In this episode of Business Made Simple, host Ed Nell is joined by Doug D’Aubrey to explore the essentials of creating a successful marketing plan for small businesses. With Doug’s no-nonsense approach, they break down the barriers and myths around marketing strategies, showing that you don’t need a large team or months of prep to start planning effectively. Together, they highlight the importance of simplicity, consistency, and aligning your marketing with seasonal trends and business goals.
Key Takeaways
Keep your marketing plan simple and actionable. It doesn’t need to be complicated. Start by listing what you’re already doing and build from there.
Use a calendar-based approach to map out seasonal opportunities, campaigns, and business trends. Think strategically about when your audience is most likely to engage.
Consistency is key. A steady, ongoing presence helps avoid the common feast-or-famine cycle many small businesses experience when they stop marketing once work picks up.
Assign responsibility and check in regularly. If you delegate marketing tasks (including to external providers), ensure they have clear direction and accountability.
Implementation matters more than perfection. A basic plan that gets actioned will always outperform a perfect plan left in a drawer.
Best Moments
“You don’t need a complex, three-week marketing plan. Just start with the basics, it’s about making sure something gets done.”
“Everything in life has a plan, whether it’s shopping or getting to Wembley on time. Why should marketing be any different?”
“If you’re struggling with time, just do half an hour of marketing each week. A little consistency goes a long way.”
“Subcontractors aren’t mind readers. You need to guide them just like a member of your team.”
“The best plan in the world is useless if you don’t implement it. Even a mediocre plan, well executed, can transform your business.”
About the host
Doug D’Aubrey, founder and Managing Director of Executive Training and Consultancy (ETC), leverages extensive senior management experience to help businesses across the UK and Europe. With tailored consultancy packages ranging from short-term projects to 3-year growth programs, Doug aids companies in improving operations and achieving results. Doug’s success lies in his honest communication with leaders, identifying strategies to enhance management skills and optimise service delivery for measurable outcomes.
Take advantage of a FREE 2-hour Business Review with ETC’s expert consultants to identify goals, tackle challenges, and create a clear plan for growth. Visit https://exec-tc.com/ to book your review.
Subscribe, share, and leave a review to stay connected and keep your business journey moving forward!