Frequently Asked Questions
Marketing Plans
- Don't like planning?
Let us help you! Have a look at "What is a Marketing Plan?", answer some questions and you'll have a plan before you know it, without the headache. Better than that, as well as being specific to your business, the plans are easy to follow and use. And they don't end up at the back of the filing cabinet, because they're designed as working documents that you can add to and change, even after you've finished here.
- Don't know how to write a marketing plan?
You don't have to if you use MarketingPlanWiz. Just provide answers to the questions. Our carefully constructed questions make sure that you end up with a tailored marketing plan and a unique Action Plan that will stand up to all of your business requirements and help you to achieve your goals.
- Haven't got time to write a marketing plan?
With MarketingPlanWiz you can produce your plan the same day (usually in under an hour) and in a professional format that can be used anywhere, with minimum time out of your diary. To build your plan, you just need to answer a series of questions in 9 easy steps and then you're done!
- Worried that paying for a plan means you can't change it later?
Absolutely not the case. Your final plan can be saved as a Microsoft Word document (.doc) so that, if you want to, you can add your own logos, or tweak it until it suits your purpose (we give you tips on how to do this). Or you can choose to have a PDF file (but please note, unless you have Adobe Acrobat you will not be able to edit it). At MarketingPlanWiz we believe your plan really should belong to you!
Doing the plan
- I haven't started my business yet. Can I use MarketingPlanWiz?
If you are pre-start, please feel free to use our site. We think it will help you with your general business planning and provide you with an opportunity to consider all aspects of marketing in a structured way. Even though not all areas of the questionnaire will apply to you, we believe that you will still create a useful document and you'll have the benefit of an Action Plan to help you when you do begin your business.
- How do I start?
You will need to complete all of the sections to produce your plan. To get started, click on the “Start Now” button where you will be required to register a few details with us. After that, just follow the on-screen guides and answer the questions presented to you.
- How easy is it?
The process is really simple. All you need to do is provide answers to the questions that we ask you in each step. In most cases you will be presented with a series of choices that have been especially designed, not only to make things easier for you, but also to ensure that all the important points are addressed. Hints and Tips are provided with each question and other marketing hints and tips are included on the site to help you.
- Do I have to do the plan all at once?
No. You initially have Free 28-day access from your Sign In, during which you can return to your plan and edit it. When you pay for your plan you will have a further two months use and during this time you will be able to download your final version when it is complete. You must register to use the MarketingPlanWiz and you will be asked for your username and password whenever you return.
- How long will it take?
To create your tailored marketing plan, you should allow for at least thirty minutes, but there are no hard and fast rules for how long it will take you. Some of our customers can complete a plan in less time than this, and others take longer. It doesn’t matter if you don’t complete it all at once. Often, our customers find doing the plan so thought-provoking that they return and change it several times before they download their final plan.
- Can I preview my plan as I am working through the questionnaire?
Yes! We provide you with a MarketingPlanWiz preview that you can access at any time while you are working on your questionnaire. In fact it's a really useful tool: we suggest that you preview your plan as you complete every step, just to make sure that you are happy with your responses and the way that they will look in your final plan. Don't forget: you can always change your responses in the questionnaire if you want to, then preview your plan again.
- Why is my plan preview a JPEG?
Your plan preview is designed so that you can see what your plan looks like at any stage during the 9 steps questionnaire and it gives you the opportunity to see any changes that you may want to make to it. However, it isn't a good idea to edit an actual plan while you are still working on the questionnaire as it would not be the final version and it would take you away from the questionnaire. Any amendments that you want to make can be made by going back to the relevant part of the questionnaire, so that your final plan is correct.
- Can I edit my plan after it has been produced?
Yes. Your final plan can be in the form of a Microsoft Word document (.doc) that you can edit at your leisure (and we provide you with tips to help you to do this). It can also be saved as a PDF file but unfortunately, unless you have Adobe Acrobat you will be unable to edit a PDF file; however, you can read it with Adobe Reader.
- What will my plan look like when it's finished?
Your plan will be available to you in the form of a Microsoft Word document (.doc) or PDF file. Typically, the plan will be between 5 - 10 letter-size pages in length and it will include a unique Action Plan that can be used as a stand-alone document. Our plans are designed to be professional and easy to follow.
- Can I add pictures/logos/graphics to my finished plan?
Yes. If you are using Microsoft Word we'll give you tips on how to do this. If you choose the PDF file, you will need a copy of Adobe Acrobat.
- Why have I only got twelve months to complete my plan?
MarketingPlanWiz is so easy to use that we are confident that you will not need a total of twelve months* to complete it. We want you to benefit from using your plan and Action Plan as soon as possible so that you can make fantastic changes to the way that you market your business.
* 28 days Free access, then a further 11 months access if you have decided to pay for your plan.
- What can I use the marketing plan for?
You will find that your plan can be used for several purposes. It will form a key part of your business plan, a necessary document especially if you are seeking funding for your business or looking for support from your bank.
If you’re looking for investors it is a useful selling tool which demonstrates that you’ve thought through your plans for the future.
It will also help you to achieve results during your trading year as it reminds you of your key sales and marketing targets and how you planned to achieve them.
A unique feature of MarketingPlanWiz is that it is easy to follow and understand. We are sure that you will find it useful all through the year as a working document and Action Plan for your business.
- Should I renew my plan?
Each plan is designed for a 12 month duration and we recommend that you return to complete a new one each year as your business moves on.
Money matters
- Is my payment secure?
Yes - all payments are made through PayPal, the safer, easier way to pay without exposing your credit card or bank account number. Your payments are secure and we do not view or keep your card details.
- How much will my marketing plan cost?
You have 28 days FREE access to your plan from your Sign In date. After that, if you decide to pay for your plan, it is $29.95. This gives you a futher 11 months access. Once you've completed the MarketingPlanWiz process, the plan is yours to edit and print as many times as you like if you have opted for the Microsoft Word format, or have Adobe Acrobat. Remember, too, that as you implement the plan itself you will also be able to add to or update your unique Action Plan.
Security/Privacy
- Is my plan secure?
Yes, you are the only one who has access to your information. However, we have access to some of your details in order to provide support. Anything that you submit will never be provided to a third party. Please remember to sign in and out to keep your details secure.
- What is your privacy policy?
Please see our Privacy Policy.
Business matters
- Can I offset the cost of my plan against tax?
The cost of your plan is a cost to your business and as such can usually be offset as legitimate corporate expenditure. Please check this (before buying MarketingPlanWiz) with your financial advisor if you are not sure.
Contact details
- How can I contact you?
If you do have any feedback or need support that you cannot find on our site, we would be delighted if you would contact us. We promise to respond.
For feedback on our website, you can contact us at:
feedback@business-umbrella.com
For general MarketingPlanWiz inquiries, you can contact us at:
For press inquiries, please contact our marketing team at:
MarketingPlanWiz's parent company is Business Umbrella Ltd. For more information, please see www.business-umbrella.com.
Other
- I've forgotten my password what should I do now?
Simply click the Forgot your Password? link on the login page, enter your email address and click the "Click here" link beside "Forgot your Password?". Your password will be e-mailed to you.
- My question hasn't been answered here. What should I do next?
Please contact us via e-mail at info@business-umbrella.com with your question. We will reply as soon as we can.
