As small business owners, we’re all pursuing growth: marketing growth, financial growth, team growth — and so much more. And when it comes to achieving that growth, the targets feel as if they’re always moving and changing.
What if we told you that it doesn’t have to be that hard? Yes, it takes work. BUT, it doesn’t have to feel insurmountable. It doesn’t have to all live in your head. And, in fact, you can achieve quite a bit of growth financially and within your business by simply focusing on marketing strategy.
How?
Through 5 phases.
There are 5 phases of marketing growth that every small business owner should know. We all fit into one phase, and we change phases over time, moving forward and backward as your business shifts and grows.
Those 5 phases of marketing are…
These phases provide clarity, allowing you to achieve steady marketing growth with confidence.
Let’s dive in!
Phase #1: Gathering
Gathering is the initial phase of building a brand, where the focus is on defining core elements and developing a solid marketing strategy. It’s essential to start in the gathering phase before you dive into a website or social media because it’ll save you time, money, and energy! When you define who you are as a business, what you value and what you hope to accomplish, every marketing project you create works toward a common goal. Lay the groundwork for a strong and cohesive brand presence!
Included in this phase are…
Phase #2: Foundations
Foundations involves establishing the essential visual and digital components of your brand. Once you’ve completed the gathering phase, you are ready to move on to building foundations. These foundational elements create a recognizable and cohesive brand identity! They define the look and feel of your brand and business, ensuring that you’re communicating what you intend to and not flying by the seat of your pants. They continue to drive your mission.
Included in this phase are…
Phase #3: Serving
Serving focuses on connecting with clients and potential customers to foster trust and loyalty. No business grows without intentional connection and fully understanding your ideal audience. Since you established that ideal customer in phase 1, it’s time to get to know them better. Showing client appreciation through personalized gestures and sending regular email newsletters with updates and offers keep the audience engaged and valued! Happy customers are more likely to recommend you to others and/or come back to you!
Included in this phase are…
- Sales Funnel
- Social Media
- Email Marketing
Phase #4: Expanding
Expanding involves implementing strategies to increase brand visibility and attract a broader audience. You’ve established your brand and business. It’s now time to grow! This phase helps your brand connect with a larger audience by turning your focus outward. Spend time studying your audience and reach out to them using strategic tactics, inviting them into your space.
Included in this phase are…
- Blogging
- Search Engine Optimization
Phase #5: Volume
Volume focuses on scaling your brand through advanced strategies and partnerships. This is only done after the first four categories have been met! Investing in paid ads, both online and offline, helps reach a larger audience and drive conversions, building on your stellar brand presence. That’s why it’s important to have a solid brand and marketing routine in place before investing in paid ads or other more expensive investments. If you don’t have a functional, strategic website or social media, you’ll look unprofessional and lose a number of prospects.
Included in this phase are…
- Paid Ads
- Strategic Partnerships
- Influencer Collaborations
- Events
- Public Relations (PR)
- Referral Programs
- Retargeting Campaigns
- Cross Selling Promotions
- Launch Campaigns
- Guest Blogging & Content Collaborations
- Webinars & Workshops
- Podcasting
- Outside Community Building
- Sponsorships
- Product Launch Campaigns
Why These 5 Phases of Marketing Growth Matter
Let’s put it this way…
Would you feel confident purchasing a product from a business that started an Instagram, but their brand lacks consistency and their website is a single landing page with a design that’s inconsistent with their social media and has very little information?
Probably not.
So what makes you think that YOU can build a business like that?
We don’t ask that to knock your dreams, but rather to help you achieve them! These 5 phases of marketing growth gives you the transparent timeline we operate under and why we may recommend one service before another. From planning to leveling up, the framework allows you to invest in strategic marketing with confidence, rather than feel like you’re throwing money at random marketing tactics without direction.
How to Implement These 5 Phases of Marketing Growth
& Work with Oakes Creative House
We believe in marketing education and helping you spend your money strategically.
We know that as a small business owner or solopreneur, you have the choice of any marketing agency that you want. Our “shtick” is that while we’re a business, we’re passionate about providing you the services you need, not just selling you work to get your business.
That being said, we have implemented our marketing framework (the 5 phases) to help you better understand our proven process and where you are in your journey.
All of our marketing services are founded in our 5 phases of marketing growth, but every marketing plan is unique. When you work with us, we give you unique guidance to ensure your marketing works FOR you!
Ready to grow your business with clarity? Let’s dive in.
