Marketing Strategy


Client Marketing Strategy Framework
This framework can be used with any church, nonprofit, or small business client to build a complete marketing strategy.
Step 1: Discovery and Assessment
Before creating the strategy, gather the following information from the client:
Business Information
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Business or organization name
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Industry
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Primary products or services
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Location and service area
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Number of employees or volunteers
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Existing website and social media accounts
Current Situation
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What marketing are they currently doing?
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What has worked in the past?
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What has not worked?
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What are their biggest challenges?
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What are their biggest opportunities?
Goals
Determine 1–3 primary goals.
Examples:
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Generate more leads
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Increase sales
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Increase website traffic
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Grow social media following
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Increase attendance
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Increase donations
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Improve local visibility
Write the goals in SMART format:
Example: “Generate 10 new leads per month within 90 days.”
Step 2: Identify the Target Audience
Create a profile of the ideal customer or supporter.
Questions to Answer
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Who is the ideal customer?
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What age range are they?
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What are their interests?
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What problems do they have?
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What motivates them?
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Where do they spend time online?
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What would make them trust the client?
Audience Profile Template
Primary Audience
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Age:
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Gender:
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Location:
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Occupation:
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Income:
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Main Problem:
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Desired Result:
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Best Marketing Channels:
Secondary Audience
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Age:
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Gender:
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Location:
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Occupation:
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Income:
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Main Problem:
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Desired Result:
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Best Marketing Channels:
Step 3: Competitor and Market Analysis
Research 3–5 competitors or similar organizations.
For each competitor, review:
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Website
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Facebook page
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Google Business Profile
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Reviews
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Messaging
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Offers
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Branding
Record:
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What are they doing well?
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What are they doing poorly?
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What opportunities are missing?
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How can your client stand out?
Competitive Advantage Statement
Create a statement that explains why the client is different.
Example: “Unlike other local roofing companies, this company provides same-day estimates, financing options, and a 10-year workmanship guarantee.”
Step 4: Create the Core Marketing Message
Develop a simple message that clearly explains:
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Who the client helps
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What problem they solve
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What result they provide
Main Brand Message Formula
“We help [target audience] solve [problem] so they can [desired result].”
Example:
“We help small businesses attract more customers through affordable, done-for-you marketing.”
Supporting Messaging Components
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Main headline
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Short description
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Three key benefits
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Call to action
Example
Headline:
Grow Your Business Without Doing the Marketing Yourself
Benefits:
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Save time
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Reach more people
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Get more leads
Call to Action:
Schedule a Free Consultation
Step 5: Select the Best Marketing Channels
Choose only the channels most likely to reach the target audience.
Possible Channels
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Facebook
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Instagram
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LinkedIn
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YouTube
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Website / SEO
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Google Business Profile
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Email Marketing
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Text Marketing
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Direct Mail
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Networking
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Referral Program
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Paid Facebook Ads
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Google Ads
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Community Events
Recommended Channel Selection Process
For each channel, determine:
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Is the target audience active there?
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Can the client consistently use it?
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Will it likely produce leads or awareness?
Then choose:
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1–2 primary channels
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1–2 secondary channels
Example:
Primary Channels
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Facebook
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Email Marketing
Secondary Channels
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Website SEO
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Referral Program
Step 6: Build the Offer
The strategy should include a specific offer that gives people a reason to act.
Offer Examples
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Free consultation
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Discount
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Free trial
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Free guide
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Special event
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Bundle package
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Limited-time promotion
Strong Offer Formula
[Benefit] + [Low Risk] + [Urgency]
Example:
“Get a free website review and social media audit this month.”
Step 7: Create a Content Strategy
Plan content around the client’s audience, goals, and offer.
Content Categories
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Educational
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Inspirational
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Testimonials
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Behind-the-scenes
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Frequently asked questions
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Promotional
Recommended Content Mix
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40% Educational
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20% Trust-building / testimonials
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20% Engagement
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20% Promotional
Weekly Content Schedule Example
| Day | Type of Content |
|---|---|
| Monday | Helpful tip |
| Tuesday | Testimonial or story |
| Wednesday | Educational post |
| Thursday | Behind-the-scenes |
| Friday | Promotional offer |
Step 8: Create the Customer Journey
Map out what happens from the first time someone sees the client to the point where they become a customer.
Example Customer Journey
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Sees Facebook post
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Clicks to website
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Signs up for free guide or consultation
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Receives follow-up email
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Schedules appointment
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Becomes customer
For each stage, determine:
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What they see
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What they need
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What action they should take
Step 9: Set Budget and Timeline
Marketing Budget
Determine:
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Total monthly budget
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Ad budget
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Design/content budget
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Website budget
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Software budget
90-Day Rollout Example
Month 1
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Research audience
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Clarify message
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Update website
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Create social media graphics
Month 2
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Launch content plan
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Start email marketing
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Run first promotion
Month 3
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Analyze results
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Adjust strategy
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Increase successful efforts
Step 10: Define Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Track measurable results.
Suggested KPIs
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Website visits
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Leads generated
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Phone calls
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Form submissions
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Social engagement
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Email open rate
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Conversion rate
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Sales
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Attendance
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Donations
Monthly Review Questions
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What worked best?
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Which channel produced the most leads?
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Which content performed best?
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What should be improved?
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What should be stopped?
Deliverables You Could Provide to the Client
At the end of the process, provide:
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One-page summary of the strategy
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Defined target audience
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Core message and offer
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Recommended marketing channels
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30–90 day content plan
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Budget recommendation
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KPI dashboard
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Monthly action plan
Simple Strategy Formula
Goal + Audience + Message + Offer + Channels + Content + Measurement = Effective Marketing Strategy
Some Processes Used:



Professional Journey
2005–Present
Pastor
Church of the Nazarene
Associate pastor for 4 years, senior pastor for 16 years. Planted, restarted, and recovered churches in Indiana and Ohio. Ordained in 2016 through the Church of the Nazarene.
2007-Present
Design/Marketing
4 Different Nonprofits
Began designing websites in 2007 and social media marketing in 2008. In one example, Josh grew a Facebook page from its creation to a page with over 40k folllowers. Heavily experienced in reaching target audience and strategic marketing plans.
2013-Present
Nonprofit Executive Leadership
3 Different Nonprofits
Josh has served in roles such as director of programs, marketing, operations, business services, and advocacy. Additionally, Josh has worked as Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer, and Vice President. These roles have been in the secular nonprofit field.

Ready to Elevate Your Non-Profit?
Discover how Josh D Cook can help your organization thrive. Whether you’re looking to enhance your strategies or explore new resources, Josh is here to support your journey. Contact Josh today to learn more about coaching services and start making a greater impact.
