Public SourceMage Discussion List

[Jaanus Heeringson <jaanus AT heeringson.com>]

Thanks for all the kind words before. I vas afraid I might step on 
someone’s toes with my last post :)

I will gladly compile a proposal for a marketing plan for SMGL, but this 
is definitely not a one man show. I need lots of input from all of you, 
and even more form the project leaders. This is a pretty central issue 
for the project, and if this is going to work, it needs to be officially 
sanctioned from the project leaders.


Also beware that this is something that will take considerable time if 
we want it done properly. Marketing is close to being a one shot 
business. If we would go out now and drive people to the project/site, a 
lot of them would probably be disappointed due to lack of accessible 
information etc. People are lazy and want everything served to them. 
Getting them to come here a second time around is a lot harder. 
Therefore we need to make sure we can satisfy our target audiences needs 
before we bring them in.

This is a very rough outline of how these things usually work:

1. Before I/we start working on some kind of marketing proposal we need 
to decide where we want to head. That means we/you need to clarify and 
decide on the general goals and visions of the project. What are we 
working against?

2. When the above is settled we can move on to goals and visions for the 
marketing effort. Basically, what outcome would you like? Do we want 
more users, developers or just piece of mind? We need to set up some 
targets for the future. Another important thing: goals are measurable 
(there are specific conditions for success), while visions are not.

3. When we have the goals and visions in place we can start defining our 
target audiences.

4. Figure out what attracts the target audience and adjust our 
communication accordingly (redesign of visuals and information etc.)

5. Find the best places to come in contact with the target audience.

6. Bring'em in!.

7. Follow up on progress and goals. Adjust accordingly.

Now would also be a good time for those of you who wish to be involved 
in the creation of the marketing plan to sound of.

--
MVH

Jaanus Heeringson

Underwerks Design
Ålegådsgatan 424
43150 Mölndal
Sweden

Mobile: +46 709 492609
Phone: +46 31 402980

http://www.underwerks.com
mail: jaanus AT heeringson.com