Market Planning Checklist

Before you launch a marketing campaign, answer the followingquestions about your business and your product or service.

• Have you analyzed the total market for your product or service?Do you know which features of your product or service will appealto different market segments?
• In forming your marketing message, have you described how yourproduct or service will benefit your clients?
• Have you prepared a pricing schedule? What kinds of discountsdo you offer, and to whom do you offer them?
• Have you prepared a sales forecast?
• Which media will you use in your marketing campaign?
• Do your marketing materials mention any optional accessories oradded services that consumers might want to purchase?
• If you offer a product, have you prepared clearoperating-and-assembly instructions if required? What kind ofwarranty do you provide? What type of customer service or supportdo you offer after the sale?
• Do you have product liability insurance?
• Is your packaging likely to appeal to your target market?
• If your product is one you can patent, have you done so?
• How will you distribute your product?

From Start Your Own Business: The Only Start-Up BookYou’ll Ever Need, by Rieva Lesonsky and the staff ofEntrepreneur Magazine (Entrepreneur Press)