In addition to being a fundamental skill in any team or individual, problem-solving is also a critical component of a successful marketing strategy. This is because it allows people to identify and develop effective solutions that will help their organizations grow. Whether you are an in-house company marketer or a part of a marketing hackathon, you will likely solve problems at some point.
In this article, I’ll talk about some of the tricks and tips I’ve learned along the way, which have helped me navigate through the various problems I encountered while participating in marketing hackathons and conception events.
There’s no right way to approach a problem, and every person has their own unique way of doing so. Working with different people and developing effective solutions has allowed me to widen my scope of thinking and develop a deeper understanding of my own problem. During my last week at a marketing hackathon held by Woodside Energy, I was able to see seven different approaches to a problem that was presented to me. In addition to identifying and developing a solution that will help your clients, this article also aims to introduce the five components of a successful marketing solution.
Who are their customers, and what problem are they trying to solve?
Knowing who your clients are is a great start, as it will allow you to identify and develop a strategy to help them solve their problems. This step will also help you build a value-adding solution that will benefit both your customers and your organization. However, be careful, as your clients are only sometimes your users.
By understanding your customers, you can determine which marketing channels are most effective at reaching them. For instance, if you’re a global mining company with a billion-dollar budget, implementing an awareness campaign on Instagram and Facebook might not be the most ideal strategy.
Have a core message or theme – and ensure everything you do leads back to it
It’s tempting to pitch all of your ideas at once, but this can lead to client confusion as the details of your proposed solution may need to be clarified. A core theme or message will help you communicate the message you’re trying to convey.
One of the most important factors you should consider when developing a strategy is having a consistent and flow-through presentation. A compelling story will help you connect with your audience and make them feel on a journey. Incorporating a storytelling component into your presentation can also help you connect with your target audience.
It allows you to keep track of what’s happening with your idea and provide guidance as it evolves. It can be tempting to get carried away with other ideas in order to impress your client.
Don’t forget the justification
As a professional, you should consider the justification behind your ideas. Although your thought process might have led to a certain conclusion, how you arrived at that point sometimes needs to be clarified. With a clear explanation, your client might be able to make an informed decision.
Include an example of other companies that have successfully implemented the same strategy. This will allow you to visualize how the concept can be implemented. Having a clear justification helps you build a stronger case for your ideas and demonstrate how you can use data, knowledge, and reasoning to improve the efficiency of your organization.
After all, if you’re planning on implementing a strategy to solve a client’s marketing problem, why not try implementing some of the tips and tricks discussed in this article? You might also have your own ideas on breaking down the marketing issues your client is experiencing. If you’re interested in learning more about how to improve the efficiency of your company, please send me an email.