The key to small business marketing is identifying the needs of the market you are targeting and then providing the solutions to meet those needs.

The seven steps mentioned below are for entrepreneurs looking to start a small business and for those who are looking to develop a marketing plan for their existing business.

Majority of  small businesses focus on promoting their products and services as a great opportunity for the buyers. Instead, their focus should be on educating their target audience and building a relationship that will make them credible and trustworthy in the eyes of their customers. A marketing mindset is important. Small business entrepreneurs should always think about how they can market their products and services. The ‘stop and go marketing trap’ should be avoided. Some small business owners adopt the strategy of marketing only when they are not making sales.
A successful small business marketing plan is essential for a successful business. Marketing effectively is how a small business can grow and make profits.
If you have a small business or you’re looking to start a small business in the future, these seven steps will enable you to get an understanding of your business and the people you will have to target to become successful.
Marketing Plan
Start by answering the following questions:

1. Who: Who are the people you need to focus on? Who is your ideal customer?
2. What: What should you do to get more information about the market you’re targeting? What type of products and services are your ideal customers looking for? What solution can you provide your customers to solve their problems? What are the solutions that your ideal customer is looking for? What can you provide your customers that will distinguish you from your competition? What are the current trends in your industry? What can you say to your ideal customers to get a response out of them? What do you want to ultimately sell? For example: Are you selling fountain pens or are you selling ink? What is your method of mixing products and services to make them unique? What pricing strategy do you want to implement?
3. Where: Where will you find your ideal customer? What is the geographical location of your customer? Where will you advertise your small business so clients can easily find you? Where can you market your business to get the best results?  Will you communicate with groups, arrange seminars, blog, write newsletters or use articles marketing?
4. When: When should you communicate with your target market—everyday, every week, twice a month? When are they most likely to purchase the products and services you offer?
5. Why: Why are you doing what you’re doing? Why are people purchasing the products and services you offer? Why should they prefer what you offer over others in your market?
6. How: How is your product or service bought by your customer? How are you going to reach potential customers for your offerings? How will you send your message across to buyers? How will you educate your clients to make the purchase?
7. Marketing Mindset: Develop a marketing mindset through practice and you will be on your way to a profitable small business.

With the help of these steps, you can start developing a small business marketing plan for targeting new customers. Marketing is about testing and evaluating what you get in return of your investment. But its mainly about helping people get what they want. Become an expert in these marketing steps and you will be on your path to increased profits and success as a small business entrepreneur.