You're ready to take your business to the next level. You want people to recognize your product and know that they can't get better anywhere else. So what do you do?
Get a prettier logo? Take out some ads in the paper? Invest in social media marketing? There are so many different ways to go about it that making a decision may seem a little overwhelming. As I mentioned in my last article, there's no need to fret.
One technique from the world of public relations is to organize thoughts through the GOST method. Finding what you truly need through the goals, objectives, strategies, and tactics.
Goal: Before you make a move, start with an overarching goal. You wouldn't plan a vacation without knowing where you were going, would you? So start by finding a destination.
Ex. Become the preferred local bakery in Wilson, NC.
Objectives: After you determine a goal, you need to narrow things down and decide on what avenue you'd like to take to get there. Figure this out by considering what things you would need to see to know that your goal has been achieved.
Ex. Increase consistent dessert orders by 30% in 3 months.
Strategies: With your objectives developed, it's now time to figure out how you'll achieve them. Consider your audience - who are they? Where are they located? How do they like to communicate?
Ex. Develop local partnerships to promote bakery.
Tactics: Finally, we're able to make a decision on the actionable steps to take. These are your tactics. There can be more than one tactic, but all of them will be focused because we determined a goal at the very beginning.
Ex. Set up a booth at the local festival, providing samples, and business cards to passersby
This technique makes your next step feel less chaotic and gives you greater clarity. Of course, this is part of my job as a marketing consultant and graphic designer, so I'm here to help you develop this within the intensive communication plan I'll provide and execute all of the necessary tactics.
I'd give it the professional's touch. So let me upgrade you.
About the Author: Katria Farmer is a freelance communications consultant in Wilson, NC specializing in copywriting and graphic design. Her B.A. is in communication studies and her M.A. is in strategic communications. She serves Wilson, Rocky Mount, Raleigh, Chapel Hill and surrounding areas. Learn more about working with her: https://www.katriafarmer.com/about