The hardest thing about any project is the beginning and uncertainty of direction. Often people who start businesses are visionary types and with that comes a lot of imagination. This can be a very useful skill when it comes to innovating new ideas. However, the challenge comes in when it’s time to hone in on the key aspects of what comprise the core. It’s essential that you are able to describe your business in five words or less. You should explain what your business does and what it offers in that statement. Moreover, once you have solidified it, it’s vital that it is accurate and remains a constant in everything you do.

A customer should understand instantly what your brand is communicating. If they don’t, it’s time to rethink your strategy. There is so much visual noise in our world and it is only getting louder. The landscape is becoming more and more competitive in gaining attention and you have a fraction of a second to get people to listen.

1. Ecommerce Marketing Strategies: A Comprehensive Guide for Growth

Articles are tailored to practical needs of launching an e-commerce business. Honing in on the first item on the list:

2. Marketing Plan: Executive Summary

The summary includes basic steps on how to define your business, target audience, and growth strategies. Keep your summary brief by limiting the summary to 1-3 pages.

3. How to Write a Great Value Proposition

Defining a value proposition is similar to defining your business. It must explain what the business is and what it offers. It’s all about value. Customers need to know what your business offers and why it is different. When it comes to launching a brand or business, think about why you need to exist in the world? Why does the world need what you’re offering. If you can answer that, the marketing, positioning, brand strategy, and communications all fall suit in an organized and cohesive fashion ultimately working towards driving sales.

4. Bonus: Consider sharing your project with others

Start talking about it. The more you share your concepts with others, the more they will pose questions you are not ready to answer. It will force you to think critically about your business and the value it is meant to be offering. If you find that you are talking too much in explaining what your business is or does – it’s already too complicated. It should be simple, easy to understand, and succinct. Think of your positioning as if it needs to be nimble. The shorter the message, the faster it spreads.

Show some love. Photo: Nathan Dumlao, Curtis MacNewton, and Harry Sandhu