Market Planning Checklist Use this list to develop your marketing plan.

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)

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

Amazon Tells Thousands of Employees to Relocate or Resign

Amazon says the move to bring teams together will make them more "effective."

Business News

'Largest Data Breach in History': Apple, Google, and Meta Passwords Reportedly Among 16 Billion Stolen in Massive Hack

"Massive datasets" have been emerging every few weeks, according to a new report.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

Meta Poaches the CEO of a $32 Billion AI Startup — After Trying to Buy the Company and Being Told No

Meta is reportedly offering up to nine figures in compensation for AI researchers, amounting to $100 million signing bonuses and even higher overall pay.

Productivity

6 Habits That Help Successful People Maximize Their Time

There aren't enough hours in the day, but these tips will make them feel slightly more productive.

Management

The Best Defense Against Uncertainty Isn't a Single Strategy — It's a Mindset

In a business environment where the only constant is change, the small business owners who see the most success are the ones leaning into it.