The one-page marketing plan for small businesses

Small businesses don't need a 40-page marketing plan. They need clarity: who you serve, what you offer, and how people will find you. Answer these seven questions on one page.

1. Who is your ideal customer?

Be specific. "Small business owners" is too broad. "Owners of 5–20 person service businesses in Pune who still manage bookings on paper" is useful.

2. What problem do you solve?

Describe the pain in your customer's words, not yours.

3. What is your offer?

A clear package with a name, a price and an outcome. "Website audit" is vague; "The 7-day website fix: we find and fix the 10 issues costing you enquiries" is an offer.

4. What makes you different?

Speed, specialisation, guarantee, local presence, personal service. Pick one or two and prove them.

5. Which channels will you use?

Choose two channels and do them well, rather than six badly. For many local businesses: Google Business Profile plus WhatsApp/email follow-ups. For B2B services: LinkedIn plus referrals.

6. What is your budget and time?

Write down a realistic monthly amount and the hours you can commit each week.

7. How will you measure success?

Pick 2–3 numbers: enquiries per week, conversion rate, cost per customer.

Your one-page template