Introduction Overview: Joe Glover explains a simplified approach to crafting a marketing strategy. Value: Strategy aligns marketing efforts with business goals, providing clear benchmarks and direction. Align with Business Objectives: Marketing goals should connect directly to company objectives. SMART Goals: Specific, Measurable, Ambitious, Relevant, Time-bound. Example: Replace “get our name out there” with “increase site visits by 50% in six months.” Identify the Core Problem: Mark Ritson’s “diagnosis” starts with understanding what the customer truly needs. Jobs to Be Done: Customers buy products to solve functional, emotional, or social problems. Research: Use customer feedback, social media, and reviews to pinpoint needs and pain points. Go Beyond Demographics: Use psychographics, behaviours, and values to understand your audience. Focus on Viable Segments: Consider Total Addressable Market (TAM), spending power, and reachability. Example Segment: Joe’s target for ABC Limited: “fashion-forward pet owners” who value stylish pet wear. Craft a Positioning Statement: Define your brand’s unique value concisely. Distinctiveness vs. Differentiation: Separate Strategy from Tactics: Start with strategy, not tactics, to avoid scattershot efforts. Use a Funnel-Based Approach: Awareness, Consideration, Purchase, Retention, Advocacy. Examples: Team Involvement: Collaborate with sales, leadership, and other departments for buy-in. Measure & Adjust: Track each tactic with specific metrics to ensure alignment with strategy. Key Steps to a Bare Minimum Marketing Strategy 1. Set Clear, Aligned Goals 2. Solving a Problem 3. Targeting and Segmentation 4. Positioning 5. Tactics