Top 7 Tips When Developing a Marketing Plan for a Hot Dog Stand

Okay so, you probably think that some businesses don't need a marketing plan because they are really little simple businesses, and it just doesn't matter. Well, if that's what you think, you'd be wrong. Every business needs a marketing plan, even if it is a simple one. The easiest way to turn a simple business into a highly profitable business is to have a game plan and strategy, one which will work.

Now then, let's take the simplest of all businesses, a hot dog cart, or a hot dog stand. Let's use this as a case study to get your mind thinking. This is a good exercise, and it's quite important. Indeed maybe we should talk about some of the important tips you need to consider when developing a marketing strategy for a hot dog stand. Below are some of my thoughts;

1. Make a Budget

2. Create Sandwich Signage

3. Buy Ten and Get One Free Cards

4. Post Resumes for Regulars - Job Seekers

5. Create a Fax Program to Send Weekly Specials

6. Ask to Post Flyers on the Bulletin Boards of Break Rooms

7. Expand Area of Customer Base by Co-Branding With Other Companies

First, I recommend that you make a budget, perhaps you'll need $500 to $1,000 to do this correctly. Obviously, you will need some signage on your cart, and it makes sense to wear some sort of a cool uniform which matches, and it is also recommended to get sandwich signs so people walking by will see them, otherwise people will drive right by, without seeing you. Next, you want to cater to your best customers, those regular customers in your area.

If you park your hot dog cart during weekdays next to a business district, then you will rely on working individuals who work nearby to come and buy hot dogs for lunch or for a snack. Thus, you need to find a way to get your information inside of those companies. Sometimes it makes sense to ask each of your clients where they work, and give them a flyer to tack-up on the bulletin board in the break room at work. If you sell hot dogs to those looking for work, maybe you can have a bulletin board or file box of their resumes to hand out to help them too.

You should also collect business cards so that you have fax numbers for all of the businesses where your clients work. This way you can fax them coupons. And don't forget your fellow businesses, you should co-market with them, and co-brand. After all, no one wishes to you hot dog every single day, and maybe there is a small restaurant around the corner him and you might cross refer, there are all kinds of things you can do even a small budget, and even with the smallest of companies.

Anyway, I hope I've got your mind thinking in terms of proper market plan development. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.