Guide to Writing a Marketing Plan

Instructions:
1. Complete as many sections in this document as possible, or as required.
Throughout this document, Business Point has inserted example text to help guide
customers on how to complete each section in a business plan. The text is BLACK
and based on a fictional Bed and Breakfast company.
Once you have read this text and understood how each section is to be completed,
ensure that you replace or adapt this example text, with your own.
The text in RED is instructional and will appear when the symbol is clicked and
will disappear when you click it again or click preview print or print.
2. Double click the spreadsheets to activate and add your own information.
Alternatively, you can replace with excel spreadsheets from your accountant or
exported from your accounting program.
3. To add your own information on the spreadsheets Save the document regularly whilst
completing.
4. This template is best used in Microsoft Word 97-2007

<your logo here>

<Business Name>

Marketing Plan
<Business Address>

Prepared By:

<Your Name>

Table of Contents

1.

Business Overview......................................................................................1

2.

Market Overview...........................................................................................1
2.1.

Customer Information...................................................................................2

2.2.

Market Information........................................................................................3

2.3.

Industry Information......................................................................................3

2.4.

Product/Service Information.........................................................................4

3.

Objectives......................................................................................................4

4.

Strategy..........................................................................................................5
4.1.

Product.......................................................................................................... 5

4.2.

Pricing............................................................................................................ 6

4.3.

Distribution....................................................................................................7

4.4.

Promotion......................................................................................................7

4.5.

Operational Plan...........................................................................................9

4.6.

Sales promotion..........................................................................................10

4.7.

Advertising...................................................................................................10

4.8.

Public relations............................................................................................10

4.9.

Direct Marketing..........................................................................................11

4.10.

Online Marketing.........................................................................................11

5.

Budgets........................................................................................................11

6.

Action Plan..................................................................................................12

7.

Supporting Documentation......................................................................13

1. Business Overview
2. Market Overview
Example: The Bed and Breakfast industry is a vital part of the tourism industry
providing accommodation to both domestic and international visitors. It is
centred on providing short stay visits to the travelling public who use these
facilities for visiting a destination (usually with a significant landmark or eating
out), thus taking a break from their regular lifestyle. The key to a successful B&B
is the location and the ability to attract visitors to a region providing the purpose
for a visit. Accommodation differs from hotels, motels and caravan parks as it is
highly personal, usually with intimate surroundings and individual attention
from the proprietor. The provision of comfortable, secure and private
accommodation along with a quality breakfast is the key differentiator of the
B&B industry and sets it aside from other forms of accommodation.
The Victorian B&B industry has been in decline for several years, particularly
domestic tourism, as it has to compete with not only other forms of
accommodation but also with the changes to destination of the travelling public.
It still, however, provides a significant proportion of the accommodation
required with 634,000 visitors nights in 2006. Successful B&B operators have
learnt they require a location with a natural attraction to visitors, and then
provide a service that complements the reason for people visiting the area. The
changes affecting the domestic B&B industry are:

strength of the Australian currency making overseas travel cheap

compared to domestic

strong competition from well organised motel chains offering consistent

cost effective accommodation

the increasing use of the internet to book accommodation when B&B

bookings can not usually be made directly online

the increasing cost of petrol given most B&B locations are outside areas
serviced by public transport

lower discretionary income available for leisure travel as interest rates

have increased impacting household incomes

These factors will continue to put pressure on the industry as a whole. However,
there will always be people looking to travel to special destinations. Provided
the individual B&B operator meets the publics needs and is well-located, a
successful business can be built.
This Marketing Plan is designed to identify the target market for <Business
Name> and enable it to attract clientele through careful promotion and sales
support.

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<Business Name> | Marketing Plan

2.1. Customer Information

Example: Point Vale is located 180 km west from Melbourne, on the coast. It is
between two regional country towns, both 25 km away, and only accessible by
road. There are 950 permanent residents catering to the forestry and farming
community. There is a small fishing fleet that provides employment and produce
is sent to Melbourne on a daily basis. The two major natural attractions are the
adjacent National Park with many fine walking trails through old growth forest,
and the spectacular seascape and cliff tops that look across the waters of Bass
Strait. In addition to the beauty of the location, the region has several wineries,
and specialised food manufacturing operations which have seen the opening up
of five excellent restaurants in the last three years. <Business Name> has a very
well established large rose garden that has featured in the Victorian open garden
scheme.

<Business Name> plans to target two distinct groups:

(1) Couples and/or singles in the 40 to 60 age group, primarily from Melbourne
who have an interest in outdoor life (walking, gardening, beach activities) and
are looking for the comforts of excellent accommodation and fine dining. It is
expected they will be from the mid to higher socio-economic scale and have
ready access to disposable income. Their decision to visit the region are based on
the need to get away from the pressures of city living and indulge themselves.
(2) Couples in the 55 to 70 age group who are travelling around Victoria /
Australia with Point Vale a convenient stopping place in their travels. The rose
garden is a feature and the chance to pause and enjoy a beautiful garden during
their travels is a great attraction, along with the other sights on offer in the area.
There are no plans to target the international tourist as they are only small users
of B&B style accommodation and Point Vale is off the main travel route. For
families with children, sleeping arrangements are not suitable.

2.2. Market Information

Example: Based on data from Tourism Victoria, market share of domestic
visitors has increased by 6.2% since 1999 to just on 29.5% share of the
Australian market. The total number of visitor nights for Victoria is 634,000. As
stated earlier this has declined by 4.9% over previous years. The region of Point
Vale has gone against this trend as the region is a 2-hour drive from Melbourne
and the local community approach to the environment and fine produce has
provided a focus for people coming from Melbourne for a getaway weekend.
Numbers recorded in the region have seen visitors increase by 4.5% year on
year.
The couples market is the major sector of the B&B industry with a 45% share,
which is double the next market of friends and relatives. With the pressure of

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inner city living continuing to create a need for convenient short term breaks,
locations like Point Vale are ideally placed to meet this market.
Competition in the area for accommodation is high with three large caravan
parks with cabin style accommodation and six hotels with both motel and hotel
style facilities. There are also eight other B&Bs within a 50 km radius of
<Business Name>. Given the target market for <Business Name> is likely to use
B&B style accommodation these are the key competitors and the other facilities,
while providing rooms, are generally catering to a different market.
The eight B&B facilities have a total of 24 rooms available between them. None
of the other operations has a garden attraction like <Business Name> or are as
conveniently located to the major restaurants at Point Vale, which are all within
walking distance. This is a major advantage <Business Name> plan to use in
promotion arrangements.

2.3. Industry Information

Example: While the tourism industry continues to expand B&B accommodation
has been in decline for the past six years. The reasons for this have been
described previously. One area that has impacted is the increasingly tighter rules
applied by various forms of governments around the suitability of structures for
sleeping accommodation, as well as a tightening of regulations on the serving of
food. This impacts all sectors of the travel and accommodation industry. It does
have a positive impact on the quality of accommodation on offer and the chance
of encountering a sub-standard B&B has declined, which is good for the industry
in general. <Business Name> facilities have recently received an overhaul with
new bathrooms and a kitchen which meet the latest requirements.
A recent development in Point Vale is the filing of a major development plan for
a large 20 room boutique hotel by a large chain wishing to participate in the
market targeted by <Business Name>. So far these have not been approved by
local council who see this type of operation changing the area and impacting the
environment due to the imposing structure.

2.4. Product/Service Information

Example: The most important service on offer is the provision of a safe,
comfortable facility which has easy access to the local sights. This is coupled
with local knowledge, a friendly approach, and a relaxing environment that
delivers a stress free stay.
The service provided by previous owners of <Business Name> was indifference
as the B&B accommodation was secondary to the lifestyle of the owners and
their desire to develop the rose garden. It is hoped that the change of emphasis
will provide strong word of month references to the care and attention of the
guests requirements but not to lose the spectacular nature of the gardens and
location.

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3. Objectives
The key objectives for <Business Name> are:
examaple
(1)

To gain an occupancy rate of 70% for weekend traffic and 50% for
weekday traffic within the next six months, by marketing the 4-star
quality of the accommodation in a location that has high appeal to
both target markets. These occupancy rates are to rise to 80% and
60% respectively over the course of the first year. At this level of
occupancy the cottages provide substantial income and return on
investment.

(2)

To develop the rose garden as a destination for tourists visiting the

area. During the first year have a minimum of three special events to
promote the garden as well as hosting functions such as weddings,
parties etc. The garden is to become an income centre generating a
minimum of $30,000 over the first year from tourist income and
functions.

(3)

Within two years to be considered by the local community as a

significant part of the regional tourist industry and a supporter of the
community activities by being nominated in the tourism awards for
the region.

To provide the owners the opportunity to enjoy their hobbies and recreational
activities while delivering an income of $150,000 per year after two years of
operation.

4. Strategy
Example: <Business Name> will provide the customer with the finest experience
in B&B available in the south west region of Victoria by blending superior
accommodation with friendly personal service in a unique garden setting, that is
as beautiful as it is tranquil. While the local sights and destination provide the
reason to visit the area the aim is to make the visitor remember the uniqueness
of the property first when they recall their visit. Part of the strategy is to provide
the guests with a seamless arrangement of being able to blend their needs to
visit and use other parts of the regions facilities such as wineries, restaurants,
nature walks etc with the provision of a home base at the B&B. This will be
achieved by the development of strong relationships with other service providers
and delivering information and assistance to the tourist to help them with their
planning of their day.

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4.1. Product
<Business Name> has two primary product offerings:
(1) To provide 4-star guest accommodation. The facility has four deluxe double
rooms; each is furnished in a classical contemporary style that utilises
Australian timers and soft comfortable tones. Each room has its own private
bathroom and toilet facility which has been recently refurbished. There is a light
and airy feel to each room as double doors take the guest onto a large balcony
overlooking a private section of the rose garden. In addition guests have access
to a large well appointed lounge with an open fire for winter warmth and
atmosphere, along with an extensive selection of books about the local area and
rose gardening. A selection of wines from the local wineries is available for
purchase and consumption by guests in the surrounding garden.
Breakfast is served in the dining room, which is set for eight people and consists
of cereals, fruits, breads and an extensive hot selection including choice of eggs,
tomatoes, mushrooms etc. These are all sourced from local suppliers and will
vary depending on session.
A key part of the product offering is the knowledge of the owners and their offer
to assist guests in making arrangements to visit other attractions of the region.
Each local restaurant and winery has information available at the B&B as well as
direct dial access to assist in making bookings. The local tourist centre is
available online to help visitors make forward plans and the B&B offers free
internet access.
In the afternoon John offers guest the chance to join him on his daily cliff top
walk and explains the regions history and natural beauty. This free and is timed
so guests can be back for dinner. Judy is also prepared to provide guests with
tips on caring for roses, and cuttings, as she tends to the garden on a daily basis.
(2) To provide a garden setting and facility that can be either viewed or hired out
for special functions. The garden facility has all weather paths, several
undercover sitting areas and a central lawn section where a small marquee can
be erected. While no large kitchen facility is available there is an electric BBQ
facility with hot water and sink for day visitors who wish to bring a picnic. Toilet
facilities are available for these guests.
The garden does have sufficient off-street parking for 50 vehicles, which is
separate to the parking for guests of the house.

4.2. Pricing
Example: Prices for accommodation have been set at the higher end of the
market as the client base is seen as in the mid to higher socioeconomic sector.
Pricing scheme is based on a room rate per night, which includes breakfast.
Where the guest is a single a discount of 7% is offered to offset the provision of
breakfast. Prices for weekends are 10% higher than weekdays, and when a guest

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stays three nights or more a discount of 15% will be applied. As there is not a
high level of seasonality for visitors coming to the region prices are set the same
year round except for special events (Easter, Melbourne Cup and Christmas /
New Year) when a 10% surcharge is applied.
The price list (including GST) for 2007-08 has been set at:
Weekend -

$ 259.00 per room

Weekday -

$ 235.00 per room

Special Events -

$ 285.00 per room

Price to visit the rose garden between the hours of 10am to 4pm has been set at:
Adults -

$ 5.00 per person

Children -

$ 2.00 per person

Concession -

$ 3.50 per person

Prices for events held in the garden at price on application (POA). These will
depend on the number of persons and the usage of the B&B facilities as part of
the package.

4.3. Distribution
All services will be provided at the B&B

4.4. Promotion
Website:
The use of the internet is essential in providing information and access to
<Business Name>. A fully functioning site will be developed that will enable
perspective clients to see what accommodation is available as well as allow them
to book online. The site will have a virtual tour facility and links to the other
attractions in the region.
Search Engines Optimisation:
To maximise the discoverability of the website <Business Name> will arrange
for links with the key internet search engine sites.
These will include:
Bed and Breakfast sites:

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www.ozbedandbreakfast.com.au
www.bedandbreakfast.com.au
www.bbbook.com.au
www.babs.com.au
Accommodation sites:
www.stayz.com.au
www.roamfree.com.au
www.bookeasy.com.au
www.takeabreak.com
www.wotif.com.au
Tourist sites:
www.tourismvictoria.com.au
www.visitvictoria.com.au
www.tourism.vic.gov.au
www.visitmelbourne.com
Advertising:
Following the change of ownership at the B&B, advertisements will be placed in
the local press highlighting the new ownership and offering special deals for
local customers wishing to visit the facility.
Advertorial will also be offered for placement in the Victorian Open Garden
promotions highlighting the rose garden and the days it will be open for viewing
by the public.
Advertisement will also be placed in the Royal Auto Victoria magazine with an
offer of a 10% discount for members showing their card. Paid advertorial will
also be placed in this magazine highlighting the garden as a place to visit when
touring the region.
Public Relations:
The week prior to opening, the major travel editors are to be invited for a
overnight stay and a chance to see and assess the new facilities. This is done on a
free of charge basis. Local restaurants are to be invited to participate by inviting
guests for dinner where <Business Name> will provide the wines for the
evening.
Grand Opening of the B&B to introduce Judy and John Abbe to the region for all
local residents and businesses is to be organised with an afternoon tea and
snacks on offer. Music and a viewing of the improved facilities will be available.
The cost is a gold coin that will be donated to the local school for improvements
to the library.

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The gardens are to be offered for the use of local community groups for
functions on a no cost basis for charity fundraising.
Promotions:
A high quality multi-folded brochure is to be promoted and distributed to all
tourist information centres within 50 km of the B&B. In addition this is to be
provided to all other tourist facilities within the region, and in return for having
them made available the B&B will carry the brochures of these facilities and
actively direct clients to these locations for a visit. A discount of 5% is offered to
those who mention this cross-promotional arrangement.
Ten free nights accommodation will be made available to local sporting clubs
and service organisations for use in raffles and fund raising for these
organisations.
In conjunction with the large accommodation sites, 50 packages of two nights
for the cost of one weekday deals will be offered in the first three months as well
as 10 three nights for two weekend packages.
Branding:
All documents and information placed into the public hands are to have a
consistent look and feel that highlights the superior accommodation and
beautiful setting of the B&B. The branding should leave the impression of
indulgence and pampering.
This branding is to carry over to the provision of monogrammed uniforms for
the staff, linen ware on tables, glasses and bedding used on site. These items will
also be available for sale at the B&B.

4.5. Operational Plan

Successful B&B business depends not only on location and quality of service but
on how it is delivered. The tactics therefore, require a very attentive and direct
approach to the client base. This however, can not be seen to be pushy or
overbearing but constructive and sympathetic to the clients needs to take a
break. It is envisaged much of the repeat business will come from personal
referral so the ability to offer simple clear information with a no fuss personal
approach is important. The use of electronic answering machines is to be kept to
a bare minimum and all direct interactions should be at a one-on-one level
where possible.
Response to enquiries is to be measured in hours not days and the use of we
will get back to you is to be avoided.

4.6. Sales promotion

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The pricing schedules are targeted to encourage weekday usage as well as

maximise the income for what is expected to be popular weekend deals. The
offer of discounts to singles as well as the offer for referral selling should drive
business.
Pricing for the use of the facility for functions that would include the use of the
garden setting and B&B accommodation as a total package, requires further
refinement as this market could attract a different clientele such as wedding,
birthday or other celebrations. The use of promotions into specialised magazines
for this sector would need to be undertaken but does require the integration of
other suppliers of services to make this successful. At this stage it is not expected
to actively pursue this avenue of activities.

4.7. Advertising
Specific target market approach for advertising is seen as the direction for
<Business Name>. The target market for using the accommodation facility is
able to be reached with careful use of both online sites and information being
posted in key travel magazines such as the Royal Auto, Travel Victoria etc.
The emphasis is on having a break in a relaxing but beautiful location and is the
key, so this does not have to be shouted at the consumer using intense mass
media but will be easily available when required.

4.8. Public relations

The <Business Name> is to be seen as being a positive contributor to the local
community without expecting anything in return. It is to actively participate in
local functions and support the regional initiatives around the promotion of
tourism in the region. Both owners will make themselves available for these
activities.
With the garden profile being increased, Judy will seek out a position on the key
gardening organisational committees in the State and will look to use the
facilities for community based functions. A series of brochures will be developed
for the care and propagating of roses and this is to be offered to gardeners
online, similar to the current wine sites offering information to wine lovers. This
can include access to cuttings, plants and specialty events.

4.9. Direct Marketing

The use of a high quality brochure is seen as essential to providing potential
clients information about the B&B and its surrounds. This is to be available at
all tourist destinations in the region and it is expected both Judy and John will
deliver these by hand to discuss the offering. In addition, they will gather
information about other facilities they can pass onto their guests.

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The use of a bulk mail-out either via post, fax or email is not seen as productive
as it does not provide the personal touch.
However, all guests to the B&B will go onto a direct email database (provided
they give permission) and promotions offering discounts to previous users will
be offered on a regular basis. These will be in the form of a reduction in price per
night.

4.10.

Online Marketing

The internet is seen as a critical tool to reach customers. During the opening
phase of the program special deals will be on offer. These will be repeated if
consumers accept these offers.
The website is to be fully functional and will enable clients to request bookings
and be able to make these in real time. On receiving the bookings the customer
will receive a personal confirmation along with information of things to do in the
region.
All tourism websites will be advised of the change to ownership and the offers
being made to customers.

5. Budgets
Item

Date
Completion

Cost

Measure of Success

Website build

21 st March

$ 7,000

Number of hits at 2,000 per

month

Paid search engine

advertisement to
increase exposure

21 st April

$
10,000

All sites listed carrying web

link

Cost to pressure test

operations

16 th April

$ 2,000

Smooth performance of B&B

Five colour brochure

printed and
distributed through
out region

21 st April

$ 6,000

All sites carrying information

in prominent location

Advertisement in
RACV and other
travel magazines

21 st April

$ 4,500

Monthly slot secured for five

months. Advertorial accepted

Newspaper
advertisement for
local paper

16 th April

$1,500

Featured on page 3

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Site hosting costs

1 st June

$2,500

Secured and feature on first

page of Google search

Cost of publishers
evening x 3

25 th April

$7,500

One article written and

published over the next month
in all major travel magazines
and paper supplements

Advertising and
editorial in Victorian
Garden Program

25 th June

$ 5,500

Feature article

Grand Opening

1 st May

$ 1,500

200 people in attendance

TOTAL

$
48,000

6. Action Plan
Action

March

Development of website

21st

April

May

June

July

Who
John

Prepare logo and brand order

stationary

1 st

Judy

Link website to key tourism

sites

15 th

IT
Dev

Open website to public

15 th

IT
Dev

Pressure test operation with

family and friends

16 th

Judy

Visit all local tourist offices

15 th
21 st

John

Place advert in Royal Auto and

other key magazines

21 st

Introduce business to local

groups and other businesses.
Distribute brochure and special
offers.

21 st
30th

John
and
Judy

Prepare newspaper advert and

place in local paper

23 rd

Judy

Web specials to be released on

sites

25 th

IT

Invited writers and publishers

25 th

John

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21 st

21st

21st

Judy

<Business Name> | Marketing Plan

week

-30 th

Grand Opening of B&B for local

groups

1 st

John
and
Judy

Submit advertorial to House

and Garden and Beautiful
Gardens

15 th

Judy

Republish brochure

15th

Victorian Open Garden Scheme

Open Day

Judy
13 th

Web specials for feature days to

be offered

15th

Judy
John

7. Supporting Documentation
The capital purchase of the Rose Garden from the previous owners was
$1,150,000. This was funded by the owners capital injection. Additional capital
works to the buildings and the development of facilities in the Rose Garden
(paths and drought proofing) as well as furniture, soft furnishing, table ware,
and kitchen facilities have been covered by a $200,000 loan from the local bank.

Attachment Number

Document Name

Attachment 1:

Second Year Balance Sheet

Attachment 2:

Year 2 P & L

Attachment 3:

Daily Cost of Doing Business (link to this

within BV site)

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