Guide to Channel marketing

The goal of channel marketing services is attract current and prospective clients to your business directly and by referrals. By partnering with businesses that offer products or services to the same people as you, they can market your business solutions to their customers. For example, a nursery might recommend a landscaper, or a home improvement store would recommend contractors. This network marketing technique could end up bringing you more business through referrals than you might get marketing on your own.

Successful channel marketing programs depend on finding loyal partners whose businesses meet a related need yet is not in direct competition with you. This is the key when it comes to channel marketing. You want to partner with a business that sells products or services to the same people as you to insure a good match. This guide will help you develop a marketing channel by:

1. As part of your Channel marketing strategy, assess your target market to find a partner that complements your business.

2. Create a win-win situation as you establish a channel management marketing system.

3. Monitor your channel marketing results.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Assess your target market carefully

Consider the size of your consumer market, the partnering businesses involved and any existing competition from other businesses offering the same service as you do.

I recommend: Online research tools like QSR International provides qualitative research to help you focus on your target market.

Think like a channel marketing manager and consider the pros and cons of the partnerships you choose

As the channel marketing manager of your own business, make sure the marketing channel you choose is willing to promote your business is important. Channel marketing solutions should be in place can help you reach your goals.

I recommend: Use the Direct Marketing Vendor Search offered by the Direct Marketing Association to find a marketing guru to help you with your channel management marketing plan.

Create a plan for your business partnership

As with a business plan, you should have a plan for your partnerships to prepare for anything unexpected that could occur.

I recommend: There are channel management marketing programs available like Channel Marketing Corporation to help you keep up with your partners.

Monitor your channel marketing strategy to make sure it's working for you

You need to have a way of tracking results to make your channel marketing strategy is successful for you.

I recommend: Soffront CRM Solutions Multi-Channel Marketing Automation and Tech Republic are tools that can help track your progress.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Your partnerships are vital in channel marketing, so take time to forge quality alliances.

The official source of Channel marketing is the Channel Marketing page at Business.com