyone wants to be at the top of their respective field. One of the most important factors in running a successful business is how you handle market strategies. A marketing plan can make or break a business, and a good businessman crafts a very careful gameplan on the way to success, which should be your obvious end goal. Here are seven of the most effective marketing strategies:

1. Getting to know your product as much as your prospective clients. An effective marketing strategy relies on knowing the wants and needs of the consumer. This is an important step in making your client realize the benefits of the services and products you’re offering. Let them know how satisfied they’ll be with the experience and you’ll have made your sale.
2. Apply the split advertising technique. When experimenting with a new marketing plan, try not to put all your eggs in one basket or else one wrong move could lead to a disaster. Use 80% of your budget for the tried and true methods while leaving 20% for experimentation.
3. Consumer awareness. One of the most common methods of raising a good amount of product awareness is through the web. Nowadays, more and more people browse the net to find anything they need, and almost everyone has access to a web browser through a computer or smart phone. It’s also way easier to find what you want through the internet than flipping through the classifieds in a newspaper. If you insist on doing things the old fashioned way, consider sending postcards to prospective customers as they tend to be more impactful for consumer exposure than just regular old mail.
4. Create a marketing group. The best marketing ideas are often created when you combine several ideas from different people. In a group setting, you’ll have an easier time sifting through ideas and separating the good from the bad.
5. Don’t just focus on the price. A sure way to tell that a marketing plan is successful is when customers value your product so much that the price is insignificant to them.
6. Establish after-sale customer care. Showing gratitude is important in building a good relationship with your customers. A simple “Thank You” note is enough to let them know that you appreciate them choosing your products. Ask your clients if they got what they expected. If they feel that their after-sale satisfaction is important to you, you’ll most likely hear from them again the next time they go shopping.
7. Always keep in touch. Even after your product has established a solid foothold, a good marketer still needs to continue being consistent with their marketing campaign.

Success shouldn’t be too far off if you stick to these marketing strategies. Also, be sure to apply these techniques on a regular basis to ensure the efficacy of your campaign!